Shipping a leased or financed car is possible, but it requires special approval from the lender. Since you don’t technically own the vehicle, the leasing or financing company must authorize the transport, and you may need to provide additional paperwork.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about shipping a leased or financed car, including how to get lender approval, required documents, and key steps to ensure a smooth transport process.
🚗 1. Can You Ship a Leased or Financed Car?
Yes, you can ship a leased or financed car, but you must follow the lender’s rules. Most leasing and financing companies have restrictions on moving the car across state lines or internationally, so you need written permission before arranging transport.
Why Do Lenders Require Approval?
✔ You don’t legally own the car, so they must authorize transport.
✔ They want to ensure the car is properly insured during transit.
✔ They may have location restrictions (some leases prohibit out-of-state shipping).
💡 Tip: Contact your lender at least 2–4 weeks before shipping to get approval in time.
📝 2. How to Get Permission to Ship a Leased or Financed Car
Follow these steps to obtain authorization from your lender:
Step 1: Contact Your Lender
📞 Call the leasing or finance company’s customer service department.
🔹 Tell them you need to ship the car to another city, state, or country.
Step 2: Request a Lienholder Authorization Letter
📌 The lienholder authorization letter confirms that the lender approves the shipment.
📌 Some companies may have specific transport restrictions (e.g., must return to the same state).
Step 3: Request a Copy of the Vehicle Title (If Required)
📌 You don’t need to own the title, but some states require a copy of the title for transport.
📌 The lender may provide a temporary title copy if needed for shipping.
Step 4: Check Insurance Coverage
📌 Make sure the carrier’s cargo insurance meets lender requirements.
📌 Ask if your auto insurance policy covers vehicle shipping.
💡 Tip: Some lenders require you to use a licensed and insured auto transport company—always verify credentials before booking.
📜 3. Required Documents for Shipping a Leased or Financed Car
Before shipping, prepare these documents:
✅ Lienholder Authorization Letter – Proof that the lender approves transport.
✅ Copy of the Lease or Loan Agreement – Some companies require this for verification.
✅ Bill of Lading (BOL) – Signed at pickup and delivery as a record of vehicle condition.
✅ Valid ID (Driver’s License or Passport) – Required for vehicle drop-off and pickup.
✅ Proof of Insurance (If Needed) – Some lenders require additional shipping insurance.
💡 Tip: Keep digital and printed copies of all documents in case the transport company requests them.
🌎 4. Can You Ship a Leased or Financed Car Internationally?
Yes, but international car shipping is more complex for leased or financed vehicles.
Challenges of International Shipping:
🚢 Lender Restrictions – Many financing companies prohibit overseas transport.
📑 Customs Requirements – You must provide title documentation, which may not be available.
💰 Import Taxes & Duties – Some lenders won’t approve shipping if it involves extra fees.
Steps to Ship a Leased Car Internationally:
✅ Get Lender Approval – Confirm whether international shipping is allowed.
✅ Request a Copy of the Title – Required for customs clearance.
✅ Hire a Licensed International Shipper – Companies like Schumacher Cargo or SGT Auto Transport specialize in overseas shipping.
✅ Check Import Laws – Some countries restrict leased vehicles from being imported.
💡 Tip: If the lender denies international shipping, you may have to pay off the loan or lease before exporting the vehicle.
🚀 5. How to Choose a Transport Company for a Leased Car
Not all car shipping companies handle leased or financed vehicles, so it’s important to choose a reliable provider.
What to Look for in a Transport Company:
✔ FMCSA Registration – Verify the company’s USDOT and MC numbers on the FMCSA website.
✔ Enclosed Transport Availability – Some lenders require extra protection.
✔ Cargo Insurance Coverage – Ensure the policy meets lender requirements.
✔ Experience with Leased Cars – Some companies specialize in shipping financed vehicles.
Top Auto Transport Companies for Leased Cars:
🚛 Montway Auto Transport – Nationwide service with full insurance coverage.
🚛 Sherpa Auto Transport – Best for price-lock guarantees.
🚛 AmeriFreight – Offers extra gap insurance for added protection.
💡 Tip: Ask the transport company if they have experience working with leased vehicles before booking.
💰 6. Cost to Ship a Leased or Financed Car
The cost to ship a leased or financed car is the same as any other vehicle, but some lenders may require enclosed transport, which costs more.
Estimated Car Shipping Costs:
| Distance (Miles) | Open Transport Cost | Enclosed Transport Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 500 – 1,000 | $700 – $1,200 | $1,200 – $1,800 |
| 1,000 – 2,000 | $900 – $1,500 | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| 2,000 – 3,000 | $1,200 – $1,800 | $1,800 – $3,000 |
💡 Tip: If the lender requires enclosed transport, expect to pay 30% to 50% more.
⚠️ 7. Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping a Leased Car
🚫 Skipping Lender Approval – Transport companies can’t legally ship the car without permission.
🚫 Not Checking Insurance Coverage – Some lenders require extra cargo insurance.
🚫 Using an Unverified Carrier – Choose licensed and insured transporters only.
🚫 Forgetting to Document the Car’s Condition – Take photos before shipping.
🚫 Booking Last-Minute – Lenders may take a few weeks to approve shipping.
💡 Tip: Always read your lease or financing agreement to understand restrictions before shipping.
🌟 Conclusion: Ship a Leased or Financed Car the Right Way
Transporting a leased or financed car requires lender approval, proper documentation, and choosing a reliable carrier.
To recap:
✅ Get a lienholder authorization letter before shipping.
✅ Verify insurance requirements to avoid problems.
✅ Choose a licensed auto transport company with experience shipping leased vehicles.
✅ If shipping internationally, check import laws and title requirements.
By following these steps, you can safely and legally transport your leased or financed car without issues.
