Is it ok to ship a car with non-working brakes? One might wonder about the matter. The question seems simple to some people but answering it isn’t easy. A vehicle with brakes that do not work can cause challenges for the vehicle and the transport company. Consider what you should anticipate.
This article will discuss reasons behind why you may need to ship a car with bad brakes, the risks that are involved when shipping a car with bad brakes, and what you can do to make sure that you are loading and shipping your car safely and effectively. The information contained here will be useful if you are in the process of shipping a car that has bad brakes or other issues. Automobile Shippingcan help you with all your car shipping needs in a safe, and professional manner.
Why Shipping a Car with Non-Working Brakes Is a Concern
It is dangerous for a vehicle with non-working brakes driven to any destination, whether by local or overland transport, or by sea in overseas transport, for the safety of the vehicle, the driver, and other road users. Reasons the brakes should unrepaired:
Difficulty in Loading and Unloading
Vehicles with inoperative brakes are a problem at loading and unloading points. Transport companies that load their vehicles onto or off of a carrier via a ramp need vehicle brakes to help the driver maneuver them into the correct position. Brake failure makes finding a safe stop difficult and a crash or vehicle damage is possible.
Increased Risk During Transit
Failure to adequately secure a car on a trailer may allow it to roll or shift position on the transport if cornering is undertaken aggressively or an emergency stop is made. Faulty brakes may also damage the car and/or other cars carried on the transport. Additionally, for the vehicle if it restrained or controlled, the driver may endangered.
Legal and Insurance Concerns
For these reasons, transport companies are required to ensure that their vehicles are kept in a state of roadworthiness, therefore a vehicle with defective brakes would not be acceptable.This would put risks on both the shipper and the transport company for the vehicle being transported. Insurance coverage would also be lost. Most providers cover a non-operable vehicle unless the policy is specifically structured to include the vehicle.
What Are the Options for Shipping a Car with Non-Working Brakes?
Shipping a vehicle with brakes that don’t work is possible despite the fact that it is not ideal, with the right precautions and arrangements. Take a look at your options for shipping a vehicle with brakes that don’t work in transit.
Open Transport with Special Handling
By far the most common and economical means of transport for the car without operable brakes is open transport, although such a vehicle would require:
To allow the car loaded or unloaded onto the carrier, the car winched rather than rolling off the car’s own brake. You may want to do a thorough condition report that states that the brakes don’t work.
Also, you may have to secure the car to the transport truck with additional straps, so that it cannot move during transport.
Enclosed Transport
For vehicle damage or special care requirements, enclosed transport is worth consideration. It is a process with vehicle movement inside a sealed container. Although more expensive, it lowers the risk of damage from the weather, debris on the road, or shifting.
Non-Running Vehicle Transport
There are companies that will pay a flat rate for non-running cars. If your vehicle has no brakes, and will not start or roll, this may be an option. Transport companies may also specialize in moving vehicles that driven or operated under their own power. Examples include:
- Loading and securing the car using a specialized tow truck.
- Winching the vehicle free from its position.
This ensures your vehicle is handled with care and people properly equip for the safe and efficient transport of your vehicle.
How to Prepare a Car with Non-Working Brakes for Shipping
If your vehicle’s brakes fail to function, you can still ship your car. You need to take the steps to prepare your vehicle for transport. Below we review how you can do this.
Notify the Shipping Company
If there are any problems with the condition of your car (particularly that the brakes don’t work) alert the shipping company as they need to know this to have the right equipment and time available to load it onto the ship.
Document the Condition
Before taking possession, check that you are satisfied with the cleanliness inside the vehicle and make sure that there are no scratches or dents. If possible, take photos of the vehicle from several angles for reference and make note of any damage. This documentation is useful in case of any shipping damage disputes.
Remove Personal Items
Remove personal property from your vehicle. This helps avoid loss or damage during transit. This also helps reduce the overall weight of your vehicle. This improves handling and helps secure your vehicle.
Ensure Accessibility
Remember to make sure there is access to the transport truck. When the truck will not fit near the location because of a small street or driveway, the truck can meet at a park or shopping center nearby for loading.
Consider Additional Insurance
On the other hand, if your car is not in working condition and damaged during shipment (for example, if your car has no brakes) you may want to purchase the additional insurance for peace of mind that you are cover for damage.
What Happens If You Try to Ship Without Addressing the Non-Working Brakes?
Shipping a car with non-working brakes, without precautions, may cause several different problems:
- Higher risk of damage to the vehicle or others.
- Delays in shipment if the vehicle loaded at the port in question.
- Insurance issues exist because many plans do not cover a vehicle that is not operable.
Contact the transport company to check that appropriate safety precautions taken before departure if it is possible.
Shipping a Car with Non-Working Brakes
In short, it is possible to ship a car even with non-working brakes. If you choose to transport openly, transport in an enclosed manner, or not drive, tell the shipping company about the vehicle’s non-working brakes to make sure that the shipping company prepares fully for the car’s condition and ships it safely and securely.
At Automobile Shipping we can ship any car in any condition. Whether you need to ship a car with non-working brakes or a vehicle with other issues, we can help. Your vehicle treated with the proper equipment.
