Safety Tips for Vehicle Transport
Important guidelines to ensure a safe and secure transport experience for your vehicle
Why Accurate Vehicle Information Matters
The Risk of Overweight Vehicles
Transport providers are licensed and insured only for vehicles up to a specific weight. If a vehicle exceeds this limit:
- ⚠The provider becomes uninsured for that job
- ⚠They cannot legally operate without proper licensing
- ⚠In case of accident, there is no insurance coverage
- ⚠Your vehicle isn't properly protected
- ⚠Transport trucks over their Gross vehicle payload causing serious safety issues
What Can You Provide To Help
- Exact vehicle kerb weight (We provide this if using our Registration lookup function)
- Accurate vehicle condition and specifications
- Clear photos showing vehicle condition
- Be vigilant with your vehicle kerb weight vs providers available payload
Remember: Accurate information protects both you and the transporter. It ensures your vehicle is transported legally, safely, and with proper insurance coverage at all times.
Before Accepting a Bid
- →Check Insurance Details: Verify that the provider has active, comprehensive transport insurance (GIT or Road Risk cover). Verified details can be viewed on provider profiles
- →Verify Weight Limits: Confirm that your vehicle's kerb weight is within the provider's license & vehicle weight capacity
- →Review Provider Profile: Check ratings, reviews, and years of experience
- →Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to message providers about any concerns
Payment Safety
- →Avoid Upfront Payments: Avoid paying the full amount upfront before the job is completed. Discuss final payment terms with your provider
- →Use Secure Methods: If Paying a deposit, pay via secure, traceable methods with payment protection
- →Partial Deposits Only: Do so with caution and only if necessary (Large Jobs). If a deposit is requested, it should be reasonable (typically 10-25% of the total)
- →Final Payment Upon Completion: Typically, the full quote amount should only be paid for when your vehicle has been safely delivered
Pre-Transport Vehicle Checks
- Mechanical Condition: Ensure your vehicle is mechanically sound and can be safely loaded and transported
- Loose Items: Remove or secure all loose items inside and outside the vehicle
- Document Condition: Take photos or videos of your vehicle before transport to document its condition
- Special Modifications: Disclose any modifications, repairs, or non-standard features that could affect transport
On Transport Day
- Inspect the transport vehicle for cleanliness and condition before loading
- Witness the loading process to ensure proper securing
- Confirm the provider has all necessary documentation and insurance papers
- Keep contact details and tracking information during transport
Before handing over your vehicle, take these 5 essential photos to document its condition. Each corner shot should capture the bumper, door, and alloy wheel together.
Driver's Side Front Corner
Capture the front bumper, front door, and front alloy wheel
Driver's Side Rear Corner
Capture the rear bumper, rear door, and rear alloy wheel
Passenger Side Rear Corner
Capture the rear bumper, rear door, and rear alloy wheel
Passenger Side Front Corner
Capture the front bumper, front door, and front alloy wheel
Interior from Driver's Door
Stand outside the open driver's door and photograph across the interior showing dashboard and controls
Pro tip: Take these photos with timestamps enabled on your camera or note the date and time. This provides clear evidence of your vehicle's condition before transport.
Exactly what happens when the driver arrives to collect your vehicle
1. Driver Call
Driver calls 1 hour before arrival.
2. The Walkaround
You and the driver inspect the car for existing scratches/damage. (Use our available inspection sheet if needed)
3. Photos
Take your 5 Golden Photos & Driver takes time-stamped photos.
4. Sign-off
You sign the Proof of Collection.
Live in a tight street, cul-de-sac, or have limited parking access? Large multi-car transporters often can't navigate narrow residential roads, low bridges, or weight-restricted streets. Here's what you need to know:
Meet & Greet Service
Arrange to meet the driver at the nearest main road or accessible location. The driver loads your vehicle there, avoiding the need to navigate tight streets. This is often the most practical and cost-effective solution.
Single Car Transporter
Request a smaller single-car transporter that can manoeuvre through narrow streets for true door-to-door service. This typically costs slightly more but offers maximum convenience for difficult access locations.
Important: Always mention any access restrictions when creating your listing. Include details about narrow roads, low bridges, height restrictions, or parking limitations. This helps providers quote accurately and plan the best approach for your location.
For sports car and supercar owners, the biggest concern isn't just "enclosed vs. open" transport—it's the angle of the loading ramp. Standard car transporters can have steep approach angles that risk scraping front splitters, side skirts, and low bumpers on high-value vehicles.
What to Look For in a Provider
Vehicles That Need Special Attention
Factory Sports Cars
Porsche GT cars, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, and similar exotics with factory ground clearance under 120mm require careful loading.
Aftermarket Splitters & Lips
Carbon fibre front splitters, diffusers, and side skirts are especially vulnerable. Even small contact can cause expensive damage.
Lowered Suspension
Coilovers, lowering springs, or air suspension in "slammed" mode significantly reduce ground clearance. Note your ride height when lowered.
Wide Body Kits
Extended wheel arches and wide body modifications may affect loading clearances on multi-car transporters.
What to Include in Your Listing
- Ground clearance: Measure from the lowest point (usually the splitter) to the ground in mm
- Aftermarket parts: List any splitters, diffusers, side skirts, or body kit components
- Suspension type: Note if you have adjustable suspension that can be raised for loading
- Special requirements: Request "low-approach ramps" or "tilt-bed trailer" specifically
Pro tip: If your car has adjustable suspension (air ride or adjustable coilovers), raise it to the maximum height before the driver arrives. This gives the maximum clearance for loading and avoids any last-minute surprises. Mention in your listing that the car can be raised for loading.
Most transport providers don't mind if you leave personal items in the vehicle, however some advise against leaving items in the vehicle during transport. Here's what you need to know:
Our recommendation: Whenever possible, remove all personal belongings before transport. This simplifies the process, avoids disputes, and ensures your vehicle can be transported without complications.
Download Your Free Inspection Sheet
Don't rely on the driver's memory. Download our free inspection sheet to mark down every scratch before your car leaves.
MotorMoves are dedicated to ensuring you get the best possible vehicle transport service and the best possible rates.