Shipping Your Car? Ask These Questions Before you Ship!

By CarMovers.com Staff

Often times when people move, they have to drive another vehicle (such as a moving van) and are unable to drive their own car to their new home or able to find anyone to drive it for them. One option is to use an auto transport company that will move your car by train, plane, truck, or boat (depending on the distance of your move) and bring it safely to your new location. When looking for this type of shipper, you will need to conduct extensive research about the shipper's services, rates and company history. From there, you will meet with them in person where they can assess your car and you can ask questions in order to determine if they are the right company to transport your vehicle. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions.

1. How Much Will it Cost? One of the most important questions when shipping a car is, of course the cost. When you meet with a prospective car shipping vendor they should give you estimate of your move based on other factors such as the distance your car will be shipped, the make/model of the car and its year. They may also ask you for a vehicle inspection, which will help a company assess your quote. Once you receive this information, ask another two-three companies to compare prices and services.
   
   
2. What Insurance/Recovery Plans Do You Offer? Ask all potential car shippers if they offer auto transport insurance – you should actually never, ever leave your car with any company that does not. Auto insurance will either be primary coverage or secondary that will cover any damages, loss or theft that may occur to your car while it is in transport (and out of your hands).
   
   
3. What Services Do You Provide? This is a critical question especially if you are moving a greater distance such as with international moving. You should also ask about what size cars they can manage, past jobs and what other cars will be transporting with your car. Asking about duration of the shipment and if there is anything you need to do to your car to get it prepared for shipment. Be sure to also confirm pick-up date and delivery times and provide accurate phone number where your car shipping company can always reach you.
   
   
4. What If...Of course you don't want anything bad to happen to your car (or even think that anything bad could happen), but unfortunately accidents due occur on the road. Before you use a car shipper, make sure you ask about what they do in the cause of an accident or damage such as what is their protocol; do they call you first or the insurance company, etc.