Shipping a car is a big endeavor and can seem overwhelming if you have never done it before. With just a few simple tips, though, you can safely and cost-effectively ship any vehicle to any location. For the smooth and successful shipping of your car, learn about the five biggest shipping mistakes to avoid.
Not Planning
Good planning is crucial when you are taking on a big project like having your car shipped. Planning at the last minute can have you stressed out and paying way more than needed. Take some time to know exactly where and when you will need your car shipped.
Prepare any questions that might be pertinent to the shipping. Do you have a date that the car must arrive, or are you flexible in shipping times? Also, don`t forget to ask, “What happens if the shipment of my car is delayed?”
Collect all the information regarding your shipping needs before moving on to the next step. Knowing exactly how, when, and where you need your car shipped will help save time, money, and effort.
Not Doing Enough Research
With so much information so easily accessible, there is no excuse not to extensively research any big purchase, including shipping a car. When you begin your search, one of the first things to verify is that the company you choose is registered with the Department of Transport and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. It is not advisable to ship a car with a carrier who is not registered with these organizations.
Every car shipping company website will have detailed information and reviews, but don`t stop there. Dig deeper into the carriers you narrow your choice down to. Compare different car shipping quotes online. Be sure to read the “fine print,” including details about extra charges or insurance requirements.
Check also their reviews on other reputable websites such as Consumer Reports and Better Business Bureau. You want to do as much research as possible to make sure that you are putting your trust in a reputable business. Other websites you can check for reviews include Google My Business, Yelp, and Angie`s List.
Sometimes the best recommendations can come from family or friends who have been down the same road. Ask people you know to see if anyone has shipped a car before or if they know anyone who has. Then, learn from their experience.
Not Preparing Essential Documents
Every shipping company will request certain documents before taking your car. Be prepared to show proof of ownership, including the vehicle registration and insurance documents.
Double-check that you have all the documents needed to ship your car.
Not Having Insurance Coverage
All car shipping companies must have insurance in case of damage to the vehicles they are moving. Make sure you read the insurance certificate thoroughly to know what is covered if you discover any damage to your car once it has been delivered.
Before shipping, request for an inspection of your car by the transport company. You need to be there as well, as this will be the only documentation of your car`s condition before shipping. During the inspection, take note of any issues regarding the condition of your car. Then, review the inspection report.
After the delivery of your vehicle, another inspection will be performed. Carefully inspect your car upon arrival for any damage. If you notice any damage, make a note of it on the inspection report and have it signed by the delivery driver. Failure to do so may result in the transportation company refusing to pay for damages.
Leaving Your Personal Items in the Car
Don`t forget to empty your car before shipping it. There are numerous reasons not to ship personal items in your car, but the most important one is, of course, theft. Neither the transport company nor the insurance company will accept any responsibility for items that got lost, stolen, or damaged if they were inside the car during shipping.
Most transport companies are prohibited from shipping a car containing personal items due to liability and weight issues. To ensure that your car`s transport goes as smoothly as possible, remove all personal items before shipping.
Car shipping can be stressful and overwhelming, but following these tips will help things go smoothly. Start doing your research early, and remember that just a little planning can go a long way.