Auto transport is a tricky business. Whether you’re moving out, bought a ride from a different place, or need to get your car repaired somewhere else, many things that can go wrong if you don’t do your research. That’s why this blog post has compiled eight of the most recommended auto transport tips from trustworthy experts in the car shipping industry. From understanding what type of transport you need to prepare for pickup and delivery, these tips will help ensure a smooth transition from point A to point B.

1. Avoid Carriers Who Ask for Hefty Deposits

Professional carriers usually complete the delivery first before asking for payment. Anyway, they can just hold onto your car in case you don’t want to pay. However, if the carrier asks for a hefty deposit before doing the job, think twice about doing business with them. It’s a huge red flag. They might be a rogue company that offers substandard services, shady policies, or straight-up scam you. Don’t expect any transparency or refund coming from these people.

2. A Cheap Rate Isn’t Always the Best Option

It’s understandable if you’re looking for ways to save money on this operation. But remember that there’s more to a car shipping company than just the price. A cheap rate might mean a riskier service or a bad customer experience. Expect reputable companies to charge a little bit more for the convenience and peace of mind that they provide. 

3. Understand What Type of Transport You Need

Open-air trailers are great if you’re shipping a regular car since it’s cheap, readily available, and fast. On the other hand, enclosed transport keeps your vehicle secure and safe. Experts often recommend enclosed trucks for expensive vehicles like sports cars and vintage wheels. This dramatically decreases the chances of the ride getting damaged.

4. Consider Getting Additional Insurance

Before you get car insurance, know how much your present shipper will cover. If you think it’s not enough to assure your vehicle’s value, get another insurance for added protection. See, auto transport companies are great, but accidents can still happen along the way. Insurance will cover any damages that might occur to your ride during transportation.

5. Take Precautions Before the Pickup

Keep in mind that you’re responsible for what happens to your vehicle before the transportation company picks it up. For example, suppose something terrible happened before the operation, like a missing item inside your car or an accident. In that case, the company will not be financially liable for fixing those damages unless they signed off beforehand. The best way to take precautions is to inspect your car thoroughly. If you do have existing issues, remember to get them in writing and take photos so if something new pops up, you have proof to show them.

6. Give Your Car a Good Wash

Before getting your car shipped, clean off any dirt or grime. This will give the appearance of a neat vehicle and make sure the inside is free from any debris. Moreover, a dirty car might mask any damage done during transit. You don’t want to miss a single scratch just because you forgot to wash your vehicle, right?

7. Have a Mechanic Take a Look at Your Car

You don’t have to do this if you know your way with cars. But if you genuinely want to make sure it’s in the best condition, have a mechanic take a look at it before giving it up to your carrier. He can check the fluid levels, inspect the engine, make repairs, and save you time in finding any issues. This way, you can be sure that if there’s something wrong with your car after transit, you can file a factual claim to your shipping company.

8. Remove Accessories and Body Modifications

Remember how auto shippers are not responsible for any lost stuff in your car? That they don’t want to be held liable for anything? This goes up to modifications and accessories too. So before you surrender your vehicle for transport, strip your car bare of any accessories such as extra mirrors, spoilers, USB chargers, etc. Modifications should also be taken care of because they add additional weight and encourages theft, especially with open-air trucks.

Shipping your car doesn’t have to be stressful. All you need is to stay informed and work with the right people. Follow the steps above, and you should be golden on your next shipment. Cheers!