Vehicles are a huge investment, and shipping is the most crucial part of purchasing them. It would help if you took precautions when shipping, and the only people who can ensure this is your chosen auto transport company. They can conveniently transport your vehicle to the desired destination, whether you are moving to a different country or buying a new car. You can select a reputable auto transport company with the right qualifications so they can be in charge of each step of the shipping process. The last thing you would want when shipping your car is to arrive damaged or with missing pieces of equipment. Below are some tips to keep your car safe during auto transport.
Check Reviews
Before hiring an auto transport company, take a few hours to research the company. You can go to their websites to learn about the reviews written by previous clients. Some comments can be positive, while others can complain about car damage and theft. That’s a red flag that you should check for another company with a good reputation. This should be the first step to ensure your vehicle’s safety during auto transport.
Beware of Fraudsters
The car shipping industry is known as the Wild West because it has its ugly side. Lately, people are beginning their own fraudulent auto transport companies where they pretend to offer services and later steal your vehicle. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration gives each car shipping company a motor carrier number, which allows a customer to verify that the company is licensed and insured. The number allows you to check the number of customer complaints and accidents. It also allows you to understand the difference between brokers and carriers.
Compare Quotes
Safety doesn’t only refer to your car. It’s also about protecting yourself from being charged unnecessary amounts during shipping. Before committing to a company, always research several companies and compare the quotes. It helps you negotiate the payments and also identifies red flags. If a company charges you two or three times the normal shipping costs, you should be aware of the scammers. You should also be aware of the prices that seem too good to be true.
Know Your Driver
In the same way, you never forget the name of your pizza delivery guy. You should also understand your car shipping driver and his contact number. If you are dealing with your broker, ask them for the name and contact information of the driver so you can call him if there is a delay in delivery. Cases of some brokers charging last-minute booking payments have risen in the past years, and having a driver’s dial information is one way to show evidence that you were referred to them before the shipment.
Car Immobilization
If you wouldn’t like your car to move sideways during shipping, immobilization is the best way to secure your car from such events. After your vehicle has been loaded into the trailer, you should ensure it’s strapped from the front and rear to the wheels to prevent it from getting scratched. An experienced auto transport car can help you achieve car immobilization, thus enhancing the safe delivery of your machine. The auto transport companies usually use a series of wheel straps as a safety measure once the vehicle gets loaded into the trailer.
Insurance
Shipping a vehicle is a task that requires undivided attention because several things could go wrong, including a damaged vehicle or a stolen car. These are events that require you to have insurance before shipping. Some types of car damage include punctured tires, scratches, and engine issues. Ensure you have all the necessary documents, including custom forms, insurance, and registration papers. Having them ready enables you to experience a smooth process without delays in getting your vehicle transported.
When shipping your car, you must take precautions for it to arrive safely. By following the tips discussed, you can rescue chances of any damage or theft that occurs during auto transportation. Ensure you check your car closely when delivered to detect any signs of damage.
