VEHICLE TRANSPORT GUIDE

Vehicle Transport Preparation Checklist: Before Collection

Quick answer: Before vehicle collection, confirm the booking and addresses, remove valuables, photograph the car, check tyres and fluids, leave only the agreed fuel or charge level, secure loose parts, prepare keys and documents, and tell the transporter about faults or access restrictions.

Why preparation matters

Good preparation reduces loading delays, prevents avoidable disputes and helps the transporter bring suitable equipment. The checklist differs slightly for a running road car, an auction purchase, an electric vehicle and a damaged non-runner, so disclose the real condition before collection day.

1. Confirm the booking details

Collection and delivery addresses and postcodes

Names and phone numbers for both contacts

Collection date or agreed time window

Vehicle registration, make, model and colour

Transport method and quoted price

Payment arrangements and any booking reference

Special instructions, opening hours or release details

Tell the transporter immediately if the vehicle, address or collection time changes. A different model or condition can affect load capacity and equipment.

2. Check access for the transporter

Recovery trucks and multi-car transporters need more room than a normal car. Check for narrow roads, low bridges, weight restrictions, height barriers, controlled parking, soft ground, steep slopes and tight turns. Arrange a safe alternative loading point if necessary—but do not plan to drive an untaxed, uninsured or unroadworthy vehicle on the public road.

3. Remove personal belongings

Remove valuables, documents, electronics, toll devices, loose accessories and anything that could move during transit. Personal items are not automatically covered by the transporter’s goods-in-transit policy and can add weight or obstruct inspection.

If the transporter allows limited items inside the vehicle, obtain written agreement and secure them as instructed. Never leave prohibited, dangerous or leaking materials.

4. Photograph the vehicle

Take clear images of all four sides.

Photograph the roof, wheels and glass.

Record existing scratches, dents and cracked trim.

Capture the dashboard mileage and warning lights.

Use daylight where possible and keep original files.

Repeat the inspection at delivery before signing completion. Time-stamped photographs help both parties distinguish pre-existing condition from transit damage.

5. Check tyres, steering and brakes

Inflate tyres to a safe level where possible and tell the driver about punctures, locked wheels, seized brakes or damaged steering. Make sure the handbrake can be released. These issues can change a straightforward collection into a specialist recovery.

If the car does not run, follow our non-runner car transport guide.

6. Check fluids and leaks

Look for fuel, oil, coolant, brake-fluid and battery leaks. Tell the transporter about any leak before arrival. Do not start an unsafe vehicle merely to test it, and never work underneath a vehicle without proper equipment and competence.

7. Use an appropriate fuel or battery level

Avoid a completely full fuel tank unless the transporter requests it; extra fuel adds weight. Leave enough for necessary loading movements if the vehicle is running. For an electric vehicle, agree the required state of charge and provide charging cables only if requested. Tell the operator if the EV cannot select neutral or has a flat traction battery.

8. Secure loose parts and modifications

Fold mirrors where appropriate.

Remove or secure aerials and detachable accessories.

Close windows, roof panels and convertible tops.

Secure loose bumpers, trim and undertrays.

Disclose lowered suspension, wide bodywork or low ground clearance.

Tell the driver about immobilisers, alarms and unusual controls.

9. Prepare keys and documents

Have the vehicle key, wheel-locking key and any required collection authority ready. For auction collection, provide the current release information and lot or stock reference. Do not leave original personal documents in the glovebox unless they are specifically required and securely handed over.

10. Check MOT, tax and insurance status

Tell the transporter if the car is SORN, untaxed, uninsured or without a valid MOT. A vehicle can normally be carried on a truck or trailer, but it must not be driven on the public road unless all relevant legal requirements or a genuine limited exception are satisfied. Read our guide to transporting without MOT or tax.

Collection-day handover

Confirm the driver and vehicle match the booking.

Walk around the vehicle together where practical.

Share known faults and loading instructions.

Record mileage, condition and key handover.

Confirm the delivery contact and access.

Keep messages and agreed changes in writing.

Delivery-day checks

Inspect the vehicle before the transporter leaves. Compare it with the collection photographs, check visible panels and wheels, confirm the keys and agreed documents were returned, and record any concern immediately. Follow the booking terms and the transporter’s claims procedure rather than delaying a report.

Special cases

Auction vehicles

Confirm payment, release status, location, opening arrangements and buyer references. See our BCA collection guide and Copart collection guide.

Classic, luxury and modified vehicles

Discuss ground clearance, tyre width, alarm systems, transport method and the level of cover. Enclosed transport may be worth considering for high-value or exposure-sensitive cars.

Non-runners and damaged vehicles

Provide photographs and precise details about rolling, steering, braking, tyres, suspension and loose parts. Confirm the driver has the required winch or recovery equipment.

Book vehicle transport

MotorMova allows you to post the move once and compare offers from independent UK transporters. Accurate preparation details help operators quote correctly and reduce collection-day surprises. Request vehicle transport quotes.

Printable quick checklist

Booking, contacts and addresses confirmed

Access checked

Personal belongings removed

Condition photographs taken

Tyres, steering and brakes disclosed

Leaks checked

Fuel or charge level agreed

Loose parts secured

Keys and release documents ready

MOT, tax, insurance and running status disclosed

Compare vehicle transport offers

Post your vehicle movement once, compare available transporter offers and choose the option that fits your timing and requirements.