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Reading a Car Shipping Quote: 7 Questions to Ask Before You Book
A question-by-question way to tell whether a car shipping quote is a real price or just a starting bid.
Why quotes differ so much
Two quotes for the same car and route can look very different because they are often different kinds of offers. One may be a firm total; another may be the lowest number a broker expects a carrier might accept. The questions below help you find out which one you are holding.
The 7 questions
- Is this a guaranteed total or an estimate? Ask for the answer in writing.
- What happens if no driver accepts this price? Will you be asked to pay more, and can you cancel?
- Open or enclosed trailer? Make sure every quote you compare uses the same option.
- What is the pickup window? A narrow window and a flexible one are priced differently.
- How much is charged now, and when? Ask about the deposit and whether it is refundable.
- How is the rest paid? Card, cash, cashier's check or money order to the driver.
- Does the car need to run? Non-running vehicles often need special equipment.
Red flag answers
Be careful if the company will not put the total in writing, cannot explain what happens when no carrier is found, or pushes for a non-refundable payment before a driver is assigned. Recent 1-star reviews often describe exactly these situations.
Compare companies side by side. See public Google, Trustpilot, BBB and Yelp ratings, recent 1-star reviews and written terms on our comparison page.
More guides
- Car Shipping Red Flags: A Before, During and After Checklist
- Who Actually Moves Your Car? Brokers, Carriers and Dispatchers Explained
Last updated October 2026. General consumer information, not legal or financial advice.