Shipping a luxury vehicle is different from transporting any other type of car. The cost is higher, the process more complex, and the list of precautions is far more demanding to ensure your prized possession arrives in pristine condition at its destination.
With a luxury vehicle under your watch, slapping it on a pallet and shipping it off with the cheapest carrier available just won’t do. Instead, you’ll need to do everything in your power to preserve the structural integrity of your luxury car.
How, might you ask? Read on for more insider tips on shipping a luxury vehicle.
Use a quality car transportation company
The first step is to use a quality car transportation company. Do your research and partner with a provider complete with a good reputation, experience shipping luxury vehicles, and comprehensive insurance plans. The last thing you want is for something to happen to your car during transport. A quality car shipping company will take care of your car as if it were their own and ensure it arrives in the same condition it left in.
Prepare the vehicle for shipping
The next step is to prepare the vehicle for shipping. This pre-shipping process includes removing all personal belongings from the car, disabling the alarm system, and disabling the electronic stability control system.
You will also need to have the car serviced and cleaned. You should fill the gas tank to no more than ¼ of a tank. Note that you should follow any special instructions from the car transport company to a tee to avoid racking up extra charges or putting your vehicle (or your belongings) in harm’s way. Part of preparing the vehicle for shipping is getting rid of unnecessary items, such as a roof rack, spare tire, and other loose items that pose a liability.
Complete an inventory list
Before your luxury car is shipped, you will need to complete an inventory list. This list should include a description of each item in the car, its value, and who owns it. This list will be an invaluable resource if anything happens during transport and you need to file a claim.
Additionally, having an inventory list on hand ensures that you don’t forget anything when your car arrives at its destination. While some transport companies don’t require this, it’s always a good idea to compile one for your records.
Notify your insurance company
Before your car is shipped, you will need to notify your insurance company, as your insurance providers will need to know the transport dates, the carrier’s name, and where the car is being shipped. This notification step will serve you well, should anything happen to your vehicle during transport. By calling your insurance company, you can also ask critical questions about what your current policy covers car shipping and the value of your car–both vital insights if you need to file a claim.
Get quotes from car transport companies
The next step is to get quotes from different car transport companies. Some of the things to keep in mind when getting quotes are the following:
- The type of car (or luxury motorcycle) you are shipping
- The distance of the move
- The availability of the carrier
- Insurance coverage
These are the main factors that will affect the cost of shipping your car. Therefore, it’s essential to get quotes from a few different companies to find the best price and service.
Double-check the timeline
Once you have chosen a car transport company, make sure to double-check the timeline for shipping your car. You don’t want to be without your vehicle for too long. Also, if you need to have your vehicle in the new location on a particular day, make sure to let the car transport company know. You might have to pay more for a rush shipment, but with open and honest communication, the provider will be able to ship the car within your preferred timeline.
Schedule the shipment
The last step is to schedule the shipment, which can be done online or over the phone. Ensure all your information includes the inventory list, contact information for the car transport company, and insurance policy number. Also, make sure to have a payment method ready and that the car shipping company understands all your needs.
Conclusion
Shipping a luxury vehicle can be stressful, but it will be much easier if you follow these steps. By preparing the car for shipping, notifying your insurance company, getting quotes from car transport companies, and scheduling the shipment, you will be able to relax and know that your luxury vehicle is in good hands.
