It depends on the car shipping company that you use. However, most auto transport companies require a deposit to schedule your auto transport, then the balance is due at the time of delivery of your vehicle. Deposits are typically 10-25% of the total cost of shipping. When using the Move Cars directory of auto transport companies, be sure to ask about each company’s deposit requirements.
Why are deposits required by most auto transport companies? Basically, it shows you are serious about shipping your car, truck, SUV or motorcycle. When an auto carrier comes to your location, it costs money in terms of fuel and time. For that reason, they do not want an auto carrier to arrive to pick up your vehicle and it not be ready. Requiring a deposit dramatically increases the likelihood that your vehicle will be ready to ship when the auto carrier arrives.
While most companies do charge a deposit, there are some companies that do not and some that charge the full price of shipping at the time you schedule the shipment. So, it is a good idea to ask about when payments are due when you get a quote.
If you only pay a deposit, then once your car is delivered, you pay the driver of the car carrier the balance of the cost of shipping. Payments typically are made in cash or with a cashier’s check or money order. If a company accepts credit cards, they often add a service charge to the to total.
We hope this helps to clarify how auto transport payments are made. See a list of the top auto transport companies in the US and Canada in the Move Cars directory of auto transport companies to find the right auto transport company for you.