Preparing your vehicle before auto transport can help make pickup, loading, and delivery more organized. Whether you are moving from California to another state, buying a car from a distant seller, or arranging transport for a family member, a few practical steps can help you document the vehicle’s condition and avoid preventable delays.
PolarDrive Car Transport provides information about open car transport, enclosed car transport, door-to-door auto transport, and state-to-state shipping. Use this checklist to prepare for your upcoming shipment.
1. Clean Your Vehicle Before Pickup
Wash the exterior before the scheduled pickup whenever practical. A clean surface makes it easier to see scratches, dents, paint marks, and other existing damage.
You do not need to make the vehicle look brand new. The goal is to make its current condition easier to inspect and document. If the car is very dirty, covered in snow, or difficult to photograph, it may be harder to identify small marks during inspection.
Clean the interior enough to remove loose items and make the vehicle accessible for inspection.
2. Remove Personal Belongings
Before the vehicle is collected, remove personal belongings from the cabin, trunk, glove compartment, and other storage areas.
Carriers may restrict or prohibit personal items because of weight limits, safety considerations, insurance terms, and applicable regulations. Never assume that belongings left inside the vehicle will be covered if they are lost or damaged.
Check under the seats and in door pockets. Remove important documents, electronics, cash, medication, keys not required for transport, and other valuables.
Ask your transport provider in advance whether any items may remain in the car and whether specific restrictions apply.
3. Check for Leaks and Mechanical Problems
Look for obvious fluid leaks and tell the provider about any mechanical issues. Report problems involving the battery, tires, brakes, steering, suspension, or engine that could affect loading and unloading.
If your car does not start, cannot steer, or cannot brake normally, disclose this before booking. An inoperable vehicle may require a carrier with suitable loading equipment, and additional charges may apply.
Do not attempt repairs you are not qualified to perform simply to prepare the car for shipment. Describe the vehicle’s actual condition so that appropriate arrangements can be considered.
4. Keep the Fuel Level Low but Sufficient
Unless your carrier gives different instructions, leave only enough fuel for loading and unloading rather than a full tank. The exact requirement can vary, so confirm it before pickup.
Do not remove fuel or handle fuel-system components yourself. Simply follow the carrier’s stated fuel-level instructions and ensure the vehicle can be moved as required.
5. Remove or Secure Accessories
Remove loose external accessories that could detach during transport, such as removable roof-rack components, custom antennas, and unsecured spoilers or decorative items.
Retract or fold in mirrors if the vehicle design allows it. Make sure windows and the sunroof are fully closed, and secure convertible tops according to the manufacturer’s guidance.
Tell the provider about low ground clearance, oversized tires, lift kits, body kits, or other modifications. These details can affect loading angle, trailer clearance, and equipment suitability.
6. Disable Alarms and Provide Necessary Keys
If possible, disable alarms that could activate during handling. Explain any unusual starting procedure, immobilizer issue, or electronic feature that the driver needs to know about.
Provide the keys required to move the vehicle, according to the transport arrangement. Keep a spare set at home if available.
Never share unrelated security codes or personal account passwords with a transport provider.
7. Photograph the Vehicle
Take clear photographs of the exterior from the front, rear, both sides, and each corner. Photograph the wheels, windshield, roof, bumpers, and any existing scratches or dents.
Take pictures of the interior if relevant, and record the odometer reading if it is accessible. Keep the images with your shipment documents.
At pickup, review the vehicle condition with the driver and ensure existing damage is noted on the applicable inspection report or bill of lading. Keep a copy for your records.
8. Confirm Pickup and Delivery Details
Reconfirm the pickup window, delivery location, contact numbers, and any access instructions before the scheduled date.
A large carrier may not be able to enter a narrow residential street, a gated complex, a steep driveway, or an area with low overhead clearance. If direct access is impractical, ask whether a safe nearby meeting point can be arranged.
Ensure that someone can meet the driver if your transport terms require it. Ask about procedures if you need to change the date or location.
9. Review Insurance and Transport Documents
Before the vehicle is loaded, ask who is responsible for transportation and whether the company arranging the shipment is a broker, a motor carrier, or both in different circumstances.
Request information about the carrier’s cargo insurance, applicable exclusions, deductibles, and claims procedure. Do not assume that every type of damage or personal property is covered.
Read the quote, payment terms, cancellation policy, and any written service agreement. Keep copies of the quote, confirmation, inspection documents, and contact information.
10. Inspect Your Car at Delivery
When the vehicle arrives, inspect it before signing the final delivery documents. Compare its condition with your pickup photographs and inspection report.
If you notice possible new damage, record it clearly, take photographs, and notify the driver and the appropriate transport company promptly. Follow the written claims procedure and retain relevant paperwork.
Do not rely only on a quick glance. Check the body panels, wheels, glass, bumpers, and other accessible areas.
Final Checklist
Before pickup, confirm that you have:
Cleaned the exterior for inspection.
Removed personal belongings and valuables.
Disclosed mechanical issues and vehicle modifications.
Followed the carrier’s fuel-level instructions.
Secured or removed loose accessories.
Prepared the required keys.
Photographed the vehicle and documented existing damage.
Confirmed pickup and delivery arrangements.
Reviewed insurance, payment, and cancellation terms.
Saved the transport documents and contact details.
Arrange Your Auto Transport With PolarDrive Car Transport
Preparing your vehicle in advance can make the shipping process easier to coordinate and help you maintain a useful record of its condition.
For information about open or enclosed transport, door-to-door service, and state-to-state vehicle shipping, contact PolarDrive Car Transport in Paradise, California.
Call (530) 572-9926 or email info@polardrivecartransport.us to discuss your route, vehicle, and preferred dates. Confirm the service terms and preparation requirements with your transport provider before pickup.