When shipping you decide to ship your vehicle, you will find that there are plenty of car transport companies to choose from. While they all serve the same purpose, there can be a large difference in the quality of their service, and you need to know some of the common mistakes people make and how to avoid when you’re shipping your car.
First and foremost, Avoid paying too much – Car transportation rates vary from company to company, and the same business might charge you different amounts depending on the type of service you need. Shipping rates also depend on the vehicle that you’re shipping. Most companies will provide you with a free shipping quote, you can use these quotes to get the best possible price. However, be sure to keep in mind that just because the price is low, it doesn’t mean the service is the best. Lower pricing will usually mean that you will be reliant on the shipping company to collect your car when it fits in their schedule, not the other way around. If you need your car delivered on a set date, best to pay a little more money.
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Research The Shipping Company – Any business that transports vehicles must be registered with the Department of Transport (DoT). Companies shipping cars across state lines, also need to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. These government organizations will provide the shipping company with a registration number which they can provide you so you can check their company history on the appropriate government website.
Missing Insurance & Registration Paperwork & Inspections – When shipping your vehicle, most transport companies will require you to present your certificate of insurance and the vehicle registration, and prove to the shipping company that the car is yours and you have the right to ship it. To avoid any issues, make sure you have these documents available.
Before the shipment, the transport company will conduct an inspection of the vehicle and make a not of any issues on an inspection report. Make sure you’re present for this inspection. After the vehicle is delivered another inspection should take place and you should be available for this inspection as well.
Sufficient insurance coverage – Ask for a copy of the company’s insurance certificate. While reviewing the shipping company’s coverage, make sure your vehicle has enough coverage while it’s being moved and if it does not, ask to increase the coverage.
Clean out your car – We understand that loading up your car can save you on packing, but most companies require your car to be empty while they are transporting it. Shipping companies will not accept any responsibility if any items go missing and insurance companies will not cover any damage caused to the car because it was full of your belongings. Additional weight will also increase your cost.
Shipping your vehicle can save you time and money, just make sure to avoid these common mistakes during the process.