When you decide to take the plunge and move from Los Angeles to a new country, you need to figure out what to do with your personal assets. While smaller items are relatively easy to store, your car can require a little more consideration. After all, you may need it for travel while abroad, but it may make more sense to store or sell it. Before you book a plane ticket and sign a lease, make sure you know what to do with your car. Keep reading to see the pluses and minuses of shipping, selling, or storing your car when moving abroad from Los Angeles.
Research Shipping Expenses
Shipping your car gives you instant access to transportation when you move abroad. But don’t expect the process to be cheap. How big your vehicle is and where it’s going will impact the cost.
Further, your chosen shipping method can also have a big effect. And not every shipping method offers the same level of protection for your vehicle, particularly during bad weather. When you’re already busy packing for an international move, you’ll need to budget some time to research your options.
For the most cost-effective option, the roll-on/roll-off shipping method may make sense. Your car will be placed on a cargo ship to be transported abroad. As a downside, your car will be vulnerable to stormy weather.
With container shipping, your car will be protected in a steel container. As a bonus, you can store some belongings in your car. But this option tends to be a little more expensive. Keep in mind that any shipping selections may come with insurance, handling fees, and additional transportation costs.
Gather a few estimates from shipping companies with strong reviews. Get itemized breakdowns of fees so you know what’s included. You may need to cover fuel surcharges and agent fees, for instance. Understand if your car meets the requirements for the country you’re entering, too, so you can operate it legally.
Assess Your Vehicle’s Status
When you’re moving abroad, not every vehicle should make the trip. It’s smart to assess your vehicle’s condition before deciding whether to ship it.
If you have a relatively new car with low mileage, shipping can be worth the cost. You may pay a few thousand dollars, so you want to be sure that the car will be a reliable source of transportation.
On the other hand, an older car with a lengthy repair record and high mileage could be a liability. Existing repair needs could become a costly burden overseas. And you may spend more money to ship the car than it’s actually worth.
Instead of taking a gamble with your budget, research comparable cars in Los Angeles. These would be vehicles that are the same make and model, and with similar mileage.
Factor in any payments you need to make for your car, plus potential repair needs. You’ll gain a better understanding of what you could reasonably expect to earn from a sale. And you may find that shipping your car is the best option.
Consider Selling an Older Car
Owning an older car means you may want to sell it. Paying to ship or store a car with high mileage or questionable reliability can be expensive. Instead, look into selling your car locally.
An older car could find new life with someone else if it runs well. You can try listing your car on online sales platforms. Disclose all details to ensure an honest and fair listing.
But if your car has significant damage or can’t start, you should consider a salvage buyer, like CashForCars. They will purchase any type of vehicle, and they can provide an offer within 24 hours if you reach out via their online contact form.
With any sale of a junk car, review the terms first. Know how pickup will be handled, and know how quickly the transaction can happen. If you’re moving on a fast timeline, you can’t afford to wait to unload your car.
Time Your Sale Carefully
Don’t leave your car sale until the very last minute. Instead, get an early start so you can avoid packing too much into your last few days in Los Angeles. After all, you never know how long it will take to gather key documents or coordinate towing.
Make sure you have all details related to your vehicle’s ownership and maintenance history. Get the title and registration. And abide by California rules when you initiate an ownership transfer.
Verify how and when you will receive payment. Consider going with cash rather than personal checks to err on the safe side. Tackling these logistical details ahead of time can save you from stress later as moving day approaches.
Compare Options for Your Car
Don’t make a hasty decision when it comes to your car before moving abroad. While a car might have been essential in Los Angeles, it may not be worth the cost of shipping it to a new country. Even if your car is in rough shape, you may be able to sell it for cash quickly.
Consider your car’s age and condition before doing anything. And gather quotes from shipping companies for a more comprehensive picture of your options. With a patient approach, you can make the right decision for your car before you make your big move.
