In the age of digital convenience, buying a car online has become the new norm. Whether you’re waiting for the perfect classic beauty from across the country or snagging a great deal from an online marketplace like eBay Motors, Carvana, or Facebook Marketplace, the benefits of buying a vehicle online are numerous: wider selection, competitive pricing, and the ease of shopping from your couch. But we have one element that may add a bit of complexity — out-of-state car shipping.
Shipping a vehicle across state lines can quickly become a source of stress if you’re not prepared. Between paperwork, inspections, and choosing the right car shipping company, there’s a lot to handle. In this guide, we will walk you through 7 essential steps to make used car shipping stress-free, ensuring your online car-buying experience ends with satisfaction.
Step 1: Online Marketplace Sales Often Involve Long-Haul Moves
You found the perfect car — but it’s 1,200 miles away!
Buying a car from an online marketplace often means your dream vehicle is far from home. Unlike shopping at a local dealerships, digital platforms open up the entire U.S. While this greatly expands your options, it also introduces a new set of logistical challenges: long-distance shipping.
More miles = more uncertainty
This is a fact. The farther the car is from your location, the more potential issues can arise — from weather-related delays to vehicle handling concerns. Long-haul car shipping also means more opportunities for damage or miscommunication if you’re not diligent.
Start planning for car shipping the moment you spot a vehicle outside your region
Understanding that distance is on of the key factors helps you plan early. Use it to estimate shipping costs, timelines, and potential risks. When evaluating a car listing, don’t just consider the asking price — factor in the cost of cross-country vehicle transport and the time it will take.
Step 2: Create a Bill of Sale and Title Transfer Checklist
Missing documents can stall your vehicle delivery
When buying a car online, especially out of state, you have to ensure you have the proper documentation. Unlike local deals, you won’t be meeting the seller in person to sign papers on the spot.
Without the right paperwork, your new car could sit in limbo
If you fail to secure the bill of sale, title transfer, or required emissions and registration documents, your transporter may be unable to pick up or deliver the vehicle. Worse, you might face issues registering your car in your home state or proving ownership.
Follow this out-of-state car sale documentation checklist:
- A signed bill of sale that includes the VIN, price, date, buyer/seller info, and any “as-is” clauses
- The original vehicle title, signed over to you (make sure it’s clean and free of liens)
- A power of attorney form (if using an agent or broker to handle the transaction)
- State-specific registration paperwork, especially if your DMV requires pre-approval for out-of-state vehicles
- Emissions/safety inspection certificates, if applicable
Pro tip: Many states require notarized signatures on the title transfer. Check both your state and the seller’s state for DMV requirements!
Step 3: Schedule a Photo-Based Pre-Shipping Inspection
You can’t physically inspect the vehicle
Buying a car sight unseen is a leap of faith. Without inspecting it in person, how can you be sure you’re getting what you paid for?
Surprises at delivery are costly and stressful
If your car arrives with dents, scratches, or worse, mechanical issues that weren’t disclosed, your only recourse may be a lengthy dispute process. Without proof of the vehicle’s condition before transport, it’s your word against the seller’s or transporter’s.
Use a photo-based inspection to document pre-shipping condition
Request that the seller sends high-resolution photos or video of the entire vehicle, including:
- Exterior from all angles
- Interior dashboard and seats
- Tires and undercarriage
- VIN plate (visible through windshield or door jamb)
- Odometer reading
- Engine bay
The best is to hire a third-party mechanic to do a remote inspection. Many mobile mechanics offer pre-purchase inspection services specifically for online car buyers.
Step 4: Be Aware of Insurance Gaps
Who’s responsible if something goes wrong during transport?
One of the most overlooked areas in used car shipping is insurance coverage. Carriers are required by law to have cargo insurance, but it may not fully cover the vehicle’s market value.
If your car is damaged in transit, you might discover that the transporter’s policy only covers certain scenarios or values, leaving you responsible for the difference. Additionally, some policies have deductibles or exclude damages caused by weather or “acts of God.”
Verify coverage — and consider temporary gap insurance
- Request a Certificate of Insurance from the shipping company
- Ask about deductibles, exclusions, and coverage limits
- Contact your own car insurance provider to ask when coverage begins (some policies don’t cover a new vehicle until registered)
- Consider a short-term policy or gap coverage if the value is high or you’re shipping a high-end automobile
Step 5: Choose the Right Car Shipping Company
Not all carriers are equal
Selecting a reliable car transporter is just as important as selecting the right car. A poor choice can lead to delays, communication breakdowns, or damage during transit.
Going with the lowest quote can cost you more in the long run
The car shipping industry has many brokers and carriers, some of whom may offer rock-bottom pricing by cutting corners — or farming out your job to less reputable operators.
Do your homework – call several reputable companies!
- Look for companies with FMCSA registration and a valid MC number
- Read verified customer reviews on platforms like TrustPilot and Google Business
- Confirm they offer door-to-door shipping, if needed
- Compare quotes, but don’t choose lowest price — prioritize experience and reputation
Step 6: Coordinate Pickup and Delivery
Shipping windows vary
Car shipping doesn’t follow Amazon-style “2-day delivery” expectations. Timing is often based on carrier routes, availability, and your flexibility. Corsia offers 1 to 3 days window to pick up a vehicle, from the first available pick-up date. Other companies may offer 1 to 5 or more. Delivery after that depends mainly on the distance, but weather and traffic can delay delivery. Time is always an estimate in car shipping.
Lack of planning can result in delays
If you’re not available to receive the vehicle, or if there’s no safe place to unload it, the driver may be forced to delay or reroute, costing you extra in storage or rescheduling fees.
Plan for flexible pickup and drop-off
- Choose a pickup window that works for both the seller and carrier
- Provide clear instructions for both locations (gate codes, street width, etc.)
- Consider using a friend or local agent at either end if you can’t be there
- Stay in communication with the transporter via phone or tracking system
Step 7: Conduct Post-Delivery Inspection
Even if the vehicle looks fine at first glance, skipping a post-delivery inspection is a costly mistake. Once you sign the Bill of Lading, (BOL) your ability to file a damage claim diminishes.
Small issues can go unnoticed
If you find a dent, cracked windshield, or mechanical issue days after delivery, the carrier may deny responsibility unless it’ has been documented on the delivery receipt. The Bill of Lading is your inspection report. Most BOLs are digital now and the carrier takes photos at pick and delivery that get attached to the BOL. you get a copy at pick-up and at delivery.
Use your inspection checklist – Bill of Lading
- Inspect the car in daylight before signing
- Compare current condition to your pre-shipping photos
- Take new photos from the same angles
- Note any damage on the Bill of Lading before signing
- Keep copies of all paperwork
Make Your Online Car Purchase a Success
Buying a car online and shipping it across state lines doesn’t have to be a gamble. By following these seven steps, you protect your investment, avoid any pitfalls, and ensure a smooth transition from “Add to Cart” to “Parked in Your Driveway.”
Whether it is your first time buying a car online or your tenth, these used car shipping tips will help you navigate the process of buying and shipping a car out of state with confidence and clarity.
