What Documents Are Required for Shipping Your Car?

When shipping your car with a professional vehicle transport service, you’ll need to provide some information and documentation. At Hansen’s, we’ve streamlined the process to make your move as smooth as possible. Here’s what you’ll need to provide before we ship your car.

Information You’ll Need to Provide

At Hansen’s, we’ll ask for the following details before we ship your vehicle:

• Vehicle details. Provide the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), along with the year, make and model of your vehicle helps us accurately identify and categorize your vehicle for transport purposes.

• Origin and destination locations. Specify the pickup location (origin) and the drop-off location (destination) for your vehicle transport. Providing precise addresses ensures that we can plan the logistics effectively.

• Contact details. Share your contact information, including your phone number and email address. This information is needed for communication throughout the auto-shipping process and in case of any updates or issues.

Required Documentation

At Hansen’s, we require the following documentation to ship your vehicle:

• Safety inspection and appraisal. If your vehicle is older than 15 model years, it will require a safety inspection and appraisal before shipping. This step ensures that the vehicle is roadworthy and safe for transportation. The inspection and appraisal must be completed within 30 days of the shipment.

• Cross-border documentation. If you’re shipping your vehicle to or from the United States, you’ll need to provide documents such as customs forms, import/export permits and other relevant documents required for international vehicle transport. We can help you determine what documentation you need but you should also check with customs authorities.

Tips to Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping

Here’s how to prepare your vehicle for auto transport to ensure a smooth journey.

• Clean your vehicle. A clean vehicle makes it easier to inspect for any existing damage and provides a clear starting point for assessing its condition upon delivery.

• Remove personal items. We don’t permit personal items in the car during transportation, and are not responsible for any loss or damage to your personal belongings.

• Check for pre-existing damage. Take photos of your vehicle from multiple angles to document its current condition. Note any existing dents, scratches or other imperfections like fluid leaks. This documentation can be valuable in case of disputes regarding vehicle condition post-transport.

• Secure loose parts. Make sure spoilers, antennas and sport racks are properly secured or removed to prevent damage during transit. Also, deactivate your car alarm and remove toll tags or transponders.

• Maintain minimal fuel. Keep your vehicle's fuel tank at approximately one-quarter full — enough fuel for loading and unloading while minimizing excess weight.

Cross-Canada and Cross-Border Car Shipping

At Hansen’s, we’re committed to making your car shipping experience as smooth as possible. Contact us today to get a quote and learn more about our policies, rates and services.

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