Shipping your car across the country or overseas can be a costly ordeal. However, there will be times when you have no choice. Car transporters usually either offer to drive the car for you or move it via a car carrier. The cost will usually depend on which service you go for, some services provide you with a quote to ship a car, so be sure to check them out.
Below we have prepared some useful tips to help you organize transport for your beloved car.
Prepare Your Vehicle
Before your car can go anywhere, there are a few things you will need to organize, such as the relevant paperwork. Make sure to clear out the car of any junk, breakables, or valuables. You will need to check that you have adequate fuel levels and fluids.
It is a good idea to photograph and document the car’s condition if the worst happens and you need to prove the damage afterward.
Transport
As mentioned earlier, there are 2 main types of services available for car transport: the car can be driven or trailer and transport delivery. The first option is usually the cheapest, but getting the car delivered on multiple-vehicle trailers can also be quite cheap as the cost is shared.
Get at least 3 quotes before you choose which company to go with, and ask as many questions as possible to find out how competent the carrier is and to be comfortable and knowledgeable about the type of service you are getting.
You can get free quotes from car transporters on websites like Shiply. This way all your quotes are in the one place and you don’t have to waste time phoning several companies. Make sure to check the transporters credentials and feedback before accepting a quote and it is always a good idea to ask for a copy of their goods in transit insurance just in case again the worst does happen.
Also, don’t be afraid to ask them for extra tips on how to prepare your car for transport as they should have more specialised knowledge.
If you are transporting a classic car, then this will need extra care and experience. For this type of car, it might be best to ask for enclosed transport. So that your car will be protected from dust, sand, and other elements.
After It Has Been Delivered
When your vehicle has been delivered, you must check its condition thoroughly before signing anything. Make sure you check the car’s lights, paintwork, miles, and inside it (unless it was driven, this should be exactly as you left it).
If you bought the car online from Gumtree, Craigslist, or eBay then make sure the car is as described and compare it to any photographs you may have.
