Car Transport Services in India — Door-to-Door Shipping 2026
Ship your car anywhere in India with open or enclosed carriers. 42-point inspection, GPS tracking, and full transit insurance on every shipment.
How Car Transport Works
Car transport involves shipping your vehicle from one city to another using specialized multi-car carriers. The process starts with a 42-point pre-shipment inspection, followed by secure loading onto an open or enclosed carrier, GPS-tracked transit, and a matching inspection at delivery.
Unlike driving your car across states (which adds 500–2,000 km to the odometer, risks road damage, and costs fuel plus tolls), professional car transport preserves your vehicle's condition and warranty. ShiftingApp connects you with verified car carriers who handle everything from hatchbacks to luxury EVs.
Car Transport Charges by Vehicle Type (2026)
| Vehicle Type | Examples | Open Carrier | Enclosed Carrier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hatchback | Swift, i10, WagonR | ₹5,000–₹8,000 | ₹8,000–₹12,000 |
| Sedan | City, Verna, Ciaz | ₹7,000–₹11,000 | ₹11,000–₹16,000 |
| SUV | Creta, Seltos, XUV700 | ₹9,000–₹14,000 | ₹14,000–₹19,000 |
| Luxury | BMW, Mercedes, Audi | ₹12,000–₹18,000 | ₹18,000–₹25,000 |
| Electric Vehicle | Nexon EV, ZS EV | ₹10,000–₹15,000 | ₹15,000–₹22,000 |
Prices are for 500–1,000 km routes. Shorter routes cost less; longer routes (1,500+ km) cost 20–40% more. GST at 5% is additional. Toll charges included.
Open vs Enclosed Car Carriers
🚛 Open Carrier
Multi-level trailer carrying 6–8 cars. Cost-effective for standard vehicles. Cars are exposed to weather and road debris but securely strapped. Best for hatchbacks, sedans, and budget-friendly transport.
🔒 Enclosed Carrier
Fully covered trailer for 1–3 cars. Complete protection from weather, dust, and road debris. Climate-controlled options available. Best for luxury cars, vintage vehicles, new cars, and EVs.
42-Point Pre-Shipment Inspection
Every car undergoes a detailed inspection before loading. Photos are taken at each checkpoint. The same inspection is repeated at delivery so you can verify your vehicle's condition.
- Exterior body panels and paint condition
- All glass — windshield, windows, mirrors
- Tyre tread depth and pressure
- Alloy wheels and hubcaps
- Headlights, taillights, indicators
- Bumpers, grille, and trim
- Underbody and exhaust
- Interior seats, dashboard, console
- Boot/trunk condition
- Battery and fluid levels
- Odometer reading
- Fuel level (must be under ¼ tank)
Full 42-point checklist includes 30 additional mechanical and cosmetic checkpoints documented with timestamped photos.
Insurance Coverage for Car Transport
📋 Basic Carrier Liability
Included free with every shipment. Covers damage up to ₹1–₹2 per kg of vehicle weight. Sufficient for older vehicles with low market value.
🛡️ Comprehensive Transit Insurance
Costs 0.5–1% of vehicle IDV (Insured Declared Value). Covers accidental damage, theft, fire, flood, and natural disasters. Strongly recommended for vehicles worth ₹5 lakh+.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Transport Requirements
- Battery charge — must be between 20–80% at pickup. Overcharged or depleted batteries risk damage during transit.
- Transport mode — activate the vehicle's transport/shipping mode to disable auto-start and reduce battery drain.
- Enclosed carrier recommended — EVs are sensitive to extreme temperatures. Enclosed carriers protect battery packs from heat and cold.
- Fire safety — carriers must have EV-rated fire extinguishers (Class D) and drivers must be EV-handling certified.
- Charging cable — pack the charging cable separately in the boot. Do not leave it plugged in.
Ready to Ship Your Car?
Compare verified car carriers across India. Open and enclosed options with 42-point inspection and full GPS tracking.
Get Free Car Transport QuotesCar Transport — Frequently Asked Questions
How much does car transport cost in India?
Car transport costs depend on vehicle type, distance, and carrier type. Hatchbacks start at ₹5,000 for open carriers and ₹8,000 for enclosed. SUVs range from ₹9,000 to ₹19,000. Luxury and EV vehicles cost more due to special handling requirements.
What is the difference between open and enclosed car carriers?
Open carriers transport 6–8 cars on an exposed multi-level trailer — cost-effective but exposed to weather and road debris. Enclosed carriers use a fully covered trailer for 1–3 cars, providing protection from weather, dust, and scratches. Choose enclosed for luxury, vintage, or new vehicles.
How long does car transport take across India?
Local transport (same city) takes 1–2 days. Short intercity routes (under 500 km) take 2–3 days. Long-distance routes (1,000+ km like Delhi to Bangalore) take 5–7 days. Enclosed carriers may take 1–2 days longer due to fewer vehicles per trip.
Is my car insured during transport?
Basic carrier liability covers damage up to ₹1–₹2 per kg of vehicle weight. Comprehensive transit insurance (0.5–1% of vehicle IDV) is strongly recommended and covers accidental damage, theft, fire, and natural disasters during transit.
What is the 42-point inspection?
Before loading, a certified inspector checks 42 points including exterior panels, glass, tyres, lights, underbody, interior, battery, and fluid levels. Photos are taken at each point. The same inspection happens at delivery so you can verify condition.
Can I transport an electric vehicle (EV)?
Yes. EVs require special handling — battery must be between 20–80% charge, the vehicle must be in transport mode, and carriers must have EV-rated fire extinguishers. Enclosed carriers are recommended for EVs due to battery sensitivity.
What should I remove from my car before transport?
Remove all personal belongings, toll tags (FASTag), dashcams, phone mounts, and loose accessories. Keep fuel under ¼ tank. Disable the alarm system. Keep one key with the carrier and retain a spare.
How do I track my car during transport?
ShiftingApp partners provide GPS tracking for all car shipments. You receive real-time updates at pickup, major checkpoints, and delivery. A dedicated coordinator is assigned for each shipment.