Car transport can be a daunting task, especially if you are shipping your beloved vehicle across the country. While there are numerous car transport companies to choose from, there can be significant differences in service quality between them. It is crucial to watch out for the following mistakes when selecting a company to ship your vehicle.

1. Paying too much

The cost of car transportation varies widely between companies, and the same company may charge a different price based on the type of service you require. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that you have a clear idea of how much a company is going to charge so that there are no surprises in the final bill. Be aware that cheaper is not necessarily better, as a low service cost may mean that you have to rely on the shipping company to collect your car at a time that suits them.

Most car shipping companies provide a free quote, which allows you to compare the costs of different services. If you require your vehicle to be delivered on a specific date or are in a hurry, be prepared to pay more.

2. Not Checking the Reputation of the Shipping Company

Before choosing a car transport company, ensure that they are registered with the Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration if you are shipping your vehicle across state lines. These organizations provide unique registration numbers that the company should be happy to provide you with.

Additionally, the company should be able to provide references from previous customers so that you can have complete peace of mind. Do not rely on verbal agreements, and ensure that everything is in writing. If a company is not registered or does not provide their DoT or MC number, do not use them to transport your car.

3. Failing to Gather the Required Documents

When shipping your car, most companies require specific documents to ensure that the car is owned by you and that it can be moved securely. These documents generally include your insurance certificate and vehicle registration. To ensure that there are no problems, ensure that you have all the required documents in perfect order.

Before shipping, the transport company should inspect your car thoroughly and note any issues on an inspection report. It is crucial that you are present for this inspection and ensure that the report is accurate. When your car is delivered, inspect it again and note any new issues caused by transportation. Ensure that the transporter signs off on any damage.

4. Not Having Insurance

Car transport companies should have appropriate insurance to cover any damage to your car during shipment. Ask to see a copy of the insurance certificate so that you fully understand what coverage your car will have while in transit. If the company’s insurance coverage is insufficient, you may be able to pay an additional fee to cover the balance.

If additional coverage is not possible with the transport company, it is wise to check with your own insurance company to see if they can provide additional coverage.

5. Packing Your Vehicle with Personal Items

While it may seem like a good idea to pack your car full of personal belongings to save time and money, it is vital to keep in mind that car shipping companies are not allowed to ship any vehicle that contains household items. Though some companies may allow up to 100lbs of personal property to be packed in the vehicle, they will not take responsibility for anything that gets damaged or goes missing.

Additionally, your insurance will not cover any damage caused to the car because it was full of personal belongings. If the Department of Transportation inspects the vehicle during transit, they could seize all your belongings. Therefore, it is always best to ensure that your car is empty of all personal items.

Wrap Up

Car transportation is often a cumbersome task, but if you avoid the above-mentioned mistakes, you can make the entire process hassle-free. If you encounter any other problems while transporting your car or know of additional mistakes, feel free to share them in the comments. By keeping these points in mind while selecting a shipping company, you can rest assured that your beloved vehicle will arrive at its destination safe and sound.