Shipping a car can feel overwhelming and complicated particularly if its your time or if you’re transporting it over long distances. Ensuring the timely arrival of your car without any damage or unexpected expenses is crucial. So how can you steer clear of the pitfalls and errors that many people encounter when shipping their cars?
In this article we will uncover seven mistakes that people often make during the car shipping process and provide guidance on how to avoid them. These missteps can lead to stress, inconvenience and financial burden if not handled carefully. By following our tips and recommendations you’ll be able to enjoy an successful car shipping experience.
1. Not researching your shipping company
One of the biggest mistakes people make when shipping cars is not researching their shipping company thoroughly. You don’t want to entrust your valuable car to a shady or unreliable company that may scam you, damage your car, or deliver it late. You want to choose a reputable and trustworthy company that has the experience, expertise, and equipment to handle your car shipping needs.
To avoid this mistake, you should do some research online, ask for recommendations from friends or family, or check reviews from previous customers. Some of the factors to consider when choosing a car shipping company are:
- Their experience and track record in the industry
- Their licensing and insurance coverage
- Their pricing and payment options
- Their customer service and communication
- Their availability and flexibility
You can also get quotes from different companies and compare them to find the best deal for your budget and schedule.
2. Not getting a shipping quote in writing
One common error that individuals often make when shipping cars is neglecting to obtain a written shipping quote. A shipping quote provides a cost for transporting your car taking into account factors like distance, size, weight, condition, service type, season and demand. By obtaining a written shipping quote you can effectively plan your budget. Prevent any unexpected fees or surprises.
To avoid this mistake it is crucial to request a written shipping quote from the company you have chosen. Additionally it is advisable to inquire about a breakdown of the quote to understand what is included and excluded. Be sure to inquire about any potential additional fees or charges such, as taxes, surcharges or gratuities that may be applicable. Lastly ask about the cancellation and refund policy in case circumstances change or problems arise along the way.
3. Not inspecting your car before shipping
One common error individuals tend to make when they send their cars is neglecting to examine their vehicles before shipping. It is crucial to inspect your car to shipping for several reasons. Firstly it allows you to identify any existing damages or problems that may impact its value or performance. Secondly it helps in documenting the condition of your car before shipping enabling you to compare it with its condition after shipping and address any damages or losses that may occur during transit. Thirdly it aids in preparing your car for shipment by removing belongings, valuables and documents; checking tire pressure, fluid levels and battery charge; deactivating the alarm system and electronic devices; securing loose parts or accessories; maintaining only a quarter tank of gas; and notifying the shipping company of any special instructions or concerns regarding your vehicle.
To avoid this mistake always make sure to inspect your car before sending it off while also capturing pictures of both its exterior and interior condition. Additionally keep copies of documents like registration papers, title deeds, insurance details and spare keys with you during the process. Lastly sign the bill of lading along, with the driver. Make a note on it if there are any damages or discrepancies found.
4. Leaving personal belongings in the car
One common error people tend to make when transporting cars is leaving their belongings inside the vehicle. As a matter of fact not does this pose a risk to your belongings but it is also against the law. The risk lies in the fact that your personal items might get stolen or damaged while being transported. In addition it’s worth noting that most car shipping companies lack the license and insurance to transport personal items within the vehicle. As a result they may impose fees or penalties for exceeding weight limits or violating terms and conditions.
To avoid falling into this trap it is highly advisable to remove any personal items from your car prior to shipping it. This includes objects like jewelry, electronics, clothing, documents or anything else, to the vehicle itself. Additionally make sure to lock both your glove box and trunk in order to prevent access.
5. Not checking insurance coverage
One common error that people tend to make when it comes to shipping cars is neglecting to verify their insurance coverage. It’s crucial to have insurance in place to safeguard both yourself and your vehicle in the event of any damages or losses during transit. The last thing you want is to be stuck with out of pocket expenses for repairs or replacements if something goes awry with the shipment.
To avoid this oversight it’s always important to examine the insurance coverage provided by your chosen car shipping company as well as your own car insurance policy. Make sure to inquire about the type and extent of coverage offered by the car shipping company including details such as deductibles, responsibility, for payment, coverage limits and exclusions claims procedures and required documentation. Additionally take the time to review your car insurance policy in order to determine whether it provides adequate coverage during transit or if you need to obtain supplementary protection.
6. Not providing all the necessary documents
Another mistake people make when shipping cars is not providing all the necessary documents. Documents are essential for verifying your identity, ownership, and authorization to ship your car. They are also required for customs clearance and registration if you are shipping your car internationally or to a different state.
To avoid this mistake, you should always provide all the necessary documents to your car shipping company and the driver. These documents may include:
- Your photo ID (valid passport or license)
- Your car registration and title
- Your car insurance and shipping insurance
- Your bill of lading and shipping quote
- Your power of attorney or letter of authorization (if someone else is picking up or dropping off your car)
You should also keep copies of these documents with you for your own records and reference.
7. Not communicating and tracking the shipment
Another mistake people make when shipping cars is not communicating and tracking the shipment. Communicating and tracking the shipment are important for keeping you informed and updated about the status and location of your car. They can also help you avoid any misunderstandings or miscommunications that could lead to delays, damages, or disputes.
To avoid this mistake, you should always communicate and track the shipment with your car shipping company and the driver. You should ask them about their contact person and number, their frequency and mode of communication, their availability and accessibility, their tracking system and technology, and their accuracy and timeliness of updates. You should also test their communication and tracking methods before booking with them to see how responsive and reliable they are.
Conclusion
Shipping your car can be a smooth and successful process if you avoid the 7 mistakes people make when shipping cars. These mistakes are:
- Not researching your shipping company
- Not getting a shipping quote in writing
- Not inspecting your car before shipping
- Leaving personal belongings in the car
- Not checking insurance coverage
- Not providing all the necessary documents
- Not communicating and tracking the shipment
By following our tips and advice, you can have a stress-free and hassle-free car shipping experience.
