Shipping Luxury & Classic Cars: The Complete Guide

Shipping a high-value vehicle is not the same as shipping a daily driver. A rock chip on a Ferrari's paint costs $2,000 to fix properly. A scratch across the fender of a numbers-matching 1969 Camaro diminishes value that cannot be recovered with body work. A poorly secured Porsche 911 GT3 with carbon-ceramic brakes requires a carrier who understands what they are handling.

This guide covers everything specific to transporting luxury, exotic, and classic vehicles: the right transport method, how to choose a carrier, insurance considerations unique to high-value cars, and preparation steps that go beyond the standard checklist.

Why High-Value Vehicles Need Different Treatment

Standard auto transport works perfectly for daily drivers. A Honda Accord in good condition rides an open trailer across the country and arrives the same way it left. The minor risks of open transport—dust, light road spray, the occasional bug—are inconsequential to a vehicle driven in those same conditions every day.

High-value vehicles change the equation in several ways:

Repair costs are disproportionate. A door ding that costs $200 to fix on a Camry costs $1,500 on a Mercedes S-Class and $5,000+ on a Bentley Continental. Paint correction on a Lamborghini requires specialty materials and expertise. The financial impact of even minor damage is dramatically higher.

Some damage is irreversible. A classic car with original factory paint cannot have that paint replicated, no matter how skilled the body shop. Repainting a panel on a concours-quality car reduces its value even if the new paint is flawless. For collector vehicles, originality has monetary value that repair cannot restore.

Vehicle characteristics create challenges. Low ground clearance on supercars, delicate chin spoilers on exotics, vintage chrome that scratches if you look at it wrong—these vehicles have physical characteristics that demand more careful handling than a typical sedan.

Owner expectations are higher. If you are spending $150,000+ on a vehicle, your tolerance for imperfection is near zero. The transport experience should match the quality of the vehicle.

Enclosed vs Open Transport for High-Value Vehicles

For most luxury, exotic, and classic vehicles, enclosed transport is the appropriate choice. Here is the practical comparison.

Open Transport Risks for High-Value Cars

Open transport is safe for standard vehicles, but the risk profile changes with vehicle value:

Road debris. Rocks, gravel, and debris kicked up by highway traffic can chip paint and crack windshields. On a $30,000 car, a rock chip is a $50 touchup. On a Ferrari with a $3,000 windshield or a classic with irreplaceable original glass, the same rock chip becomes an expensive problem.

Weather exposure. Rain, sleet, and road salt affect vehicles during transit. Modern daily drivers handle this without issue. A freshly restored classic with new chrome, a convertible with aging seals, or a vehicle heading to a concours show should not arrive weather-beaten.

Cosmetic contamination. Tar, sap, industrial fallout, and other airborne contaminants settle on vehicles during open transport. Removing these from a high-end ceramic coating or a polished classic finish requires careful detailing that may cost $500+.

Visibility. Your vehicle is visible to everyone on the highway. For some owners, this is a security concern—a visible exotic on a trailer is a target for the few bad actors who follow carrier trucks.

Enclosed Transport Advantages for High-Value Cars

Complete weather protection. Your vehicle arrives dry, clean, and free of environmental contamination regardless of what weather occurs during the trip.

Zero road debris risk. Solid walls eliminate any possibility of rocks, gravel, or debris contacting your vehicle.

Reduced contact during transit. Enclosed trailers carry fewer vehicles (2–6 versus 7–10 on open). Fewer vehicles means more space between them and less risk of contact.

Specialized equipment. Most enclosed carriers use lift gates rather than ramps for loading. This matters enormously for vehicles with 4 inches of ground clearance. A Ferrari 488 that would scrape its chin spoiler on an open trailer's ramp loads smoothly on a hydraulic lift gate.

Professional handling. Enclosed carriers specialize in high-value vehicles. Their drivers understand the care these vehicles require—how to handle a classic car with non-power steering, how to drive a wide-body exotic onto a trailer, how to secure a vehicle without damaging delicate body work.

Climate control (some carriers). Premium enclosed trailers offer climate-controlled interiors, maintaining stable temperature and humidity. This protects leather interiors, prevents thermal stress on paint, and keeps vintage components at stable temperatures.

The Cost Difference

Enclosed transport costs 30–60% more than open transport. For high-value vehicles, the premium is a rational expense:

For a vehicle worth $100,000+, the $500–$700 enclosed premium represents less than 1% of the vehicle's value. The protection it buys is worth many times the cost.

When Open Transport Is Acceptable for Valuable Cars

A few scenarios where open transport may be reasonable even for higher-value vehicles:

• The vehicle is a daily driver in driver-quality condition, not a garage queen
• The car is being moved for practical reasons (relocation), not for a show or sale
• You have comprehensive personal insurance that covers transport
• The vehicle is a modern luxury car with robust paint protection (ceramic coating, PPF)
• Budget constraints are real and the vehicle can handle open transport exposure

Most classic car owners, exotic owners, and people shipping vehicles worth over $75,000 choose enclosed. The peace of mind alone justifies the cost.

Choosing the Right Carrier for High-Value Vehicles

Not all enclosed carriers are equal. The carrier you choose matters as much as the transport type.

What to Look For

Experience with your vehicle type. A carrier that regularly moves Ferraris handles a Ferrari differently than one that occasionally carries a luxury sedan in their enclosed trailer. Ask about their experience with vehicles like yours.

Specialized equipment. Confirm the carrier uses:

• Hydraulic lift gates (essential for low-clearance vehicles)
• Soft wheel straps or tire nets (not chains that can scratch wheels)
• Padded contact points where straps touch the vehicle
• Hard-sided (not soft-sided) trailers for maximum protection
• Interior lighting for inspections during transit

Insurance appropriate for your vehicle's value. Standard enclosed carriers may carry $250,000 per-vehicle coverage. If your vehicle is worth more, you need a carrier with higher limits or supplemental insurance.

Proven track record. Ask for references from other high-value vehicle owners. Check reviews specifically from people who shipped similar vehicles. A carrier's general reviews may be positive, but you want to know how they handle a 1967 Corvette or a McLaren 720S.

Driver quality. The person physically handling your vehicle matters. Ask if the same driver handles pickup and delivery (dedicated service) or if your vehicle transfers between drivers or trucks. For high-value cars, dedicated single-driver service is ideal.

Questions to Ask Before Booking

Ask every potential carrier these questions:

1. "How many high-value vehicles do you transport per month?" — You want experience, not someone learning on your car.
2. "What type of enclosed trailer do you use?" — Hard-sided with lift gate is the gold standard.
3. "What is your per-vehicle insurance coverage limit?" — It should exceed your vehicle's value.
4. "Can you provide references from customers who shipped similar vehicles?" — Legitimate premium carriers are happy to share this.
5. "Will my vehicle be on a multi-car trailer or a single/dual-car transport?" — Fewer vehicles means less risk and more attentive handling.
6. "How do you secure vehicles—straps, chains, or tire nets?" — Soft straps and tire nets are preferred for high-value vehicles. Chains can mark wheels and damage undercarriage components.
7. "Does your trailer have a lift gate?" — Critical for low-clearance exotics and lowered vehicles.
8. "Is the transport dedicated, or will you pick up other vehicles along the way?" — Dedicated transport means fewer stops and handling events.

Red Flags with Enclosed Carriers

Watch for carriers who:

• Claim enclosed service but use soft-sided covers over an open trailer frame
• Cannot provide specific insurance documentation for high-value cargo
• Have no verifiable experience with your type of vehicle
• Offer enclosed rates suspiciously close to open transport pricing
• Cannot describe their loading process or equipment in detail
• Rush through your questions or seem dismissive of your concerns

A carrier moving a $200,000 vehicle should answer your questions thoroughly and patiently. If they do not have time for your questions before booking, they will not have time for careful handling during transport.

Insurance for High-Value Vehicles

Standard carrier insurance may leave significant gaps when shipping expensive vehicles. Here is how to close them.

Assessing Your Coverage Gap

Calculate your gap:

1. Vehicle's actual value — Not what you paid, not the Kelley Blue Book estimate, but its current market or appraised value
2. Carrier's per-vehicle coverage limit — From their Certificate of Insurance
3. The difference — This is your uninsured gap

Example: Your 1967 Shelby GT500 is appraised at $350,000. The enclosed carrier's per-vehicle coverage is $250,000. Your gap is $100,000.

Supplemental Insurance for High-Value Transport

Third-party transport insurance fills these gaps. For high-value vehicles, supplemental coverage should address:

Coverage limits exceeding vehicle value. Ensure total available coverage (carrier's policy plus supplemental) exceeds your vehicle's appraised value.

Zero deductible. Even a $1,000 deductible is unacceptable when minor damage on a high-value vehicle costs thousands. Zero-deductible supplemental policies exist for exactly this situation.

Agreed value, not actual cash value. For classics and collectibles, insist on agreed-value coverage. Actual cash value (ACV) uses depreciation and market averages that may dramatically undervalue a collector car. An agreed-value policy pays the pre-established amount if a total loss occurs.

Broad exclusion coverage. Supplemental policies that cover acts of God, hail damage, and flood exposure fill gaps that carrier policies often exclude.

Getting an Appraisal

For vehicles where value is not obvious from market listings—classics, rare models, heavily modified vehicles, restored vehicles—get a professional appraisal before shipping:

• Appraisals from certified automotive appraisers carry weight in insurance claims
• Document the appraised value before transport
• Provide the appraisal to both the carrier and your supplemental insurance provider
• Keep the appraisal with your other shipping documentation

An appraisal costs $200–$400 and can be the difference between a full-value claim payment and a dispute over what your vehicle is worth.

Preparing Luxury and Classic Cars for Transport

The standard preparation checklist applies to high-value vehicles, with additional steps specific to their needs.

Extra Steps for Exotics and Supercars

Document the lift system setting. If your vehicle has adjustable ride height (most modern exotics do), raise it to its highest setting for loading. Note the setting so it can be returned to normal at delivery.

Disable active aerodynamics. If your vehicle has an active rear spoiler, front splitter, or adjustable aero elements, set them to their retracted position and inform the driver.

Secure front lip and chin spoilers. Low front spoilers are the most commonly damaged component during transport. Even with a lift gate, ensuring the front of the vehicle has maximum clearance prevents scrapes.

Note the battery disconnect procedure. Many exotics drain batteries when systems remain active. If your vehicle has a battery disconnect switch, show the driver where it is and how to use it.

Clean and detail before shipping. For a daily driver, a car wash suffices. For a show car or concours vehicle, a full detail before shipping establishes the vehicle's condition at its best and makes any new damage immediately obvious.

Extra Steps for Classic and Collector Cars

Address known weaknesses. Classic cars have vulnerability points that modern vehicles do not:

• Weather seals may not be perfect—confirm the vehicle is going in an enclosed trailer that will keep it dry
• Chrome trim can scratch from contact with straps—ask the carrier to use padded contact points
• Vintage paint is softer than modern clear coat—communicate this to the driver
• Drum brakes may not hold on steep trailer ramps—another reason lift gates matter

Tape vulnerable chrome. If any chrome trim pieces are accessible and could contact straps or adjacent surfaces, apply painter's tape (blue masking tape) for protection. Remove it at delivery—do not leave it on for extended periods as adhesive can affect chrome.

Disconnect the battery. Classic car electrical systems are less robust than modern ones. Disconnecting the battery prevents parasitic draw during the multi-day transport.

Secure the hood and trunk. If your classic's hood or trunk latch is not perfectly reliable, use a strap or bungee to ensure it stays closed. Wind forces on a trailer are significant, and a hood that pops open can damage the paint and bend hinges.

Leave the gas tank low. Beyond the standard quarter-tank recommendation, classic cars with older fuel systems benefit from less fuel sloshing during transport. Vented fuel systems common in pre-1970s vehicles can seep fuel if agitated, creating a fire risk.

Documentation for High-Value Vehicles

Standard photo documentation is the minimum. For high-value vehicles, go further:

Detailed condition report. Create a written document listing every existing imperfection, no matter how minor. "Two-millimeter chip on front bumper edge, driver side, 4 inches from corner" is the level of detail needed.

Professional photos if the vehicle is show quality. If you are shipping a concours-quality car, professional photographs taken before transport create indisputable documentation of condition.

Video with narration. Walk around the vehicle slowly on video, narrating the condition of each panel, the quality of the paint, the state of the chrome, and any existing imperfections. This takes 3–5 minutes and provides comprehensive evidence.

Odometer and gauge documentation. Photograph the odometer, trip computer, and any relevant gauge readings. For a classic, document the mechanical odometer reading clearly.

Working with Specialty Transport Companies

The high-value vehicle transport market has specialized companies that cater exclusively to luxury, exotic, and classic cars. These companies operate differently from standard carriers.

What Specialty Carriers Offer

White-glove service. The driver inspects your vehicle with the meticulousness of a detailer. Every surface is examined, every existing condition documented, and every protection measure implemented.

Custom securing. Instead of standard straps, specialty carriers may use:

• Wheel nets that contact only the tire, not the wheel
• Soft-tie systems for delicate finishes
• Blanket wrapping for exposed chrome or bodywork
• Custom chocking for vehicles with non-standard dimensions

Real-time communication. Premium carriers provide detailed updates throughout transport, including photos at pickup, mid-transit, and pre-delivery.

Dedicated transport options. For the highest-value vehicles, dedicated transport means your car is the only vehicle on the trailer. The carrier drives directly from your pickup to your destination without other stops. This is the most expensive option but provides the fastest, safest service.

Climate-controlled trailers. Temperature and humidity are maintained within specified ranges throughout transport. Essential for vehicles with sensitive materials, fresh paint, or when shipping through extreme weather.

The Cost of Specialty Service

Specialty transport costs reflect the level of service:

Dedicated single-vehicle transport is reserved for situations where the vehicle's value, the owner's requirements, or the timing demands justify the premium. A $500,000 classic heading to Pebble Beach or a newly purchased hypercar being delivered to its owner are typical use cases.

For most luxury vehicles in the $75,000–$250,000 range, multi-car enclosed transport from a reputable carrier provides excellent protection at a reasonable price.

Common Mistakes When Shipping High-Value Vehicles

Learn from others' expensive errors:

Choosing a carrier based solely on price. The cheapest enclosed carrier is cheap for a reason—lower insurance, less experienced drivers, older equipment. The $300 you save becomes a $5,000 repair bill.

Assuming all enclosed transport is equal. Soft-sided enclosed provides weather protection but not the physical protection of hard-sided trailers. Ask specifically what type of trailer will carry your vehicle.

Not verifying insurance limits for your specific vehicle. Confirming "they have insurance" is not enough. You need to confirm they have enough insurance for your vehicle's value.

Skipping supplemental insurance. On a $200,000 vehicle, $200 for supplemental zero-deductible coverage is a no-brainer. Many owners skip it and regret the decision when a $3,000 damage claim falls entirely below the carrier's deductible.

Rushing the inspection at delivery. You are excited to see your car. The driver is tired and ready to move on. Do not let either emotion rush the inspection. Take your time. Check everything. The 15 minutes you spend inspecting can save you thousands in unrecoverable damage costs.

Forgetting to raise the suspension. More exotic front lips and splitters are damaged during loading than during actual transit. If your car has adjustable ride height, raise it to the maximum before the carrier arrives.

Seasonal Considerations

Timing matters more for high-value vehicles because the stakes are higher.

Winter transport (November–March): Road salt, freezing temperatures, and winter storms create additional risks even for enclosed carriers. If your vehicle is salt-sensitive (classics with bare metal, vehicles with aging undercoating), ensure the enclosed trailer provides genuine protection from salt air that enters ventilation openings.

Show season (March–October): If shipping to a car show, auction, or concours event, book well in advance. Enclosed carrier availability drops during peak show season as everyone wants the same service at the same time. Four weeks of lead time is the minimum; six weeks is safer.

Hurricane season (June–November): Gulf Coast and Southeast routes carry weather risk. Enclosed trailers protect from rain but not from flooding, downed trees, or road closures. Consider timing and route planning during active hurricane threats.

The Bottom Line for High-Value Vehicles

Shipping a luxury, exotic, or classic vehicle requires more careful planning than shipping a standard car, but the process is well-established and reliable. Thousands of high-value vehicles ship safely every month.

The keys to success are straightforward:

• Choose enclosed transport from an experienced, well-insured carrier
• Verify insurance coverage meets or exceeds your vehicle's value
• Prepare the vehicle with attention to its specific vulnerabilities
• Document condition thoroughly before shipping
• Inspect meticulously at delivery

The additional cost of enclosed transport and supplemental insurance is small relative to the value of the vehicle being protected. Treat these expenses as part of the cost of owning a high-value vehicle, the same way you budget for premium fuel, specialized maintenance, and proper storage.

Ready to ship your luxury or classic vehicle? Get a quote for enclosed transport from our network of verified, specialty carriers. We match your vehicle with carriers experienced in handling exactly your type of car.