If you need to relocate or have your car shipped to your vacation destination, there are several things that you might need to do in advance. After identifying an auto-hauler for the job and following the steps to ensure secure car shipping, all that might be left is prepping the car for the journey. The prepping might prove to be of help for many reasons. For one, some precautionary measures might reduce the risk of damage to the interior and exteriors of the car. Secondly, a thorough check up may help avoid delays at the customs or inspection points. Additionally, this may also save you time and money for repair or replacement of damaged parts.
1. Ensure that Your Car is insured
Before you let your car set sail, ensure that you have an insurance cover. Confirm with your insurance company whether your insurance policy applies during auto transportation. If it does not apply, strive to get insurance, which protects you from unexpected occurrences. Similarly, ask your car shipping company to show the documentation, which proves that your car is covered in case of an accident. Legitimate shipping companies are supposed to show that they have cargo insurance, which buffers their clients from loss during the hauling process.
2. Have a Mechanic Check Whether your Car is in Good Shape for Shipping
There are general maintenance practices that will ensure a smooth transition. For your car to be in good shape for transportation, ensure that the tires are fully inflated. If the vehicle is not running, let your transporting company know about it. In most cases, if your car is inoperable and requires special equipment to move it, there may be additional charges. However, to be on the safe side, have a mechanic tune your car and address any engine or mechanical problem.
3. Disable Alarms and Anti-theft Devices
Ensure that the people handling your car have a good time while serving you. They will take care of your vehicle better without distractions, such as alarms. If you cannot disengage the alarm completely, provide the shipping company with your alarm remote. A precautionary measure; handing over the remotes for automatic starting of the car may save you from being called urgently to rectify a small situation.
4. Secure your Car and Remove Valuables if Any
To avoid damage to your car, take away elements that might attract acts of a vehicle burglary. If you have loose items in the car, take them out too. Remember, car trailers might bounce up and down, and things such as air fresheners, car chargers, spare change, phone holders, or car chargers might cause significant damage. If you have accessories such as bike racks, ski racks, custom spoilers, antennas, and luggage racks, consider removing them. You should know that if your car is damaged, even after repairs, it might never be the same again. Please do your best to secure it. If your side mirrors are foldable, fold them as well.
5. Remove Toll Tags or Deactivate Them
If your car has a toll tag, deactivate it or remove it altogether. The trailer may use toll lanes, and whether you are driving your car or it is on a trailer, the toll tag will most likely pick up the fee. You can avoid these additional expenses and conflicts by simply deactivating or removing the toll tags.
6. Wash your Vehicle
If you wash the car before transporting it, you will catch scratches and identify wear and tear on the upholstery. Washing the car helps a lot during condition reporting. For additional security, take photos of the interior and exterior. These practices will help when cross-examining the vehicle at the other end of the trip.
Following these tips will increase the odds of having safe and secure transportation for your car. The suggestions will also help you solve issues with the transporting company in case there are arising issues.
