The average cost of an exotic car in the U.S. typically starts from $100,000 to $400,000 in 2025, reflecting its exclusivity, value, and the need for extra protection during shipping. Exotic car transport services offer this extra care and protection to your vehicle while in transit, perfectly justifying the money they charge.
Learn in this guide how exotic car transport differs from regular auto shipping.
How Exotic Car Transport is Different From Standard Auto Shipping?
Exotic car shipping differs from the standard auto transport in the use of specialized enclosed trailers, loading and unloading tools, higher insurance coverage, experience and specialized training for the drivers, and tailored services.
Let’s discuss all of these factors in detail to learn how high-end vehicle transport is different from regular transport.
Extra Protection with Specialized Enclosed Trailers
It’s very common for a car in transit to experience damage like dents, minor scratches, paint damage, or storm damage. However, you definitely don’t want this for your exotic car. According to an automotive repair business, a medium-sized dent on a car can cost around $500-$1,500 including paint repairs.
But that’s just an estimate for a standard car. The cost increases with the value of the car and it’s especially very high for the luxury or exotic cars. Therefore, to avoid such damage, specialized enclosed trailers are used. These trailers are more advanced than the standard enclosed trailers.
For instance, these have features like hydraulic lift gates or race ramps, and a padded interior to prevent any scratches and dents. Not just that, enclosed exotic car transport also uses a GPS tracking system to help track your valuable cars at any time while they’re in transit. Plus, these trucks use a high-security locking system to protect your car from robbery or damage.
Tip: If you don’t want to rely on a car broker’s tracking capabilities, you can get the carrier’s phone number and get live updates from time to time that way. Some people even place their own apple tag into their vehicles to keep an eye on things.
Specialized Loading and Unloading Tools
Loading and unloading your vehicle while shipping is undoubtedly the riskiest part of car transport. There’s a high chance your vehicle can get damaged during this part, however, not with the luxury car shipping services.
These services offer specialized handling and loading/unloading equipment for the safe shipping of your exotic cars. For example, unlike regular shipping, where large ramps are used to load or unload the car onto the carrier, exotic car shipping services use hydraulic lift gates.
These help with the safe loading and unloading of the vehicle onto the trailer without steep angles. It’s especially good for cars with low ground clearance, such as sports cars or custom models. Moreover, securing mechanisms in exotic auto transport are also different. Instead of securing the car by its frame, straps and wheel nets are used to avoid damaging the exterior body of the car.
Higher Insurance Coverage
Unlike regular auto shipping, luxury car shipping services offer higher insurance coverage, providing you with the peace of mind that your car is protected. For instance, most exotic car shipping services in the U.S. offer a base amount of around $500,000.
And you can also buy more coverage according to the value of your car (up $2 million). This ensures your investment is fully protected in case of theft or damage. But always verify coverage amount specifically dedicated for each car because most carriers divide that total amount across all cars being shipped.
Experienced Drivers with Training
Exotic car shipping services offer white glove treatment for your valuable cars. You’re given drivers with Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), those who know how to handle luxury car shipments, and they’re experienced enough to deal with the unique challenges.
They will ensure the safety of your vehicle under all circumstances and offer expedited shipping with knowledge of multiple routes. In exotic car shipping, the drivers are well-trained to load and unload your luxury cars, secure them safely, and monitor them through the entire trip.
Cost of Transport
Shipping a luxury car or a collectible is comparatively more expensive than shipping a regular sedan. For example, the shipping cost for a Ferrari can start from $800 for 500 miles, and it can go up to tens of thousands of dollars depending on the services you take and the expedited delivery. Not to mention, if you go for air freight exotic car shipping, then the prices will be even higher.
But it’s nothing in exchange for the peace of mind and protection luxury car transport offers. You’ll receive your car just in time, in the same condition you left it with our state-to-state shipping.
Tailored Service and Communication
A supercar shipping company offers a tailored approach for your valuable vehicle. It’s unlike shipping a standard passenger car where the main focus is on delivering your vehicle in the shortest time at the most economical price possible. These beauties deserve VIP treatment, and luxury auto shipping services provide them with that.
For instance, an exotic car shipping company won’t just find the shortest path to move your car from point A to point B; they’ll plan the route, keeping your requirements and the safety of your vehicle in mind.
You may also receive regular updates on the location and safety of your vehicle while it’s in transit. Exotic car shipping is worth the money you spent on it, as it conserves an investment, an emotion, and a piece of art.
If you’re looking for an expert car shipping company to safely ship your luxury car across the US or internationally, call (888) 687-3243 for fast quotes right now!
Why Using High-End Car Transport Services Is Absolutely Necessary:
A cost-to-value analysis clearly shows that using high-end car transport services is not just a convenience. The staggering financial risk of a moderate accident is clear, which can cause a 15% depreciation on a high-value car; for a $300,000 Ferrari, this single event results in a $45,000 loss, an amount that is 15 times the cost of enclosed transport. This figure powerfully demonstrates that the premium for a professional shipping service is not an expense but a strategic safeguard against catastrophic and disproportionate financial loss.
Furthermore, recent luxury car driving data reveals a unique and heightened behavioral risk, with Infiniti drivers involved in speeding-related fatal crashes at a rate of 33%. the highest among luxury brands. This underscores that the ownership environment itself carries inherent perils beyond simple accidents, making the decision to professionally ship your vehicle a necessary measure to completely avoid these road-based risks and the associated severe financial and safety consequences.
Lastly, the financial impact of even minor damage while driving is substantial, where a single instance of severe damage can cause a 25% value loss, amounting to a $25,000 depreciation on a $100,000 vehicle. This highlights that the cost of diminished value from just one incident can be many times greater than the entire cost of professional shipping, making the service a critical investment in preserving your car’s core market worth
Sources:
Benton LawPristine Dent Repair
Looking at all of this data, it makes perfect sense to spend a few thousand dollars to safeguard your expensive ride instead of risking spending tens of thousands of dollars in repairs and/or depreciated value from accidents/scratches while driving long distances.
If you’re looking for an expert car shipping company to safely ship your luxury car across the US or internationally, call (888) 687-3243 for fast quotes right now!
3 Common Myths About Exotic Car Shipping
If you have a luxury car under your ownership and you’re planning to move it, let’s overturn the most common myths about luxury car shipping.
Exotic Auto Transport is Too Expensive
That’s not true. While it costs a bit more than the standard car shipping, you’re paying for all the services and the extra protection for your car while shipping. Exotic car shipping with higher insurance coverage and specialized handling is giving you the security that your rare collectible is in safe hands.
Shipping a Luxury Car Will Cause Damage
Though mostly car shipping is associated with wear and tear on your car due to mishandling or weather conditions, that’s not the case with exotic car shipping. These transport services offer extra care and protection for your luxury cars, making sure your love reaches you in pristine condition.
Exotic Car Shipping is Only for Luxury Cars
Any car that’s rare, valuable, or holds a special place in your heart can be shipped through exotic car shipping services. There’s no such condition as only luxury cars will be shipped through specialized trailers or handled professionally. Whether it’s a sports car, an antique collectible, or a passenger SUV that needs special care, exotic car shipping is for all.
Count on Easy Auto Ship to Safely Move Your Exotic Vehicles:
Exotic car shipping becomes paramount, when it comes to luxury or valuable cars. It’s different from the standard auto shipping with respect to specialized trailers, handling, and equipment. Though exotic car shipping costs 30-40% more than regular open carrier transport due to tailored services and trained drivers, the safety and convenience justifies the price. If you’re looking for an expert car shipping company to ship your luxury car across the US or internationally, call (888) 687-3243 for fast quotes right now!
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the safest way to transport an exotic car?
The most reliable way to move an exotic car across America is by hiring a reputable car moving company. Verify the company with its license and experience in exotic auto transport services. Also, check if they have enclosed trucks to move your exotic cars.
Do supercar owners use their cars for long-distance journeys?
Not very often, as it comes with a lot of challenges. For example, there’s a risk of damage, theft, and extra mileage on your car. Not to mention the unwanted attention a supercar earns; it gets tiring at one point. That’s why many prefer shipping services.
How much does it cost to ship an exotic vehicle?
Most probably, shipping a luxury vehicle across the U.S. can cost around $1,100-$1,400 for 1,000 miles, depending on the journey, value of your car, service charges, time of the year, fuel surcharges, and additional insurance (if bought).
What is the process of booking an exotic car shipping service?
It’s a simple three-step process:
- Provide basic details about your valuable car
- Get a quote
- Accept the quote and wait for your car’s pickup
How to choose the right company for exotic car shipping?
The right way to pick a reliable carrier for your luxury car is by checking their FMCSA certificate and USDOT number. Also, read on the internet about them, and ask them for past referrals. Moreover, check their number of years in the business.
Next, they must be responsive to your queries. And lastly, choose the one that matches your schedule along with your needs.
