carvato
Frequently Asked Questions
Car shipping, straight answers.
Everything we get asked, in one place — from how quotes work to insurance, timing, and what door-to-door really means. No spin, no fine print.
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Getting your price
Booking and the quote
You or someone you designate needs to be there to inspect the vehicle and sign at both ends. The carrier calls ahead — usually the day before — to set a window.
Both. Carvato is the auto-transport arm of an established, licensed and bonded transport company, and like every reputable mover we match your vehicle to a vetted carrier through Central Dispatch. The difference is that a real operating company stands behind the booking, not a standalone call center.
No, and that’s deliberate. The form captures your contact so a real specialist can price the move and stand behind it — not an automated number that climbs once you’re committed.
Tell us the route and vehicle and a specialist confirms your locked, all-in price — usually within minutes during business hours.
What you'll pay
Pricing and payment
Ship open rather than enclosed when your vehicle allows, stay flexible on dates, book a few days ahead instead of next-day, and use major metro pickup and delivery points where carriers are plentiful.
Nothing is charged at the quote. Once a carrier is assigned, a small deposit (typically $50–$100) is collected and the balance is charged automatically — or you can pay the driver directly on delivery by cash or check (COD), our preferred method, in which case the deposit is refunded.` Your specialist walks you through exactly what’s due and when before you book.
Yes. The locked price your specialist confirms is the full, all-in price for your shipment. No surprise fees on delivery.
Some companies quote low to win the booking, then raise the price once you’re committed. Carvato prices the move honestly and locks it — the number you book is the number you pay.
It depends on distance, vehicle, route, season, and transport type. Common open-transport routes land in honest ballpark ranges; your exact, locked price comes from the quote.
Choosing a carrier type
Open vs enclosed
Often, yes. Many open and enclosed carriers run liftgates, winches, or soft-tie equipment for low-clearance and inoperable vehicles. Tell your specialist up front so the right equipment is assigned.
Typically around `[[40–60% more]]`, because the trailer carries far fewer cars and fully protects them. Your specialist confirms the exact locked price.
Your vehicle ships inside a fully covered trailer that carries two to six cars, shielded from weather, debris, and view. It suits luxury, exotic, classic, collector, custom, low-clearance, and other high-value vehicles.
Daily drivers — sedans, SUVs, trucks, and motorcycles, generally under `$70,000` in value.
Yes, for most vehicles. It’s how roughly 90% of cars ship, including new vehicles from the factory. Carriers are vetted before assignment and cosmetic issues are rare.
Open carriers typically move five to ten vehicles at a time on a multi-level trailer. That shared load is why open transport is the most affordable option.
Vetting and coverage
Carriers and insurance
Yes — our FMCSA authority is public. Look us up at `USDOT 3314113 · MC-1053256` before you book.
Enclosed carriers typically carry higher cargo-insurance limits suited to valuable vehicles. Your specialist confirms the coverage for your shipment.
Yes. Every carrier we assign must carry active cargo insurance, verified before pickup. Your specialist confirms the coverage that applies to your shipment. Carriers cover damage they cause directly in transit; ordinary road exposure, like the rare stone chip, is not covered.
Before any carrier is assigned, we confirm active operating authority (current FMCSA authority and USDOT/MC standing), active cargo insurance on file, and a reviewed safety record. Carriers with red flags don’t get the load.
Where and when we ship
Coverage, timing, and logistics
Submit a quote or message during business hours and a specialist typically responds within minutes. Your contact goes to one person, not a call queue.
Most lower-48 routes are picked up within a few days and delivered in roughly two to seven days, depending on distance. Transit time comes down to miles, not paperwork.
The carrier gets as close to your door as the truck can legally and safely reach. On narrow or restricted streets you may meet a short distance away. It’s still door-to-door, bound only by what’s safe and legal.
Door to door across the lower 48 states.
Preparing your car
Getting started
It’s the inspection and condition document you and the driver sign at pickup and delivery. Review it, note any pre-existing or new damage before signing, and keep your copy.
As a rule, vehicles ship empty — carriers aren’t licensed to haul household goods, and loose items aren’t covered. Check with your specialist if you have a specific situation.
Clean it so existing damage is easy to document, leave about a quarter tank of fuel, remove toll tags and loose items, note any pre-existing damage, and make sure the carrier can reach a set of keys.
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Still have a question?
Get a real, locked price from a real specialist. No obligation.
Get a Quote
Call (224) 506-3676