Purchase & Payment Policy

Effective date: March 1, 2026

This Purchase & Payment Policy outlines the payment terms, pricing guarantees, accepted payment methods, deposit requirements, cancellation and refund procedures, and other financial terms that govern auto transport services provided by Scott's Auto Carrier. By booking a shipment with us, you agree to the terms below.

1. Pricing & Quotes

All quotes provided by Scott's Auto Carrier are manually calculated by our team based on four primary factors: (1) distance from origin to destination, (2) vehicle size and condition (oversized, running, or inoperable), (3) special service options such as enclosed transport or expedited shipping, and (4) the number of vehicles being shipped.

Unlike instant-estimate calculators used by many competitors, our quotes are calculated by experienced auto transport professionals to ensure accuracy. The value of your vehicle is not a factor in determining shipping cost.

Quotes are valid for 10 to 14 days from the date issued. After this period, pricing may change due to fluctuations in fuel costs, carrier availability, and seasonal demand. Your quote is tied to your email address and can be quickly recalculated if it expires.

Scott's Auto Carrier offers a price-match guarantee. If you receive a formal written estimate from a legitimate, licensed competitor for the same route and service, we will match their price.

2. Deposit & Booking

Scott's Auto Carrier does not require large upfront payments before services are rendered. Your transport advisor will walk you through booking and payment options, which may include a small deposit once a carrier is confirmed.

Deposit amounts, when applicable, are communicated clearly at the time of booking and are included in your total transport cost (not an additional fee). The deposit secures your spot on the carrier schedule and initiates the dispatch process.

Warning: Any auto transport company that demands a large upfront deposit before your vehicle is picked up may be engaging in a deposit scam. Legitimate brokers and carriers collect the majority of payment at or after pickup.

3. Accepted Payment Methods

We offer a variety of payment options and will work to accommodate your preferences:

  • Credit and debit cards -- All major cards accepted (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) by phone or secure payment link sent via email.
  • Cash -- Accepted by the truck driver at pickup or delivery for remaining balances.
  • CashApp, Zelle, and PayPal -- Electronic payments accepted for deposits and balances.
  • Checks, money orders, and cashier's checks -- Accepted by the truck driver at delivery for remaining balances.

Important: Truck drivers do not accept credit or debit cards at delivery. If you wish to pay your remaining balance by card, you must do so in advance through our office via phone or secure payment link.

When paying the remaining balance by credit card, a 3.99% processing fee is added to the remaining balance. Paying the driver directly in cash incurs no additional fees.

4. Payment Schedule

Payment is structured in two parts:

  1. Deposit at booking -- A small deposit (amount varies by route and service) is collected when you confirm your order. This can be paid by credit card, CashApp, Zelle, or PayPal.
  2. Remaining balance at pickup or delivery -- The remaining balance is due when your vehicle is picked up or delivered, depending on the terms agreed upon at booking. Payment method options are discussed during the booking process.

If a remaining balance is owed at delivery, the vehicle will not be released until payment is made in full. You are obligated to pay for services performed regardless of delays caused by weather or other uncontrollable circumstances.

5. ScottPrice Lock Guarantee

Once you receive a quote from Scott's Auto Carrier and book your shipment, your quoted price is locked in for the duration of your order. We do not increase prices after booking. The price you are quoted is the price you pay -- no hidden fees, no surprise surcharges, and no bait-and-switch tactics.

Price adjustments may only occur if: (a) the vehicle condition at pickup differs materially from what was disclosed at booking (e.g., booked as operable but found to be inoperable), or (b) the vehicle has undisclosed modifications that require specialty equipment.

6. Cancellation Policy

You may cancel your order at no cost as long as the order has not yet been accepted and assigned to a carrier. Once a carrier has been dispatched and has accepted the order, cancellation fees may apply.

  • Before carrier assignment: Full refund of any deposit paid. No cancellation fee.
  • After carrier assignment: You are entitled to a refund for only the unfulfilled portion of services. Deposit may be retained to cover dispatch and administrative costs already incurred.
  • After vehicle pickup: No cancellation. You are responsible for the full cost of transport.

To cancel an order, contact our team by phone at (812) 312-5333 or email support@scottsautocarrier.com.

7. Refund Policy

Refund eligibility depends on the status of your shipment at the time of cancellation:

Order StatusRefund AmountTimeline
Before carrier assigned100% of deposit5-10 business days
After carrier assigned, before pickupUnfulfilled portion only5-10 business days
After vehicle picked upNo refundN/A

Refunds are processed to the original payment method. Credit card refunds typically appear within 5-10 business days depending on your card issuer. CashApp, Zelle, and PayPal refunds are processed within 3-5 business days.

8. Insurance Coverage

Every shipment through Scott's Auto Carrier is fully insured during transport at no additional cost to you:

  • Open trailer transport: Insured up to $100,000 per vehicle.
  • Enclosed trailer transport: Insured up to $250,000 per vehicle.

If your vehicle is worth more than these limits, contact us and we will arrange additional coverage tailored to your vehicle's value. There is no deductible on insurance claims.

Important: Insurance coverage applies to your vehicle only. Personal items left inside the vehicle are not covered by carrier or Scott's Auto Carrier insurance policies. Damage to the vehicle interior caused by shifting personal items during transit is also not covered.

9. Taxes & Fees

Car shipping is a tax-exempt service. No sales tax will be added to your quoted price.

The only additional fee that may apply is:

  • Credit card processing fee: A 3.99% fee is added when paying the remaining balance by credit card. This fee does not apply to deposits, cash payments, or payments made via CashApp, Zelle, or PayPal.

There are no hidden fees, fuel surcharges, or administrative charges beyond what is disclosed in your written quote.

10. Inoperable & Modified Vehicles

Inoperable vehicles: If your vehicle does not start, steer, or brake, it requires specialized loading equipment (winch or forklift), which adds $100-$300 to the transport cost. You must disclose the vehicle's condition at the time of booking so we can dispatch the correct equipment. If a vehicle booked as operable is found to be inoperable at pickup, the cost to complete transport will be higher than the original quote and the assigned carrier may not be able to accommodate the shipment.

Modified vehicles: Vehicles with aftermarket modifications (suspension lifts, oversized tires, wide body kits, lowered suspensions, aftermarket bumpers, roof racks) must be disclosed at booking. Rates are based on factory-standard vehicles, so modifications may carry an additional premium. If your vehicle is modified from factory condition, please book by phone so we can provide the most accurate price.

Low-clearance vehicles: Vehicles with ground clearance lower than 4 inches require an enclosed trailer with a hydraulic lift gate, which may carry an additional cost.

11. Personal Items in Vehicle

You may store up to 150 pounds of personal items in your vehicle during transport. Items must be secured in the trunk or backseat area only. No heavy, bulky, or oversized items are permitted. If personal items exceed 150 lbs, an additional fee may apply.

Prohibited items include:

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Jewelry, furs, or cash
  • Live pets or live plants
  • Explosives, firearms, or ammunition
  • Flammable products or hazardous materials
  • Narcotics or unlawful contraband
  • Negotiable instruments or legal documents

Scott's Auto Carrier and assigned carriers are not liable for any personal items left in the vehicle, nor for damage caused to the vehicle from unreasonable or improper loading of personal items. All personal items are transported at your own risk.

12. Billing Disputes

If you believe there is an error in your billing or have a dispute regarding charges, contact our team within 30 days of the charge in question:

We will investigate all disputes promptly and work to resolve them within 10 business days. If a refund or credit is warranted, it will be applied to your original payment method.

13. Policy Changes

Scott's Auto Carrier reserves the right to update this Purchase & Payment Policy at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

14. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Purchase & Payment Policy, please contact us:

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