Military PCS Vehicle Shipping and Insurance

The United States Military has bases in roughly six dozen countries, and these bases won’t run themselves without a staff. With so many places to be at any given moment, there’s always a chance of being called to duty overseas. 

When this moment occurs, the order is known as a PCS or permanent change of station. Upon receiving such an order, you may find yourself posing a question — do I take my vehicle?

If you choose to take your personal vehicle along, we’re here to help you figure out the business of Military PCS vehicle shipping and insurance. This guide covers how to ship a car overseas to ensure you meet all the requirements.

What to Know About Military PCS Vehicle Shipping

The U.S. Armed Forces have time-tested programs in place to ensure that they assist you in transporting both your vehicle and your household necessities. 

Service members relocating abroad can expect thorough assistance, as well as reimbursements for qualified travel-associated expenses. The paperwork and qualifications are specific, as they should be, but this is not meant to be a difficult process. 

For those receiving CONUS assignments, put simply — you are the shipping mechanism. Rules and regulations still apply, but the method of transport is much more straightforward. 

Requirements for Shipping a Car Overseas

Planning a shipment? Here’s what needs to be done.

First, gather the following documentation:

• Proof of entitlement
• Proof of identity
• Proof of ownership
• Appropriate shipping form
• Lien/lease authorization (if applicable)
• Other documentation may apply

Read more: Car Leasing With Insurance: How much does it cost?

Next, prepare your vehicle for shipment:

• Wash vehicle
• Remove personal effects
• Vacuum thoroughly
• Empty gas tank (no more than 25% full)

It may be more than necessary, but the above is a quick list that should apply in any case. You may also want to inspect your vehicle before shipment. Read our guide on vehicle maintenance while deployed.

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When should you bring your car with you?

Those in the service are apt to receive two types of assignments — within the contiguous United States (CONUS) and outside the contiguous United States (OCONUS). You’re permitted to bring your vehicle in the latter case. Whether you do so and whether you should, depends on your personal circumstances. 

Life in the military can come in all shapes and sizes, and that means arriving at different stations in life. For example, if you stick near the base and don’t anticipate needing to clock a ton of miles, military car shipping may not be worth the hassle or the constant insurance payments and registration fees. Consider selling your car while deployed instead.

The other factor to consider is where you’re going. If you’ll be stationed in a tightly packed country with lots of public transportation, having a vehicle may feel like an unneeded expense and waste of space. Storing a vehicle while overseas might be an option instead of shipping.

However, if you are married, expecting children, or anticipate a long stay in which you’ll plant roots as best you can, bringing the family vehicle with you might be in your best interest.

Best Companies for Shipping a Vehicle

Once you’ve determined whether you’ll ship your vehicle, the next step will be to determine who you would prefer to use. If the military covers the shipment, the cost may not play an overall factor. However, you will have to pay to ship a second vehicle if you aren’t able to drive it to your new CONUS residence.

Not all insurers offer overseas insurance for military personnel, but it’s a growing market, and options are liable to open up in the future. USAA, Geico, and AFI are the most popular, with USAA car shipping and insurance products exclusive to service members and their families.

Although it doesn’t cater exclusively to military members, the Geico auto insurance discount for veterans is one of the most competitive. Compare USAA vs. Geico for the best military auto insurance to see which offers the best rates for military PCS vehicle shipping insurance.

Fortunately, shipping companies are ready and willing to offer you the best benefits at the most affordable rates. From Montway Auto Transport to AmeriFreight, Sherpa Auto Transport to SGT Auto Transport, there’s no shortage of highly-rated, trusted companies ready to assist in your next move.

Military PCS Vehicle Shipping and Insurance

You may be wondering if you’ll need a specific type of insurance for a vehicle being shipped overseas. Check with your insurance company about paying auto insurance while deployed.

While the laws and specific limits may change the moment you set foot on foreign soil, the ins and outs of insurance, as well as the rules of the game, still apply. (For more information, read our “Military Auto Insurance Laws“). You’ll want to know the liability limits where you’re going and protect yourself accordingly. And it’s never a bad time to review your coverage options.

Namely, if you don’t already, consider adding comprehensive and collision auto insurance to your policy to minimize out-of-pocket expenses. You’ll be responsible for a deductible, but that’s better than having to repair or replace your vehicle entirely in a new land. Read our complete guide to the most common types of military auto insurance.

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The Bottom Line on Shipping a Car Overseas

Life in the military looks different depending on who you are. Assignments change, family situations change, and circumstances have to change along with them. Still, these processes don’t have to be difficult.

If you’re ready to begin the process of transporting your vehicle, take a deep breath. The process is tedious, but it’s straightforward, and great options abound along the way. Use our free comparison tool below to start comparing military PCS vehicle shipping insurance rates from companies near you.

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