Can I Ship My Car Overseas if It's not Paid Off?

Have you considered driving your car abroad? What's stopping you from making it come true and shipping your vehicle from country to country? Could it be that your vehicle hasn't paid off yet?

Shipping a car abroad is still possible even with an unpaid sedan loan.

It depends on where you want to deliver your car and why financing might not play into the equation.

In this post, we'll explain the essentials of moving an unpaid-for vehicle abroad. Keep reading to learn more.

How to Know if You Can Ship a Car You're Still Paying For

When dispatching a car that you're still paying for, it's essential to know that it's usually possible.

Still, results can vary depending on each country's Department of Transportation office, how you financed the car, and how much of the loan you have already paid.

To transport a vehicle that you are still paying back, you must have a copy of the lien, accompanying documents from the creditor, and the original registration.

If the lien holder wants to, they can refuse to let you drive the automobile, but if you're currently on your loan payments and in good standing with them, they should be willing to agree to the vehicle's transportation.

It is worth considering that when shipping a sedan, you're still paying for specific steps and documents that must be taken care of before any transportation can take place with auto-transporting companies.

Additionally, additional paperwork may be required depending on where you're shipping your vehicle from and to. To ensure everything goes smoothly, it's best to contact your lien holder before making any arrangements for transport.

Can I Export a Financed Car?

An overseas shipment of a financed vehicle is possible. But, since you won't be the vehicle's owner until you've completed the last payment, you will need their permission.

You must show proof of ownership to the shipping firm once you have received approval from your lender. For this purpose, a copy of your title or registration will suffice.

Also, you'll need to have the vehicle's insurance certificate and any other original paperwork that the nation you are delivering to may want. You may be required to pay additional export fees or taxes, too.

After these stages have been completed, your vehicle can be sent internationally.

What if I Don't Have Permission from My Lender?

Unless the lender gives you the go-ahead, you cannot deliver your car abroad. The vehicle is still under the lender's ownership until it is repaid, and only with their permission, may it be exported.

Additionally, you may face legal consequences if you attempt to export the vehicle without authorization.

Difficulties in Exporting a Financed Automobile Abroad

Shipping a financed vehicle overseas is far more complicated than domestic delivery. Even though most financial institutions won't permit international automobile transfers, it's still doable.

Consider taking a loan from a bank that allows international auto shipping if you anticipate moving shortly. This way, you can avoid complications when it's time to deliver your car abroad.

However, this option isn't available for those with leases or other financing agreements. The best action in this situation is to contact your bank and inquire about their policies regarding shipping a financed vehicle overseas.

Does a Financed Vehicle Need Insurance to be Delivered?

Yes, a financed car needs to be insured before being shipped overseas because the lender still holds the title to the vehicle until it's paid off in full.

You'll need to provide proof from the insurance company for the vehicle and any other necessary original documentation required by the country you are delivering to.

This is done because the car's original lender still owns it and wants to ensure that it's protected from theft or damage.

Furthermore, most lenders require that vehicles they finance have comprehensive insurance coverage to protect their investments.

This implies that even if you're not driving the ride and it's parked at home, you must still make your payments and preserve proper insurance coverage.

If you don't, your lender may impose penalties, including possible vehicle repossession.

Therefore, it's crucial to ensure you keep up with all of your payments and maintain adequate insurance coverage on any financed vehicles.

How a Transport Company Can Help

Navigating the process of transporting motor vehicles, especially leased ones or ones still on loan, can be challenging. This is where a trusted auto transport company comes in handy.

If the vehicle isn't yet paid off, they'll have professionals on board who are familiar with the documentation required for transporting. It's best to get in touch with reliable auto transport services if you have any queries or concerns you need clarification on or to help you prepare the documents for the shipping process,

The transport company will also be able to provide you with the necessary paperwork and have all the relevant documentation ready for shipment.

This contains any further paperwork needed, such as proof of insurance coverage, as well as a bill of lading, a record that lists the car's origin and destination. Here, you could be asked for a copy of the lien to ensure that you have the necessary permission to take the vehicle overseas.

Summary

You need to obtain a lien release from the finance company that holds the title and send that document along with the rest of your logistics paperwork before transferring a car overseas that is not paid off.

A-1 Auto Transport has experience transporting all vehicles domestically and internationally, from boats to heavy equipment and everything else in between. We offer insurance coverage and door-to-door delivery options to make the delivery process as stress-free as possible.

Provided you have the necessary documents and permission, we can even ship your car overseas when it's unpaid.

Start the dispatching process by securing your free quote today.