It isn’t uncommon for individuals to not want to bid their vehicles farewell when moving abroad. Yet, more often than not, with a heavy heart, they must.
That’s a strong word: must. It would be incorrect to say one must abandon their vehicle. Luxury car exporters ship out cars all the time… and so can you. Whether for business or personal reasons, if you wish to export your car to another country, it is possible. However, you must prepare your car for the journey, so allow us to share how you can do that.
Get Your Paperwork Sorted
See, nobody likes paperwork, and that’s why most people run into trouble with it. It is understandable, as different countries have different rules, and keeping track of everything can be overwhelming. Yet, you must, as missing a single document can hold up the entire process.
In the UK, you’ll need to first notify the DVLA that the car is being exported by filling out the V5C/4 “Permanent Export” section of your logbook. Why is this important? Well, without this, the government considers your car to still be registered in the UK, meaning you’ll have to keep paying taxes, and insurance, and they may even issue a fine for not notifying them of the export. It will also cause complications with future ownership, so best to get everything done right from the get-go.
If this sounds like a bureaucratic nightmare, you’re not particularly wrong. Luxury car exporters like GVE London can be a lifesaver here, as going through this entire ordeal is a part of their job and they know their way around this maze.
Choose the Right Shipping Method
Some questions have a right answer, some don’t. When it comes to shipping methods, the right answers depend on what kind of car we’re dealing with.
Primarily speaking, there are three options we can choose from:
- Container Shipping
- Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo)
- Air Freight
All high-end vehicles use Containership shipping as it is the safest option. Your car is secured inside a sealed container, protecting it from bad characters and the elements alike. Air Freight is also safe, and ridiculously fast, but ridiculously expensive. However, if the sands of time are almost at an end, and you need to hurry, this is arguably the best and only viable option.
Preparing Your Car Before Shipping
As the popular saying about a Justice League character goes, anything can be done with enough prep time. Once the logistics are all sorted out, it is time to get your car physically ready for export.
However, before we begin, the guidelines we’ve provided are generalised to a major extent. Every country is different. Some are stricter than others, so make sure to research the rules and regulations for your destination. However, the following tips do apply no matter where you’re headed:
Give It a Thorough Clean
First off, nobody likes a dirty car. Secondly, and more importantly, dirt and debris can cause damage during transit. A spotless car is easier for the inspection officers to check before and after shipping.
Certain countries are extremely sensitive about foreign particles entering their land. New Zealand is a prime example. Their ecosystem is unique, and they do not let any contaminants that could mess up the ecosystem enter their land’s soil, and rightly so. Even minor dirt on the tyres could lead to quarantine and cleaning fees, or even rejection in certain scenarios.
Document Everything
Put that phone to good use and take photographs and videos of every corner of your car from every angle, including close-up shots of the wheels, bumpers, undercarriage, engine, etc. This will provide you with ample evidence of your car’s condition in case it is damaged during transit. This will make getting an insurance claim, which you must get, a fairly easy task.
Get Insurance
Most shipping companies do offer basic insurance by default, but it hardly ever covers the full value of high-end vehicles. Luxury car exporters do offer a better insurance plan though.
However, if you’re handling things on your own, a proper marine transit insurance policy must be taken that covers:
- Door-to-door transport (not just port-to-port)
- Storage at both ends (if the car needs to sit in a warehouse)
- Full replacement value in case of total loss
It may seem like extra cash that you must shell out, but it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind and one of those things you don’t need… till you do.
Remove Personal Items
Anything left in the car—chargers, sunglasses, even paperwork—could be lost or damaged. Most shippers won’t insure personal items, so it’s best to take everything out. Leave the jack, spare tyre and emergency kit inside, though.
Check for Leaks and Mechanical Issues
This should go without saying: when you’re preparing a luxury car to export, it ought not to have any sort of mechanical issues, especially leaks. So, make sure the car is in proper condition beforehand before handing over the keys. Shipping companies will reject your car if any part of it is leaking.
Keep the Fuel Tank Level Just Right
Too much increases weight, too little might not be enough for loading and unloading. The ideal amount is a quarter of a tank.
Disable the Alarm
If the alarm goes off mid-transport, not only will it drive the ship members absolutely insane, but it will drain the battery. So, it’s best to turn it off beforehand.
Install a Tracker
Whilst a shipping company does provide you with details about the current position of your vehicle, it never hurts to equip it with a luxury car tracker of your own.
Conclusion
Exporting a luxury car isn’t a job done overnight; it requires time and planning. Getting everything in order is mandatory to ensure your car’s safety and save yourself from any surprises, legally or financially. In a nutshell, here’s what you need to do:
- Get your paperwork in order
- Choose the safest shipping method
- Prep your car properly
- Know the import rules at your destination
- Make sure you’re fully insured
If all of it feels a bit too much, working with a professional luxury car exporter can take a huge load off your shoulders.
