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- Car Shipping Europe - Ship Vehicle To Or From
- Typical Car Shipping Prices – How Much Does It Cost?
- Car Shipping To Europe From The Usa What You Really Need To Know
- Auto Tourist Visa
- Temporary Holiday Insurance
- Custom Vehicles And Luxury Shipping Attract Extra Fees In Europe
- Looking For A Car Shipping Company In Europe? We Can Help With Your Car Transport!
- Required Documents To Ship Your Cars To Europe
- Financials On Shipping Cars To Europe International Taxes And Fees
- Tips To Move Your Vehicle To Europe (International Standards)
- How Long Does It Take For International Car Shipping To Europe?
- Related Information & Faqs About Car Shipping To Europe
CarShipping Europe - Ship Vehicle To Or From
Typical Car Shipping Prices – How Much Does It Cost?
- Car transport costs to Europe from the U.S. can range from $1,200 to $5,000, largely depending on where the vehicle is being shipped to and from.
- Distance and the destination country have a lot to do with the price range of the international car shipping company. So, car transport from the East Coast to Western Europe has the lowest international car shipping cost.
CarShipping To Europe From The USA: What You Really Need To Know
Auto tourist visa
No matter what type of clearance you have, your vehicle will be on a visa of its own: an auto tourist visa. Therefore, you must own it outright with a title in hand or have documentation from the lien-holder stating it is okay for you to import the car overseas to your preferred destination country.
Temporary holiday insurance
If you want to drive your vehicle around in any European Union country lawfully, you need to buy temporary holiday insurance from a European business in addition to international car shipping insurance. All auto transport firms that operate on a global scale adhere to this rule.
Custom vehicles and luxury shipping attract extra fees in Europe
Transporting a custom vehicle in an enclosed shipping container? It's going to cost you roughly $2,000 more to transport a vehicle than the more traditional form of shipping vehicles. Shipping your car via air freight for quicker vehicle shipping? Then, be prepared to pay up to $10,000 more on international auto shipping services, depending on the weight of your vehicle and where it is going in the EU.
Luxury cars may cost more in international auto transport fees; for instance, for some vehicles, when shipping to Germany, there is a larger import duty tax on rare or expensive vehicles than there is on more traditional vehicles. This import duty fee is often refunded upon leaving the EU country.
Looking for a CarShipping Company in Europe? We Can Help with Your Car Transport!
Hauling cars overseas can be much more nerve-wracking than shipping domestically. Often, it is hard to schedule auto shipping at the same time of travel, which means your vehicle is traveling and arriving well before or after you.
We can help make the international auto transport method much more seamless and help put you at ease for finding a company and seeing the vehicle shipping process from start to finish.
One of the international car-to-shipping methods that can be used when moving a vehicle to the EU is the method of Rolling On, then Rolling Off (RoRo Shipping). This occurs when auto shipping is done via boat and the car in question is driven onto the ship versus being loaded onto a container, which is then loaded onto the ship. Think of it as ferry-style transport.
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Required Documents To Ship Your Cars To Europe
- Passport
- Proof of ownership
- Registration certificate & copy of title
- Vehicle license
- Invoice
- Proof of insurance
- Commercial invoice
- Declaration
Process of registering a vehicle in Europe.
Financials on Shipping Cars to Europe: International Taxes and Fees
You must be prepared to pay taxes when you ship an automobile to Europe. As of 2022, the fee breakdown for getting your car delivered is as such:
- New cars: Shipping to the EU for a new vehicle is 19% of the value-added tax (VAT)
- Dutiable rate: 10%
* Cars that have been owned for at least six months in the U.S. will not be charged a value-added tax
Tips to Move Your Vehicle to Europe (International Standards)
It is key that you do not make plans to move your vehicle to an overseas location until you have confirmed that you do have a visa for yourself, an auto visa for your vehicle, and that you have identified an international car shipping company that specializes in a move of this magnitude, and can provide adequate vehicle insurance.
The Federal Maritime Commission should license your chosen international car transport company. This ensures that the auto transport company not only has the experience in moving vehicles to Europe but also has the monetary bond in which to do so.
You also need to know the rules on international auto transport from the U.S. For instance, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency has a policy on the regulation of products leaving the country to ensure that they are legit and legal. Check on requirements for exporting something out of the country so that you are properly prepared as a car owner.
When you are transporting a vehicle to Europe, it is important that you know where the nearest terminal is located. You should also be aware of how much it will be to get to your new home or the place in which you are staying for the duration of your trip from the terminal.
Mapping out this auto shipping information well in advance can help you anticipate some of the added costs to the vehicle transport fees. Additionally, you must get documentation for transporting a vehicle from the West Coast before the international car shipping company can ship your vehicle. For example, you must fill out a Declaration of Dangerous Goods and Shipper Export Declaration asked by the international car shipping companies.
How Long Does It Take for International CarShipping to Europe?
The time it takes to ship a vehicle to Europe can vary depending on several factors. Generally, the hauling process from the United States to Europe takes around 2 to 6 weeks. The specific duration depends on factors such as the departure and arrival ports, transport method (container shipping or roll-on/roll-off), customs clearance procedures, and any potential delays due to weather conditions or logistical issues. It's important to work closely with a reputable international car shipping company to get an accurate estimate and to ensure a smooth and timely transit of your vehicle to Europe.
Related Information & FAQs About CarShipping To Europe
- Safely ship your car from the US to Europe with an overseas transporter
- How to ship a motorcycle to Europe?
- Import vehicle into USA from Western Europe
- How to import a car into Europe from the USA
- Can I drive a US plated car in Europe?
- Can I drive my car in Europe?
- Car shipping to Europe price
- Cheapest way to ship a car to Europe
- Exporting a vehicle from USA to Europe
- Ship a car to Europe for vacation
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of documentation do I need to provide to ship a car to Europe?
Shipping a vehicle to Europe requires proper documentation:
Bill of Sale
- Declaration of Dangerous Goods (this identifies whether your auto transport car contains specific items such as airbags, car battery, gasoline, etc.)
- Title/Certificate of Origin
- Registration of own vehicle
- License Plates – if possible, submit the plate to the European regulatory authority where your car is arriving.
- Lien Release – if you don’t own your vehicle in full, you’ll need written authorization from your lienholder that allows you to take the car out of the country via shipping container.
How should I prepare my car for shipping to Europe?
- Get your car serviced to ensure that it’s in good condition before your ship a car to Europe.
- Remove all personal items if you’re transporting car to Europe using the RoRo method (FAQ #5). If you’ve chosen the shipping container method for vehicle shipping, you will be allowed to leave non-hazardous goods inside.
- Leave all standard car equipment (spare tire, emergency kit, etc.)
- Leave the license plates on the vehicle before the car shipment
- Clean your vehicle and take out personal belongings before shipping a car to Europe
- When beginning the journey to the European country, take photos to document its condition, i.e., pre-existing dings, dents, and scratches.
- Make sure the battery is fully charged and well secured while shipping a car
- Leave ¼ tank of fuel in the tank while shipping a car
- Ensure the emergency brake works correctly before getting the car shipped
- Make sure tires have proper pressure while shipping a car
- Disable the alarm system while shipping a car.
How do I get my car to the port for vehicle transport?
There are two ways to get your car to the port for international car shipping – drive it yourself or hire a delivery transport service (pickup truck) to pick it up and deliver it.
Check with your transport service of choice or broker to determine which way is best for you.
How much does it cost to ship my car to Europe via International Car Shipping Companies?
Car shipping costs from the US to Europe vary depending on a few factors:
- Where in the U.S. is your point of departure, the east coast or the west coast?
- What is your destination port and final destination to get the car shipped?
- What is the size of your vehicle? For example, is it a compact SUV, classic car, or pickup? The smaller your car, the less expensive will be the car shipping rates.
- Will you be driving your car to the shipping dock, or will it be picked up and delivered by a transport service?
You can get an estimated car shipping rates from car shipping companies or car shippers. Be prepared to answer the questions above.
What kind of international car shipping method should I select?
Here are the top 5 international car shipping methods with the best shipping process.
- RoRo Shipping (Roll-on/Roll-off) – It is the most convenient and least expensive shipping method to ship your car to Europe. Vehicles are driven onto the ship on their power, tied down securely in its designated spot, and driven off when it reaches its destination.
- Consolidated Container Shipping
- Shared container shipping – They load your vehicle along with other vehicles onto a shared shipping container for international car shipping. Because they load your car with other cars, you aren’t guaranteed a set departure date for international car shipping to Europe. This shipping method is best when you have two or more cars for international car shipping.
- Exclusive container shipping is best for shipping an exotic or classic car due to the protection of being exclusively in a container. It’s the costliest way to ship a car, but the best if you have the budget for higher destination charges.
- Airfreight – This is used when the additional costs aren’t the primary concern, and the delivery time is. When using air freight for shipping a car internationally, the total transit time can take a few weeks. This mode of transport has high destination charges for shipping cars to Europe and best for highly valued vehicles and has a tight deadline for delivery. It also covers the all risk insurance till the final destination.
Do I need special international car shipping insurance to ship a car to Europe?
Yes, you will need international car shipping insurance to European countries. The overseas auto transport company you select should offer (by law) you adequate vehicle insurance through their insurance program. But, if they don’t have it to ship cars, they can offer it through a third-party company with whom they partner.
On average, you can expect to pay 1.5% - 2.5% of the estimated value of your car for international car shipping insurance.
Are there any special shipping costs I should be aware of to import my car to Europe?
Yes, there will be import duties, import tax, and miscellaneous charges related to destination fees. These charges vary depending on the shipping method and will be higher for container shipping than for RoRo shipping. Your transport company or broker can help you determine what these fees will be to ship a car via consolidated container, ocean container, or RoRo shipping.
One thing worth noting here is that you should only work with the best car shippers to ship your car internationally as they offer competitive rates and excellent service.
Will I need insurance to drive my car in European Countries?
Yes, you will need insurance to drive in foreign countries. Once your car arrived in a shared container, this kind of insurance can be bought at your destination port when you pick up your own car. You can also arrange insurance for your compact car before shipping from the west coast.
Ask your international auto transport company or broker to help you with this. They’re the experts and know exactly what is required!
Are there any limitations for car shipping to Europe?
There may be. Each country in Europe has its own power to implement their own import rules and regulations for car shipping. You should check these out through the Embassy, your transport company, or broker who helped to transport your vehicle overseas in their own container. A1 Auto Transport has shipped cars to Europe since 1998. Contact us today at the phone number on the top of this page to know more information.
Am I able to get guaranteed delivery dates?
You can get estimated delivery dates for shared container shipping. One factor to include is whether you’re using RoRo shipping, exclusive container shipping, or the shared container shipping method. However, delays can occur even if seldom.
Some reasons for delays include U.S. Customs, Port congestion, canceled sailings, delay in import customs, or delays due to not enough freight, ships being overbooked or rerouted, and weather conditions. The destination charges will also vary depending upon the mode of transport you have chosen to take your car inside Europe.
Do I need special international car shipping insurance to ship a car to Europe?
Yes, it is recommended that you purchase special international car shipping insurance to ship a car to Europe. The standard insurance that comes with your car insurance policy does not cover damage that occurs during international shipping. International car shipping insurance can provide coverage for damage caused by accidents, theft, and other unforeseen events.
How much does it cost to ship my car to Europe via international car shipping companies?
In general, shipping a car to Europe can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000. Here are some of the most common shipping methods and their average costs:
- Container shipping: This is the most common method of shipping cars internationally. It is also the most affordable option, with average costs ranging from $1,000 to $2,000.
- Roll-on/roll-off shipping: This method involves loading the car onto a ship and securing it in place. It is a more expensive option than container shipping, with average costs ranging from $2,000 to $3,000.
- Air freight: This is the fastest method of shipping a car internationally, but it is also the most expensive option. Average costs range from $5,000 to $10,000.
The time it takes to ship a car to Europe will also vary depending on the shipping method. Container shipping typically takes 2-4 weeks, while roll-on/roll-off shipping takes 1-2 weeks. Air freight can take as little as 2-3 days, but it is the most expensive option.
To get an accurate estimate of the cost of shipping your car to Europe, we recommend getting quotes from multiple international car shipping companies. You can also use a car shipping calculator to get an estimate based on the specific details of your move.
How long does it take for an international car shipping company to ship a car to europe?
Shipping a car to Europe can take anywhere from 2-8 weeks. Here are some of the most common shipping methods and their average transit times:
- Container shipping: This is the most common method of shipping cars internationally. It is also the most affordable option, with average transit times ranging from 2-4 weeks.
- Roll-on/roll-off shipping: This method involves loading the car onto a ship and securing it in place. It is a more expensive option than container shipping, with average transit times ranging from 1-2 weeks.
- Air freight: This is the fastest method of shipping a car internationally, but it is also the most expensive option. Transit times for air freight can be as little as 2-3 days, but it is the most expensive option.
The time it takes to ship a car to Europe can also be affected by the time of year. During peak shipping seasons, such as the summer months, there may be more delays due to limited availability of shipping space.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car to Europe?
Shipping a car to Europe can be a significant expense, but there are ways to minimize costs. If you're looking for the cheapest way to ship your vehicle, consider the following tips:
1. Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) Service:
- RoRo is often the cheapest method to ship a car overseas. Your vehicle is driven onto a specialized ship, secured, and then driven off upon arrival at the destination port.
- This method doesn't offer protection against the elements or potential damage from other vehicles. However, it's generally safe and widely used for car shipping.
2. Compare Shipping Ports:
- Costs can vary depending on the departure and arrival ports. It might be cheaper to drive or transport your vehicle to a different port in the U.S. and then have it arrive at a more major port in Europe, such as Rotterdam in the Netherlands or Antwerp in Belgium.
- Always compare prices for different port combinations to find the most cost-effective route.
3. Avoid Peak Seasons:
- The cost to ship can increase during peak seasons. If you can, try to ship during off-peak times when demand is lower.
4. Consolidation:
- If you aren't in a hurry, some companies might offer consolidation services where your car is placed in a container with other vehicles. This method can save money but can be slower, as you'll need to wait for the container to be filled.
5. Get Multiple Quotes:
- Always obtain quotes from several shipping companies. Prices can vary widely between providers. But ensure you're comparing like-for-like services and consider the reputation of each company.
6. Insurance:
- While looking for the cheapest option, don't skimp on insurance. However, do shop around for the best rate and make sure you understand what's covered.
- Some personal auto insurance policies might offer international shipping coverage, so check with your provider.
7. Limit Extra Services:
- Some companies offer door-to-door service, but it's generally cheaper to opt for port-to-port. This means you'll be responsible for getting your car to the departure port and from the arrival port to your final destination.
8. Prepare Your Vehicle:
- Ensure your car contains only a minimal amount of fuel (typically a quarter tank or less).
- Remove personal belongings, as these can increase weight and are not typically covered by shipping insurance.
- Clean the car inside and out. This helps prevent quarantine delays or additional cleaning fees at the destination.
9. Check for Discounts:
- Some companies offer discounts for military personnel, seniors, students, or repeat customers. Ask about any available discounts when obtaining quotes.
10. Understand Taxes and Import Duties:
- While not directly related to shipping costs, don't forget about potential taxes and import duties when bringing a car into Europe. Each country has its regulations, and these costs can add up. Research in advance to avoid surprises.
Lastly, while looking for the cheapest option, remember that reliability, reputation, and safety are crucial. Always ensure you're working with a reputable shipping company.
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