5 Tips You Need to Know When Shipping a Car

Mar 14, 2020

Are you relocating to a new home? Or transferring to a new job? Did you purchase a car from another state? Or perhaps, you are sending your son who is away at university, his first car. These situations entail a car delivery service.

You may get worried about sending your precious car off without you. The long-distance drive may even compound your anxiety. The following tips will help you ship a car to another place without experiencing any setback.

1. Do Your Homework

Several companies offer car shipping services. Keep in mind to choose reliability over cost. While it may seem to be a good idea to choose the one with the cheapest rates, deciding based on performance and positive reviews would still be the best action.

There have been horror stories about high-end cars that were not handled carefully by the carriers. Buyers regret not choosing a service provider with a solid track record. They may have saved money from shipping but lost a lot of their investment due to car damage.

It is wise to do your homework and research the carriers and what they offer. You may check their license, complaint history, and insurance records from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration before you ship a car.

Once after you have found the most dependable company, you may ask for their rate quotes. Remember that their pricing will depend on the following factors:

- Vehicle make and model

- Date

- Distance

- Season

- Location

- Vehicle Condition

- Transport Type

2. Schedule the Shipment Thoughtfully

Bear in mind that local deliveries may take a month while international services can reach up to two months. Coordinate the time frame with your carrier so you can plan. Consider the loading and delivery times as well.

Also, be prepared for delays such as weather disturbances. Get updates from your car delivery service so you can inform the recipient of the arrival date.

3. Ensure Insurance Coverage

Ask about the carrier's liability insurance coverage. Reputable car shipping companies provide coverage, which ranges between $50,000 to $ 1 million. You may also check your own insurance company for similar coverage.

Damages occur during shipping even with the best companies, so double check what insurance they offer and how repairs can be covered.

4. Inspect the Vehicle Thoroughly

Standard Operating Procedures dictate that a shipping company representative will inspect your vehicle for dents, scratches, and other damages. Make sure you also do your inspection before signing the assessor's report. Take photos before the car is loaded and take another set of photos when the car arrives at its destination.

When your car arrives, a company inspector will examine the report and use that as a basis to inspect your vehicle. Remember to carefully go through the report before signing anything. Once you have agreed that the car is in good condition, you will have a hard time claiming for damages afterwards.

5. Remove Extra Items in Your Car

Remember to remove all objects in your car, such as toolboxes, emergency kits, or other personal items. The extra weight may affect the shipment and delay the process. Remember to fill your car with a quarter tank of gas so that the shipping crew can bring your car out of the carrier.

Shipping your car out may seem to be a daunting task, but by heeding these tips, your valuable investment will reach its destination safe and sound.