Things to Know Before Shipping a Car

Driving your car to a new location may not be the best option for your situation. However, if you don’t want to sell your car and purchase a different one at the new location, you have to consider transporting your car. There is any number of things to consider when shipping a car and auto transport cost is only one of those considerations.

The Company

Look for a company that specializes in vehicle transportation. Transporting a car is much more than driving the car onto a trailer and hauling it down the road. The company you choose should be a company that has been in the business for a while and that has a positive reputation for doing the job correctly. This requires having the specialized equipment necessary to safely transport your vehicle from trailers to protective material.  

To find a company, talk to others who’ve shipping vehicles. Check online and research the companies from what is listed on their websites and from reviews found online. Ask for references from customers and check them out. You want to know if the company has a low rate of accidents and if they have international auto shipping.

You also want a company that treats their customers and customer property with respect.

The Drivers

Ask about employees hired by the company. You don’t want that precious vehicle that you are paying good money for being driven by an inexperienced teenager. Are drivers experienced, bonded and properly insured? Do they have a driving record free of accidents when transporting vehicles? Are drivers background checked to ensure they can be trusted with your vehicle?

Are You Protected

Before entrusting your vehicle to a transport company, check their policy regarding their responsibility for caring for your car during transport and who is responsible should an accident occur. Is the vehicle and the transport fully insured?

Also ask if there is a way to keep track of the car along the way, including GPS tracking. These tie in with the procedure for notification of late delivery, problems along the way or an accident.

Check the Car Beforehand

For your own protection, before transport, make sure your car insurance is up-to-date. Take pictures of the inside and outside of the car and write down, in specific detail, the condition of the vehicle before handing it over to the transport company. Once you go to pick up the car, inspect it carefully for damage. Not taking this step can add to the auto shipping cost should damage occur. Unless you took the pictures and noted the condition ahead of time, you will find it difficult to prove transport-related damage. 

Cost

Auto transport cost depends upon several factors, including the distance the car is transported, weight or type of vehicle being transported and differences between companies. Look for an auto transport cost that is consistent with the service being offered, including any guarantees. While you don’t want to pay inflated prices, you also don’t want bottom-of-the-barrel prices. For a company that gives good service, protects your car and safely transport it to the destination, expect to pay a fair price. Cut-rate prices may also mean cut-rate services. 

Pick Up and Delivery

You want both pickup and delivery to be as painless as possible. Are these points convenient? Will they deliver the car directly to your new location?