How to Prepare Your Car for Car Transport to Another City

Moving your car to another city by carrier saves you a long drive, fuel and tolls. A little preparation before handover makes the process smoother and helps you check your car properly at delivery. Here is what to do before your car is loaded.

1. Keep Your Documents Ready

• Registration certificate (RC) — a copy goes with the car, keep the original with you.
• Car insurance policy — a copy for the transport papers.
• Your ID proof and address proof.
• Pollution certificate, if asked.

Ask your moving company for a written vehicle condition report at pickup, and keep a copy.

2. Wash the Car and Take Photos

A clean car makes it easy to see existing scratches and dents. Before handover:

• Wash the car a day before pickup.
• Take clear, dated photos from all sides, plus the roof, bumpers, wheels and interior.
• Note the odometer reading and fuel level in a photo.
• Point out existing marks to the team so they are written on the condition report.

3. Remove Personal Belongings

• Take out documents, cash, sunglasses, chargers and electronics.
• Remove loose items from the boot and the seats.
• Remove detachable accessories such as a roof carrier, bike rack or dashboard camera.
• Do not use the car to carry household goods — it adds weight and risk.

4. Check the Car Mechanically

• Keep the fuel tank at about a quarter — enough for loading and unloading, not more.
• Check tyre pressure, including the spare.
• Make sure the battery is charged and the car starts easily.
• Look for any fluid leaks and tell the team if there are any.
• Switch off the car alarm, or tell the team how to turn it off.

5. Fold Mirrors and Secure Loose Parts

• Fold the side mirrors.
• Lower or remove the antenna if it is not fixed.
• Close all windows and the sunroof fully.

6. Hand Over Keys and Confirm Details

• Hand over one set of keys and keep the spare set yourself.
• Confirm the delivery address and the name and phone number of the person receiving the car.
• Confirm the agreed pickup and delivery dates in writing.

7. Check the Car at Delivery

• Check the car in daylight if possible, using your pickup photos.
• Compare the odometer reading.
• Note any new damage on the delivery receipt before signing, and take photos.
• Report any problem to the moving company in writing quickly — at Century Packers and Movers, within 24 hours of delivery.

About Insurance

Your own car insurance policy may or may not cover transport on a carrier — ask your insurer. Transit insurance is not included in our services, so if you want extra cover for the journey, arrange it with an insurance company before pickup.

Car and Bike Transport With Us

Century Packers and Movers moves cars and bikes from the Tricity to cities across India, with careful loading and door-to-door delivery. In some cities our partner companies help at the pickup or delivery end, and we stay responsible for your vehicle throughout. See our vehicle transport service or ask for a free quote.