A producer’s guide to handling sensitive vehicles on location

Not all picture cars are created equal. Some are rare, high-value, fragile, temperamental, or mechanically unique — and mishandling them can derail a shoot faster than a dead battery on a night exterior. This guide explains how to manage sensitive vehicles safely, respectfully and within the SOW Terms.

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Rare vehicles elevate a scene — but only when handled with precision, planning and clear permissions.

Sensitive vehicles appear in high-end drama, hero commercials and period pieces. They add authenticity and production value — but they also demand a more disciplined, collaborative approach between production and the Vehicle Owner.

This guide explains how to plan, brief, handle and protect sensitive vehicles while staying compliant with the Stars on Wheels Terms & Conditions. These Terms always take priority.

Stars on Wheels is a booking platform. The contract for the vehicle is between you and the independent Vehicle Owner, who ultimately decides how the vehicle may be used.

1. What counts as a “sensitive” vehicle?

Sensitivity isn’t just about value — it’s about fragility, mechanical quirks, or historical significance.

Common categories of sensitive vehicles:

✓Rare classics that can’t be easily repaired or replaced.
✓High-value modern vehicles with specialist paint or electronics.
✓Period-correct props with authentic but fragile interiors.
✓Replica builds where certain parts must not be touched or stressed.
✓Unmodified originals that require exact conditions to run safely.

Note: just because a vehicle looks robust doesn’t mean it behaves like one. Always ask the Owner about limitations.

2. Begin with the tightest brief you’ve ever written

Sensitive vehicles react badly to surprises. Owners need to know exactly what you plan so they can assess risk and confirm safe usage rights.

Your brief must include:

✓Scenes the vehicle appears in.
✓Whether the vehicle will drive, idle, or remain static.
✓All locations + access information (photos strongly recommended).
✓SFX, rigs, wet work, weather cover requirements.
✓Any cast interaction with the vehicle.

Production reality: “We might move it” or “We’re not sure yet” are red flags when dealing with sensitive vehicles.

3. Handling rules: treat sensitive vehicles like speciality equipment

These vehicles often require careful handling, limited contact and strict movement control.

Safe handling practices:

✓Only the Owner or their nominated driver moves the vehicle.
✓Cast and crew must be briefed not to lean, sit, or place items on fragile surfaces.
✓Protective coverings used when requested by the Owner.
✓Interior handling kept to essential crew only (camera, sound, art).

Scenario: the “soft-touch door panel” incident

A 1970s car has original door cards that tear if pushed. A crew member closes it with elbow pressure — damage caused. With a proper briefing, the crew would have known to leave the doors to the Owner.

4. Weather exposure: the most overlooked risk

Sensitive vehicles may have strict limits around rain, cold starts, heat or humidity.

Typical restrictions include:

✓No wet work unless explicitly approved.
✓Avoiding strong sun on original paint or leather.
✓No saltwater exposure anywhere near the vehicle.
✓Rain cover or tenting required when stationary.

Tip: check the location forecast and communicate early — Owners may allow wet work with proper protection, but never assume.

5. Driving sensitive vehicles: permissions, limits & liability

These vehicles often require warm-up time, careful clutch control, shallow inclines, or restrictions on speed and distance.

Driving is typically restricted to:

✓The Vehicle Owner.
✓Their nominated precision driver.
✓Private or controlled environments only.

Not permitted without explicit approval:

×Cast or crew driving the vehicle.
×Cold-start driving with no warm-up time.
×Repeated takes without mechanical breaks.

Unapproved driving = uninsured driving. Sensitive vehicles magnify the consequences.

6. Changing usage mid-shoot: the danger zone

Sensitive vehicles cannot absorb spontaneous plan changes. New scenes, weather shifts or camera requirements must be cleared with the Owner.

If your plan changes:

✓Notify the Owner immediately.
✓Describe the new usage clearly.
✓Confirm whether the change is permitted.
✓Get written approval inside the platform chat.

Rule: “We’ll just do it quickly” is the fastest route to liability and damage disputes.

7. Damage, disputes & your obligations

The more sensitive the vehicle, the more important it is to keep transparent records of usage, changes and any incidents.

If something goes wrong:

✓Prioritise safety — stop all use immediately.
✓Document what happened with photos and timestamps.
✓Notify the Owner in-platform so there’s a written record.
✓Follow the dispute and damage rules in the Terms.

Important: When the usage remains within the agreed scope, the Terms and insurance outline the next steps clearly. When it doesn’t — liability may fall on production.