How to Transport a Car that Doesn’t Run to and from Hawaii

How to Transport a Car that Doesn’t Run to and from Hawaii

You might have purchased a lemon car that needs some love. Maybe you have a jalopy that’s loaded with sentimental value and you want to restore it. Or, you simply need to get your vehicle repaired for a minor issue. Nonetheless, you know that your Non-operational vehicle needs to be transported and you’re looking for reliable options.

First, let’s get over a quick briefing to make sure you’re on the right track.

What is considered an inoperable car?

A non-running or inoperable vehicle is determined when the vehicle is not able to be operated on the road.

What are some common causes that classify it to be non-running?

• Flat or missing tire

• Broken windows or windshield

• Missing engine

• Missing battery

• Broken transmission

• Broken driveshaft

• Missing or outdated license plates or other necessary documentation

• Evidence of fire damage

• Any obvious signs of having been abandoned (e.g: filled with garbage, excessive rust)

The list could definitely be longer but I think you get the point; anything prohibiting it from being driven on the road is considered inoperable.

General knowledge about inoperable vehicles you should know

You need to be clear about your intentions regarding the vehicle. There are some states that do not permit you to store the vehicles if it’s seen as an eyesore, especially in public areas.

In addition, it’s not only about what’s unsightly. Some of the issues it garners vermin, toxic chemicals (which must be properly disposed of), and people who might want to strip it or use it for their personal use.

If it’s in an urban location, it might occupy parking space. Addedly, kids might play around it which could potentially be dangerous for them, especially if it’s deteriorating.

Nonetheless, if you’re intention is to repair or restore it, it’s best to get coverage for it. In fact, in most states, if you have it registered you must have it insured. Talk to your insurance company for any available options and the storage requirements mentioned in the policy. You’ll likely hear about comprehensive insurance (also known as comp-insurance); it covers non-accidental damages such as fire, theft, vandalism, and weather damage.

Now that we’re clear on the basics of non-running automobiles, you’re now ready for what you came for.

The first thing you need to know is that not all Car shippers transport companies can accommodate your non-running vehicle for a means of safe transport; the carrier selected must have the proper equipment.

It’s fundamental to clarify to your Car shippers transport coordinator the reason why it’s non-running; including the dimensions of the vehicle and any modifications that it has. These details define how the vehicle will be transported and the accurate pricing of your land and maritime shipping.

To prepare your non-running vehicle, be sure it:

• • • Is clean

    • Doesn’t leak

    • Has all four wheels

    • Rolls, brakes, and steers

    • Is dropped off with a notarized letter giving the carrier company permission to drop it at the port (if the owner of the vehicle won’t be able to do it themself)

As for the information that you’ll need to share, you must state:

• your VIN number (you can find this on your vehicle registration certificate or usually someone on your dashboard)

• the registration plate and the state it’s from

• the color of the vehicle

• an authorization letter (if you have a lien in your paperwork or if the vehicle is not under your name). This is ONLY required when shipping vehicles from Hawaii to the Mainland.

Shipping a non-running car or in-operable vehicles to and from Hawaii 

As previously mentioned, if the vehicle rolls, brakes, steers, doesn’t leak, and has all 4 wheels, it is a feasible car shipment.

However, what happens if your pickup/delivery location on Mainland is not near the port (in San Diego)? You’ll need land transport with one of our partners (car carriers) who has the proper equipment to conveniently transport it to or from your location. If you have any questions related to Hawaii car shipping, click here for more detail.

Regardless of the type of shipment, your Car shippers coordinator will assign, it’s important to share any unusual quirks about the vehicle. You’ll want to avoid trouble resulting in a waste of time and possibly more resources. In the end, it’s about working as a team to make sure the experience goes as smoothly as possible.

Are you looking to work with a reliable transport company that can help you ship your inoperable car to or from Hawaii? Fill out the quote below to get started!