One of the first questions people ask when they request a quote is When do I pay? For most shipments to Key West, the balance is paid when your car arrives, and a deposit may be collected when you book, depending on the job. Here’s how COD car shipping to Key West works, why we prefer it, and what’s different when a vehicle is leaving the Keys.
What COD Means
COD stands for cash on delivery. In car shipping it means paying the balance when your vehicle is delivered, usually by certified funds such as a cashier’s check, money order or cash. You get your car, walk around it, sign the inspection, and then pay the balance. No big payment months before anything moves.
Why We Prefer COD
Here’s the short version: most carriers accept COD (usually certified funds), but fewer take billed payments, so paying the balance on delivery lets us line up the best carrier for your route.
When we’re matching your vehicle with a truck, the more carriers we can choose from, the better your odds of a good schedule and a fair rate. Billed or invoiced payment narrows that pool. COD keeps it wide open.
It’s also simple for you. You pay the balance when the job is done.
COD for Deliveries Into the Keys
COD works well for Key West and the rest of the Keys. We are a licensed carrier for all of Florida, so on deliveries into the Keys we can control the payment process and make sure everyone involved gets paid. That’s what lets us offer COD with confidence on these routes.
Whether your car is going to an Old Town cottage, a Stock Island marina or a home on Big Pine, the balance is paid at delivery. See our Ship a Car to Key West page for how the trip works.
Routes Leaving the Keys: Split Payment
Shipping out of the Keys is a little different. On long routes north or west, a separate transporter usually handles the long-distance leg after we bring the vehicle up from the Keys. Because two parties are moving your car, payment may be split between them.
There’s no one-size-fits-all formula. We work out payments in different ways to fit each customer, and we’ll walk you through it before anything is booked. You’ll know who gets paid, how much and when. Read more in our guide to shipping a car out of Key West.
What Affects Your Price
How you pay doesn’t change what drives the cost. The main factors are:
- Distance and route
- Vehicle size and whether it runs
- Open or enclosed transport
- Season and demand
- Fuel prices, which can shift rates
For an example route, see our New York to Key West guide.
Tips for Paying at Delivery
- Confirm the payment method ahead of time. Plan on certified funds (cashier’s check, money order or cash), and ask before delivery day if you hope to use another method.
- Inspect first. Walk around the car and compare it to the pickup report before you sign.
- Have the receiver ready. If someone else is accepting the car, make sure they know the amount and how to pay.
Who You’re Working With
Key West Auto Shipping is operated by In-N-Out Keys LLC, a licensed, family-operated carrier for all of Florida that works with licensed partner carriers outside its area. Our USDOT and MC numbers are listed below, and you can look them up anytime. Learn more on our About page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay a deposit to ship a car to Key West?
Sometimes. Depending on the job, a deposit may be collected when you book, by us or by the carrier, and the balance is typically paid to the driver when your car arrives, by certified funds. Your quote will spell out the terms.
Why do you prefer COD?
Most carriers accept COD (usually certified funds: cashier’s check, money order or cash), but fewer take billed payments, so paying the balance on delivery lets us line up the best carrier for your route.
Is payment different if my car is leaving the Keys?
It can be. A separate transporter usually handles the long leg, so payment may be split. We work it out with you before booking.
Does paying COD cost more?
How you pay doesn’t drive the price. Distance, vehicle, season and fuel do.
Get a Free Quote
Tell us your vehicle, your pickup and delivery addresses, and your dates. Request a free quote online or call (754) 714-2439. We usually reply within the hour.
Key West Auto Shipping is run by In-N-Out Keys LLC (USDOT 4120018, MC 1583555), a licensed, family-operated carrier for all of Florida that works with licensed partner carriers outside its area. We serve the entire Florida Keys. Learn more about us.