How to Ship a Car to Germany From Alabama

An international move can be a huge undertaking but is something that is becoming more and more common as the economy changes and companies being outsourcing their work to other countries. One thing that many people also have to think about when making an international move is transportation. There are many things to consider when deciding how to get your automobile from Alabama to Germany.

Things You'll Need

• Car
• Marine insurance
• Car title

Instructions

1. Decide whether it is worth the cost to ship your automobile from Alabama to Germany. In many cases it can be cheaper to buy a car in Germany than to ship one there. Also, European cars are much smaller and more gas efficient than American cars and so may give help both your wallet and the environment.

2. Prepare your car to be in line with all of the local driving laws in Germany. For example, in Europe cars are required to have orange turn signals while in the United States they are red.

3. Choose a shipping company and get a quote. There are numerous companies that offer port-to-port service from the United States to Germany. Some companies to consider are HaulingDepot, InternationalMovers, or internationalcarshipping.net. Your best bet will be to drive your car from Alabama to a major port city along the coast line to keep your costs minimal. For Alabama, your most economical option is to drive your car to New Orleans or a similar coastal city nearby. Most companies will either have a general quote on their website based on size, weight, year, make/model and value of the car. If they do not have them listed on the website they will usually have an online form to fill out or contact information to get a quote directly from the company. Make sure and have all of the information listed above before calling to get a quote.

4. Gather all the necessary documents so you can purchase marine insurance for your vehicle. You will need the original title or at the least a certified copy of the title to prove that you own the vehicle. Once you have proof that you own the vehicle it's time to buy marine insurance. Check with your car insurance provider in Alabama to see if they offer marine insurance; if not you can usually buy additional insurance through the company that you have chosen to ship your car with.

5. Contact the German consulate. There are a host of other fees that can come with shipping your car. The consulate is your best source for information on these fees as well as any taxes or customs issues you may encounter. These costs can vary depending on the price of the car, your employment status and your residency status.

Tips & Warnings

• Fees can add up quite quickly so be sure to ask as many questions as you can to the company that you plan to ship your car through. When you add in port handling charges, taxes as well as many other sometimes hidden fees you may realize that it's less money, and less of a hassle, just to buy a new car once you get to Germany.