5 Common Questions About Shipping a Car
When preparing yourself for a long distance relocation, one of the most significant tasks you will have to figure out is how best to ship your car. Since this is not something that most people do on a regular basis, there are usually some fundamental questions for which you will need answers. Here are five common issues that you may have about shipping your car:
1) When do you need to arrange things with the shipping company?
To get the best deals and arrangements, you should reach out to auto shippers at least a month before any planned move. However, if you are working on a tighter schedule, most shippers will be able to assist you with as little as one week’s notice. Note that you may have to pay extra fees for rush service.
2) Will your car be insured during transit?
The vast majority of auto shippers include insurance as part of their basic transport package. However, if your shipper does not include insurance, or you are not satisfied with the level provided, you can always reach out to your own insurance company to purchase transport coverage. The cost is usually fairly minimal.
3) Does your car need to be able to run?
Most auto shippers will be able to arrange transport for a car that does not run. Since they will have extra costs on their end for tow trucks etc. you can usually expect to pay a premium for non-running vehicles. For a vehicle that does run, you can simply drive it to the loading station so this is cheaper for them to handle. In either case, be sure to let your shipper know the status of your vehicle prior to completing a booking, just to be on the safe side.
4) Will the price change depending on the type of car you want to ship?
The price typically depends on the weight and dimensions of your vehicle. For example, a large SUV will almost always cost more to ship than a compact car. Be sure to give your shipper the exact details of your vehicle for the most accurate price quote.
5) Do you need to pick the car up at the destination?
Most shipping companies will need you, or another individual you have pre-authorized, to inspect and sign off on the condition of the vehicle once it reaches its destination. Each shipper will have slightly different rules, so be sure to check with your shipper in advance.
Though shipping your vehicle can be a stressful experience, by having answers to the questions in this article you will have a much clearer idea of what to expect during the process.
