When you're moving a car from one place to another, one of the first things you might look at is the price. Many people quickly pick the cheapest quote they can find. It makes sense — who doesn't want to save money? But when it comes to shipping your car, the cheapest price isn't always the best deal. In fact, choosing the lowest car transport quote can sometimes lead to more problems than you expect.

In this post, we'll explore why a cheap car transport quote isn't always the right choice and what you should really look for when choosing a car shipping company.

1. What Does a Cheap Quote Mean?

A low shipping cost might look good on paper, but you should stop and ask: Why is it so low? Car shipping costs money for fuel, insurance, driver pay, and vehicle maintenance. If a company gives you a quote that's way below average, they might be cutting corners somewhere.

Sometimes, companies give cheap quotes just to get your attention. Once they have your booking, they might add surprise fees later. Or worse, they might not be able to find a carrier willing to take your car for such a low price, which means your car just sits there — not moving anywhere.

2. Low Prices Could Mean Low Quality

Good car carriers charge fair rates because they offer quality service. They take care of your vehicle, arrive on time, and keep you updated. If a company is offering a low shipping cost, it might mean:

  • Older or poorly maintained trucks
  • Untrained or less experienced drivers
  • Little or no customer service
  • Poor communication about pickup and delivery times

If your car is valuable — even just to you — these risks are not worth a few dollars saved.

3. Delays Are Common With Cheap Quotes

When a transport company posts your job for such a low rate, carriers may ignore it. Carriers usually choose the best-paying jobs first. That means your car might sit on a waiting list for days or even weeks.

Some companies may even cancel your booking altogether if they can't find a carrier who's willing to take your vehicle at the low price. This delay can ruin your moving plans or cause stress if you need the car by a certain date.

4. Hidden Fees Can Surprise You

Be careful: some companies offer a cheap quote upfront but sneak in extra fees later. These might include:

  • Charges for pickup or delivery to certain areas
  • Fuel surcharges
  • Insurance costs
  • Extra fees for large or inoperable vehicles

So, while the quote might look cheap at first, you could end up paying more than a company that was honest from the beginning.

5. Insurance and Safety Might Be Missing

A trusted car transport company will always have insurance in case your vehicle is damaged. But some of the cheaper options don't offer proper insurance, or they make it hard to file a claim if something goes wrong.

Also, companies that charge too little may not do safety checks or might rush the loading process. This raises the chances of your car getting scratched, dented, or worse.

6. You Get What You Pay For

Like most things in life, when it comes to car shipping, you often get what you pay for. A reliable company with professional drivers, insurance coverage, and good communication might cost a little more, but it's worth the peace of mind.

You'll know your car is in good hands, and you won't be left wondering where it is or whether it will arrive on time.

7. How to Choose the Right Car Shipping Company

Instead of just looking for the cheapest quote, here are some tips to help you choose a good company:

  • Read reviews: Check online reviews on websites like Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau.
  • Ask about insurance: Make sure the company offers full coverage and will help with claims if needed.
  • Look for clear pricing: A good company will be honest about the total cost, no surprise fees.
  • Check for experience: Choose a company that has been in the business for several years.
  • Get everything in writing: Always get your quote and service agreement in writing.

Saving money is great, but when it comes to moving your car, it's not just about the cheapest price. You're trusting someone with one of your most important belongings. The right company might not give an extremely low shipping cost, but they'll give you better service, fewer headaches, and more confidence that your car will arrive safely and on time.