What Items Are You Actually Allowed to Leave in Your Car During Auto Transport?

Alright, let's talk about shipping your car. You're trying to figure out what you can leave inside. It's a common question. People think they can just load up their car like a moving truck. That's not how it works. And trying to do so can cause you headaches. Big ones. AMG Transport Co handles a lot of vehicle moves. We've seen it all. Here's the straight talk on what's allowed and what's not.

The Short Answer: Not Much

Most auto transport carriers, and by extension, your auto transport broker, have strict rules. These rules aren't there to annoy you. They're about safety, liability, and keeping your vehicle, and potentially other vehicles, undamaged. Your insurance and the carrier's insurance are on the line. Don't mess with that.

Why the Strict Rules?

Think about it. Your car is going on a truck. It will be moving, shaking, and possibly even driving onto ramps. Loose items become projectiles. They can break windows. They can damage interiors. They can injure staff. Worse, they can shift weight. That's a real problem for the truck driver. Their job is already dangerous enough. That's why they rely on brokers like us to handle these details. Carriers don't want to deal with people and their problems. We do.

Also, your personal belongings aren't covered by the carrier's insurance. Period. If that antique vase you "forgot" in the trunk shatters, nobody is paying for it. That's on you. Your homeowner's insurance might cover it, but don't count on it. Check your policy if you're taking the risk.

What You Might Be Able to Leave (With Conditions)

Some carriers are a bit more flexible. A bit. But always, and I mean always, confirm with your auto transport broker first. We will confirm with the carrier handling your specific transport. We coordinate that. AMG Transport Co works with a network of vetted, insured carriers. We know their policies inside and out.

• Light Personal Items (Up to 100 lbs): Some carriers will allow a small amount of soft personal items. Think a duffel bag of clothes in the trunk. This means no electronics, no valuables, no breakables, no documents, no weapons, no perishables. It must be in the trunk or secured below the window line. There's usually a weight limit, typically around 100 pounds. Even then, these items are NOT insured. Consider them gone if anything happens. Don't say we didn't warn you.

• Secured Child Car Seats: These are usually fine if they're properly installed. Again, confirm this. They're technically part of the vehicle's safety equipment once installed.

• Vehicle Accessories: Things that are permanently installed or directly related to the car's function are generally okay. Think spare tires, jack sets, floor mats. These things belong in the car.

What You ABSOLUTELY CANNOT Leave

This list is non-negotiable. Any of these items can lead to delays, fines, or rejection of your vehicle at pickup. Nobody wants that. Especially not when you're coordinating a multi-car transport for families relocating to Florida ship car from Texas, or you need to ship a car from Houston to Los Angeles.

• Electronics and Valuables: Laptops, tablets, cameras, jewelry, cash. These are targets for theft. They're not insured. Get them out.
• Important Documents: Passports, birth certificates, deeds. If they get lost or stolen, you're looking at a major headache. Carry them with you.
• Firearms, Ammunition, and Flammables: This should be obvious. Federal law prohibits these items. No exceptions. This includes paints, aerosols, propane tanks, and fuel containers.
• Perishables: Food, plants, anything that can spoil, attract pests, or leak. Leave it out. You'll regret it if you don't.
• Hazardous Materials: Chemicals, cleaning supplies, anything labeled "hazardous." Don't even think about it.
• Loose Items in the Cabin: Anything that can roll around, slide, or become a projectile. If it's not strapped down and part of the car, take it out. This includes tools on seats, open boxes of anything, and general clutter.

Why Do Carriers Care So Much?

It boils down to legal liability and plain old common sense. If a carrier allows hazardous materials, they risk serious fines and even loss of operating authority. If your loose toolbox busts a window on the next car over on an enclosed auto transport for luxury cars, who's paying for it? The carrier. They're not willing to take that risk. We serve as a buffer to keep rates reasonable by minimizing these risks.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Transport

Beyond just clearing out personal items, there are a few other steps. These ensure a smooth pickup and delivery, whether you're looking for open car carrier transport cost or considering enclosed carrier benefits for exotic cars.

1. Clean Your Car: A clean car means any pre-existing damage is easy to spot and document. This is crucial for your VIN scans at pickup. AMG Transport Co makes sure our carriers perform thorough inspections. This helps protect you if there are any claims down the road.

2. Check Fluid Levels: Make sure your engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid are topped off. But don't top off the fuel tank. A quarter tank, or less, is usually sufficient. It reduces weight and fire risk. We'll tell you how much is acceptable for your specific transport.

3. Tire Pressure: Make sure tires are properly inflated. This prevents flat spots during transport and ensures the car can be easily loaded and unloaded.

4. Remove Aftermarket Accessories: Anything not factory installed, like bike racks, roof racks, or custom spoilers, should be removed if there's any chance of damage or if they exceed the vehicle's dimensions. If you're unsure, ask your auto transport broker in Texas.

5. Remove Toll Tags/EZ-Pass: You don't want unexpected charges from tolls across the country. Plus, they can fall off.

6. Deactivate Alarms: Make sure your car alarm isn't going to accidentally go off during transit. Provide clear instructions to the driver if it's tricky to disarm.

What if I'm Shipping a Non-Running Vehicle?

This is a different beast entirely. Shipping a non-running vehicle what to know is critical. You definitely can't leave anything in there that could interfere with its loading or securing. The transport company needs clear access to tow points. And remember, non-runners often cost more to ship because they require special equipment like winches.

The AMG Transport Co. Difference

Navigating auto transport can feel like a minefield. That's why an experienced car shipping broker you can trust is invaluable. We, at AMG Transport Co, are your guiding light in this industry. We handle the frontend sales, the coordinating, and the backend systems. All the stuff carriers don't want to do. Because our parent company, AMG Endeavors, is a carrier, we understand both sides of the coin.

We provide honest quotes without hidden fees. We work with carriers who are invested in taking care of you, our clients. We tell you exactly what to expect, from 72-hour pickup windows to what affects car shipping cost per mile. You get transparent pricing, secure Stripe deposits, and clear communication. Whether you need nationwide vehicle shipping door to door or vehicle transport Texas to California, we make it happen.

Don't get stuck dealing with carriers directly who might overcharge or have unreliable service. Let us handle the complexities. It's almost required to work with a good broker, and we're the best auto transport company for out-of-state moves. We keep things professional, and we get the job done right.

Ready to get your vehicle moved without the headaches?

Get a free, no-obligation quote today.

Written by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.