How to Transport Your Car to Hawaii
By Chris Joseph
If you are planning to relocate to the Hawaiian Islands, perhaps to enjoy the abundance of beautiful golf courses in retirement, one decision to make is how to transport your vehicle (or vehicles) there. One option is to ship your vehicle by boat and have it there waiting for your upon your arrival. Several companies provide this service for you to choose from. In general, it will take your vehicle three to four weeks to arrive in Hawaii, so be sure to plan accordingly.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Choose a shipping company for your vehicle. One way to do this is to have several shipping companies bid to provide you their services, which can help you find the cheapest rate available. For information about a variety of companies and/or to list your vehicle for bidding, visit UShip or other websites.
Obtain the items you will need to provide the shipping company when you deliver the vehicle to them or when they pick up the vehicle at your home. These requirements could vary slightly depending on the shipping company, but you can expect to give them your car keys, vehicle registration and title, documentation of permission from the bank or leasing company if the vehicle is financed, and a photo I.D.
Purchase shipping insurance if necessary. Your auto insurance policy may not provide coverage for your vehicle while in transit, but check with your agent to be sure. Transport companies typically do not provide liability coverage for damages over $500, so you may need to obtain marine shipping insurance.
Prepare your vehicle for shipment. You will want to be sure that your vehicle is in good operating condition, which includes having properly inflated tires and functional brakes. If your car has an alarm system, be sure that it is disconnected. Remove any loose items, and do not plan to use the vehicle as a way to transport your belongings. The gas tank should be filled less than halfway.
Pick up your vehicle upon arrival. You should pick up your vehicle as soon as possible to avoid any storage charges. If someone is picking up the vehicle for you, the person should have a notarized letter from you granting permission. Some companies offer you the ability to track your vehicle while it is in transit.
About The Author
Chris Joseph is a freelance writer residing in Pennsylvania. He has written hundreds of articles for newspapers and the Internet on a variety of topics, including several on golf for GolfLink.com. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing from York College of Pennsylvania.
