Transporting a car from out of state or from outside the country is not as hard as people think. The most important consideration is that you choose a reliable provider and there will be nothing to worry about when the car is in transit. Getting the right company can be a tad challenging and due diligence is needed as you don’t want to end up working with a provider who is not reliable. In this guide, we’re going to highlight some of the factors that you should consider when shipping a vehicle. It will make the process a lot easier and convenient.
Shipping is Safer
You might have gotten the vehicle you’re looking for but it is thousands of miles away. You will be tempted to drive across the country which is not always recommended. A lot could go wrong and you will also significantly increase the mileage of the vehicle. It should be noted that interstate highways are some of the most dangerous roads in North America. It could be your first time driving long distances and it can get tiring and overwhelming. You’re better off letting someone do the hard work and your vehicle won’t have to be subjected to long distances. This brings us to our next point.
Less Wear and Tear on the Vehicle
There are a lot of costs that will be involved when you decide to drive the vehicle from its destination. You have to worry about gas, food, lodging, etc., and a lot more costs. When you compare the option to shipping, you’ll find that you actually stand to save money as opposed to driving the car across state lines. Once you’ve decided to ship, there will still be tough decisions. The most important one will be to choose the services provider.
Researching Auto Transport Companies
A car purchase is a big investment. It is perhaps the second biggest purchase you will make in your life after your home. That is why it is imperative that you choose a reliable and experienced shipping company. It is worth going the extra mile to find a good shipper so that potential problems can be avoided from the onset. The company that you intend to work with should be transparent with their dealings. Ideally, they should have a free cost estimator so that you’re aware of the estimates before transporting your vehicle.
It Takes Time
It takes time to find a great shipper and you shouldn’t be in a hurry to make such an important decision. Ideally, you should start looking for a shipper way in advance before the shipping date. This will provide ample time to go through different providers. Make sure you interview multiple companies and ask for estimates before making a decision. As much as car shipping is a straightforward process, you want to make sure you work with a reputable and experienced shipper so that you can rest easy knowing that your car will arrive safely.
Ask Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re not sure about the provider that you’re working with. A good shipper will not find your questions to be irritating. Instead, the person will make sure that your questions are being answered satisfactorily. It is never good to assume, as you might end up regretting. In most instances, you get what you pay for and that is why you should be wary of providers who are suspiciously cheap.
Check Hauler’s Insurance
It might not be possible for standard auto insurance to cover shipping across state lines. That is why you should check for hauler’s insurance just to make sure that they have adequate coverage in case anything happens. Ask for a copy of the carrier’s insurance and ask them about the extent of the coverage in case of an accident.
Book Early
After you’ve identified the shipping company, the next step will be to book the shipping day. Book early so there are no inconveniences. A coast-to-coast move could take up to 10 days. You don’t want to leave the booking to the holidays where there is a lot going on which could delay the transportation of the vehicle.
Prep the Vehicle
Make sure that the car is in good mechanical shape before you prepare it for shipping. Ensure there are no dents or scratches. Take as many photos as possible, especially if there is existing damage to the vehicle.