Before pickup day
- Wash the car. A clean vehicle makes it much easier to see existing scratches and dents.
- Photograph everything. Take clear, dated photos of every side, the roof, the wheels, the interior, and the odometer.
- Remove personal items. Most carriers do not insure personal belongings, and extra weight can add to your cost.
- Remove toll tags and parking passes so they do not trigger charges while the car is in transit.
- Check for fluid leaks. A leaking car can be refused or may damage vehicles stacked below it.
Mechanical basics
- Leave about a quarter tank of fuel.
- Make sure the battery is charged and the tires are properly inflated.
- Disable or provide instructions for any alarm.
- Fold in mirrors and retract or remove antennas.
- Secure or remove loose parts such as spoilers or racks.
Paperwork to have ready
- Government-issued photo ID
- Registration and proof of insurance
- A copy of your booking confirmation
- Keys, including any special key or fob instructions
At pickup
Walk around the vehicle with the driver and agree on a written condition report (the bill of lading). Keep your copy.
At delivery
Inspect the vehicle before you sign, ideally in daylight. Compare it with your photos and the condition report. Note any new damage on the paperwork before the driver leaves, then pay the balance as agreed.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Figures are illustrative estimates, not quotes. Always request a written quote before you book.