You’re about to move abroad, but you’ve got a car! As you start your preparations, remember again how important it is to plan ahead for international auto transport. This way, you can make sure to save money on your overseas move by shipping the car along with the rest of your belongings. And while overseas shipping is never cheap, it’s always better than buying a new car when you get there.
There are many elements to moving your life overseas, but what about your car? If you’re moving with pets or having to get international health insurance, you’ve probably got a lot on your plate. Luckily, it’s surprisingly simple to move your car overseas. We’ll walk you through the entire process, so you can focus on the other major items in your life.
We’re not going to focus on the expensive option of international air transport. We’ll be talking about shipping a car overseas by boat, which is reasonably priced and often recommended.
Research
With so many options, you will want to do plenty of research when picking the perfect international car shipping company for your needs.
It is important to start with the search engine for this task. “Transport a Car Overseas” or “International Car Shipping” will pull up companies for you to research at the beginning of your decision. To make sure that your move is safe and simple, you need a company that meets the following requirements:
Offers services in your current and new locations.
Is licensed for both locations and bonded and insured to work with third parties, such as freight carriers.
Questions about licensing and insurance are vital in the shipping process. If you have any doubt, ask for their legal documents or license numbers. If you have narrowed down your list of options to companies that meet the requirements, you can start to do some direct comparisons. Look up companies through the Better Business Bureau and read online reviews.
Gather Your Documents
Shipping a car overseas can be difficult. You’ll need to complete some paperwork to ensure the process goes smoothly. The first step? Gathering export documents. These include a filled-out U.S. Customs & Border Protection Vehicle Export Cover Sheet, an original Certificate of Title for the vehicle, and two additional copies of either form.
You may need a letter from your lending institution when you want to move your car internationally. It must contain your car’s make, model and year, and the VIN. It should also give you permission to transport it internationally. When preparing for your move, contact your port of entry directly to get the details on what they require and when.
Get Your Car Ready
Whether you’re moving locally or overseas, it’s probably not a good idea to ship boxes or belongings in your car. You should only transport items that are related to the car—like your spare tire or jumper cables. Make sure you take out any important documents, like your registration and insurance information.
As you are preparing for your export, the car shipping company that you choose will be able to tell you what is (and equally importantly, what is not) permitted in your car. For example, there may be a requirement that the fuel tank cannot be any more than one-quarter full.
As you are packing for your big move overseas, make sure that you are checking your car for pests and debris. Customs agents at the border will be on the lookout for these items. A great way to make sure your car is safe is to get it washed on the way to the port of entry.
International car shipping cost
The international transport of your vehicle can vary wildly depending on how far it will be traveling and the company that you hire to do the job. A rough estimate for most cars is $1,000 to $2,000. The cost of an international move will vary widely depending on the car’s destination. For example, a car traveling from the U.S. to Canada would cost $1,000 to $2,000, but a car traveling from the U.S.
Other Car Shipping Cost Factors
Marine Insurance. It’s always a good idea to purchase supplemental insurance when your car is on the open water, even if the shipping company doesn’t require it. Check with your existing car insurance company and see if they offer it. The shipping company may also offer it as an add-on. Otherwise, purchase it from a third party.
One of the final steps in sending your car overseas is navigating customs. Destination charges, or the money you need to pay for a customs agent at the port, can be expensive. Expect to spend around $500 to hire one from the shipping company or find someone else to do it.
There are a lot of fees involved in international shipping, but one of the most discussed is customs duty. You should ask what this is and how much it will be before you make any decisions about your international move. It’s usually calculated as a percentage of the item’s value, and you’ll need to check with the port of the country you’re moving to in order to find out what their customs fees are.
Additional taxes and fees are a pain when it comes to exporting your car. It is important to know what you can expect in advance. For example, shipping companies might be able to tell you how much you would have to pay for overseas transport or any additional taxes that may be due. Your best bet, however, is to have a little extra money in your budget.
