Avoid Common Pricing Scams

The Truth About Auto Transport Pricing Scams
(And How to Avoid Them)

The Hidden Costs of Auto Transport

Imagine this: You book an auto transport service, thinking you've locked in a fair price. Everything seems fine until your car arrives, and suddenly, you owe hundreds (or even thousands) more than you agreed to. You’re told it’s for unexpected fees—weather conditions, gas surcharges, extra mileage—but none of this was in your original quote. Your car is essentially being held hostage until you pay up.

This pricing scam is one of the biggest issues in the auto transport industry. Unfortunately, many companies use bait-and-switch tactics, misleading customers into thinking they’re getting a great deal, only to demand more money later.

At Curate Auto Transport, we believe in complete transparency. We aren’t afraid to expose how these scams work, show you how to spot them, and explain how our honest, upfront pricing model ensures you never have to deal with hidden fees when choosing us to transport your vehicles.

How Bait-and-Switch Pricing Scams Work in Auto Transport

Many auto transport brokers lure in customers with unrealistically low quotes—sometimes hundreds of dollars less than legitimate competitors. Here’s how the scam typically plays out:

  1. You receive a lowball quote.

    • The company tells you they can transport your car for a fraction of the price of other carriers.

  2. They secure your booking—but the price isn’t guaranteed.

    • You might even pay a deposit, believing your rate is locked in.

  3. Unexpected fees start adding up.

    • They suddenly claim that due to fuel price changes, weather conditions, or "unforeseen" logistics issues, your total cost has increased.

  4. Your car arrives, but you can’t get it until you pay.

    • You’re now forced to pay an inflated price, or they won’t release your vehicle.

These dishonest practices leave customers frustrated, financially strained, and feeling powerless.

Red Flags to Watch for When Getting an Auto Transport Quote

Not all auto transport companies are created equal. Here are some warning signs that a company may not be transparent with pricing:

Quotes that seem “too good to be true.”
If one company’s price is drastically lower than others, it’s likely a bait-and-switch tactic.

Vague or unclear pricing breakdowns.
If they can’t explain why their quote is so low, they may be hiding fees.

No written contract or guarantee of price.
If your rate isn’t locked in with a contract, be wary.

High-pressure sales tactics.
If a company is pushing you to book immediately without allowing you to compare options, that’s a red flag.

How Curate Auto Transport Is Different

At Curate Auto Transport, we believe in honesty, transparency, and integrity. Our pricing model ensures you only pay what you agree to—no surprises. Here’s how we’re redefining auto transport:

💡 Transparent, Upfront Pricing – We provide a fully detailed price breakdown before you book. No last-minute fees.

💡 A La Carte Add-Ons – Need extra services? You can customize your transport package without hidden costs.

💡 Price-Conscious Conversations – Call one of our agents to talk through your needs, budget and options to find solutions and an agreement that works for you.

💡 Easy, No-Stress Booking – We provide clear contracts that protect you from bait-and-switch pricing.

💡 Customer-First Approach – Your vehicle’s safety and your satisfaction are our top priorities.

How to Protect Yourself from Auto Transport Pricing Scams

If you’re shopping for an auto transport service, here are a few steps to ensure you don’t fall victim to pricing scams:

Get multiple quotes – Compare pricing and look for outliers that seem suspiciously low.
Ask for a detailed contract – Ensure the final price is clearly outlined and guaranteed.
Confirm payment terms upfront – Reputable companies will never demand unexpected payments at delivery.
Work with a trusted company – Choose a provider like Curate Auto Transport that prioritizes transparency.

Choose Transparency Over Scams

Auto transport shouldn’t be a stressful, uncertain process. With Curate Auto Transport, you’ll never have to worry about hidden fees or dishonest pricing tactics. We’re committed to bringing honesty and integrity back to the industry—one shipment at a time.

Ready for an upfront, transparent quote? Get your free quote now!

Next
Next

Auto Transport Prep Checklist