Perhaps you’ve purchased car online from a seller in another state, or maybe you’re relocating to a new city or state. Maybe you want to ship a car to a relative. Whatever may be the case, shipping a vehicle long-distance can be costly. However, if you compare the cost of shipping a vehicle, against flying to pick up a car, and factor in the time and expense involved in driving it back, it’s often worth the money you spend and the time you would save.
If you plan on shipping a vehicle, there are some factors you should take into consideration before choosing a transport service. In this article, we’ll go over some important points that you should consider before shipping a vehicle. Keep reading to learn more.
Do Your Homework
Research various transport companies. Shop around and ask questions. You should be well informed about a transport company before you hand over the keys. You want to find a reputable company that has good reviews. Look for customer reviews online and see what other people are saying about the company or companies you’ve decided to investigate. You should also shop around to find the best price, thought the lowest price may not always be the best company to choose. You should consider all of these variables before making a decision. More often than not, you get what you pay for.
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Keep in mind however, that transportation companies charging less for transport may potentially have less customer-friendly insurance policies, and older, less-versatile equipment with less-experienced drivers.
Make Sure You’re Covered
The last thing you want is for your vehicle to be damaged in transit. Before you hand over the keys, it is crucial that you inquire about the company’s insurance, namelt, liability coverage in the event that your vehicle is damaged during transport. Most reputable auto transport companies should have at least $75,000 in liability coverage. Furthermore, you should also be sure to check with your own insurance company and determine what coverage you have (if any) in the event of an accident during transport.
Book Well in Advance
If possible, you should make an effort to book a company in advance, especially during the peak-summer moving season. Doing so may help you save money, but you may even be able to shave a bit of transport time, and cut your waiting period down.
The Waiting Game
Shipping a car isn’t like shipping a package. It’s not an overnight process. While some companies will give a seven to ten day expected delivery time, other auto transport companies give as much as a four-week window from the time the car is picked up to when it finally arrives at the new destination. If you’re shipping a vehicle overseas, it can take as many as six to eight weeks. Shipping a vehicle won’t always take quite that long, but auto transport companies offer these estimated windows of time in case the shipment runs into any issues along the way.
Enclosed vs. Open Transport
An open vehicle transport generally tends to be the cheaper method for shipping a vehicle, however, uncovered transport leaves your vehicle will be susceptible to the elements and any debris that may fly in the path of the truck. An enclosed vehicle transport offers more protection , but costs roughly 60% more on average. Enclosed vehicle transport is the better choice for those looking to ship high-value cars, such as sports cars and restored classic autos.
Prep Your Vehicle for Transport
To prep your vehicle for transport, make sure it’s in good mechanical shape. Top off all of the fluids and leave only a quarter of a tank of gas in the car, as this is the safest option during transport. You should also remove all personal items of value from your vehicle. It’s also a good idea to clean the vehicle and take photos of all angles of the car, including any existing damage.
Be Present for Pickup and Delivery
It is extremely important that you be on-site to turn your car over to the transport company, and that you are present to receive it upon delivery. If you are unable to be there personally, designate someone to do so. When your vehicle arrives at its destination, make sure to inspect your vehicle for any damage before signing off on the delivery. If your vehicle was damaged in transit, the photos will help you prove it, and hold the transport company liable for said damages.
Conclusion
If you’re going to ship a vehicle, there are plenty of variables to take into account. You want to find a good price, but without compromising customer service, or leaving yourself unprotected and uninsured in the event that your vehicle is damaged. Snowbird Transport offers great rates, quality customer service, and adequate insurance coverage in the event of an accident. If you need to ship a vehicle, don’t hesitate to contact Snowbird Transport for a quote today.
