1. Don’t pay too much
Car transportation cost varies from company to company. Furthermore, the same company may charge different price depending on the type of service you want. You should make sure that you exactly know how much your car shipping company is going to charge you, so there are no hidden costs you had not bargained on. It is also imperative to bear in mind that cheaper is not always the best. Most of the car shipping companies will provide you with a free quote, which will make it easier to compare the charges of different services. Usually, low service cost means you will be dependent on the shipping company collecting your car when it suits them. If you are in a hurry or want your car to be delivered on any particular date, be prepared to pay more.
2. Check out your shipping company
The shipping companies need to be registered with the Department of Transportation. Further, If you are shipping cars across the state lines, they need to be registered with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. All these organizations provide the shipping company with unique registration numbers that these companies should be happy to give you, and you can also check out the government website for the same. You should never ship your car with any company that is not registered or will not provide you with their MC or DoT number, and do not rely on verbal promises or agreements– make sure the company provides everything in writing. You can also ask for references from the previous customers for complete peace of mind.
3. Gather the correct documents
To ship your car securely, most companies need to present certain documents before they will move your car. These usually include your insurance certificate and the vehicle registration, and prove to the company that the car is owned by you. To avoid any problems, you need to make sure that you have all these documents in complete order. Before shipping, have the transport company carry out a thorough inspection of your car and make a note of all the issues on the inspection report. As this is an important record of the condition of your car before it was shipped, it is crucial that you are present for inspection, and you ensure that the report is precise. When your car is delivered, you should do another inspection. If there is any sign of damage due to transportation, you must make a note and make sure the transporter signs it.
4. Make sure you have insurance coverage
Car shipping companies are required to have the appropriate insurance in order to cover any damage to the car they are moving. You can also ask to see a copy of the insurance certificate and ensure that you understand exactly what coverage your car will have while it is being moved from one place to other. If the insurance coverage of company is insufficient, you may be able to pay a fee to the shipping company to cover the remaining balance. If that isn’t possible, you can look into getting additional coverage from your own insurance company.
5. Empty your car of personal items
It seems a smart idea to load up your car with all your belongings to save you having to move them by yourself. But, you should keep in mind that vehicle shipping companies are prohibited by law from shipping any vehicle that contains household items. Although, some companies do allow up to 100 lbs of your personal property to be packed in your vehicle, the company will not accept any responsibility for it if it gets damaged or goes missing. Further, your insurance will not cover any damage that is caused to the car as it was full of your personal belongings, and if the company is inspected by Department of Transportation during the journey, they could actually seize all the belongings. Therefore, it is always best to ensure your car is empty.
Wrapping Up:
Car transport is one of the most cumbersome process, but if you avoid above mentioned mistakes while shipping your car then you make all the shipping task hassle free. If you known any other mistakes or face any other problem while shipping your car, then don’t forget write it in the comment box. Featured photo credit: Car Transportation via thatbigtruck.files.wordpress.com
