Shipping a wrecked car can seem like a fruitless endeavor, because if your vehicle is already totaled, why throw money away on the transport process? Surprisingly enough, there are actually quite a few reasons why you may want to pay to have your vehicle professionally shipped. One of these reasons is if there is a chance your car can be saved, and the only mechanic available to make that happen is not in the area where your vehicle is located.
If your wrecked car is very valuable or you have a deep sentimental attachment, then no amount of money may seem like too much on the off chance the vehicle can be salvaged and returned to its former glory. Another common reason you may choose to ship a wrecked car is because you may want to sell it for parts. If the buyer is interested, then they may even be willing to pay shipping fees in addition to the price they are paying you for the parts.
If either of these scenarios applies to you, or you have another reason altogether that would make it worthwhile to ship a wrecked vehicle, then your next step is to find a reputable auto transport company. Depending on the size, make, and model of vehicle you plan to ship, there are innumerable transport companies out there, but only a lesser number well-qualified to ship a wrecked car. It is very important to be upfront about the car's condition during your first point of contact with a potential company. If you don't caution them that your vehicle is non-operational, you may be faced with increased transport fees down the road. Another issue if you choose not to fully disclose your vehicle's condition is that when the driver arrives for pick-up, he may not have the proper equipment to load your vehicle. This could potentially cause the transport to be canceled, and you would most definitely be charged a late notice cancellation fee. Because the majority of auto transport companies use the roll-on, roll-off method of loading and unloading vehicles, a car that is nonoperational and may have significant body damage will most likely be ineligible for this process.
There are of course other options for shipping your wrecked vehicle if it does have significant body damage and is unable to be shipped via conventional methods. Any auto transport company with experience in the shipping of totaled or damaged vehicles will be able to expertly advise you as to the best method and most cost-efficient way to get your car where it needs to go. Just keep in mind that the auto transport industry does not necessarily have the best reputation when it comes to keeping the consumer's best interest in mind, so rather than falling victim to a desperate agent forcing a hard sell, make sure you compare and contrast a number of quotes to find the best company for you and your wrecked vehicle's specific scenario.