When car owners are looking for details on how to transport a car, the first question is usually about how much it will cost. How much you will pay can vary greatly, depending on a few significant factors. The more you understand the process, the better you estimate the total charges.
Consumer Affairs reports that you can anticipate paying 53 cents to $2.30 a mile to ship a car.
Car transportation is easy, although it has some risks, which also affect the cost of shipping. Here is everything you need to plan for when shipping a car.
How Car Shipping Works
The first step you take in auto transportation is researching the best company for the job. You will want to get estimates on cost. Most transporters charge by the mile.
A car transport service will either have an open or closed truck. Once you select the best service, you will want to arrange who will drop the vehicle off and who will be there once it gets delivered.
Beyond this, you will want to consider insurance protection. You will need to know how long it will take for car shipping. Finally, inspect the vehicle for damage before it is dropped off for delivery and again when delivery is complete.
Shipping to Another State
This can be a lengthy process. First, you need to wait for a car shipping company to have room in their schedule for a pickup. Once they can pick it up, delivery could take a few weeks.
Depending on how far you are shipping, it could take less time.
The timeline that an auto transportation company gives you is only an estimate. They will not guarantee the time of delivery. That is because there are outside factors that can change their schedule.
Inclement weather could cause a delay. Another potential bump in the road for you is if the transporter has additional pickups and deliveries that get scheduled.
Your price could be higher than the estimate the shipper gives you. The forecast may not cover insurance costs and service fees. Plus, other charges can accrue during your vehicle’s transportation.
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Additional Considerations
If the automobile you are shipping is your only car, or you are waiting for your new vehicle to arrive, you will need a temporary mode of transportation. Another essential tip is to ensure your vehicle has insurance coverage while it ships.
While most car shipping businesses have insurance to cover potential damages, you must know for sure before agreeing to the transportation. Even a car transport shipper with insurance could have issues with the insurer if damage occurs. You will have the protection you need if you maintain auto collision coverage and comprehensive car insurance.
Get Your Vehicle Ready
If a dealership sends a brand-new car, they will prepare it appropriately. Otherwise, it would help if you made the proper preparations.
Begin by removing your personal belongings. If the transporter sees your personal belonging, they will not take possession of your vehicle.
Also, before shipping a car, clean it because the transportation company will want to assess its condition when they receive it. If you have existing damage, take a photo or make a note.
Last, be sure to empty your gas tank. A full tank adds weight and will add shipping charges unnecessarily. The optimal amount would be to keep it at a quarter tank while shipping a car.
How to Transport a Car
Now that you know what to expect, let’s get into step-by-step details. You can reference this as a checklist:
1. Research Car Shippers
You have many options, but do your due diligence before signing off. Compare the services they offer, the cost, and their online reviews.
2. Choose the Best Method
You must decide if you want your car shipped on an open or closed truck. With a closed transporter, your vehicle will be better protected. The only downside to closed transport is that it will cost more.
3. Select Your Shipper
Once you gather your details and know what you want, you must choose a shipper. The shipping company will likely ask for your driver’s license, proof of insurance, vehicle title, and vehicle registration.
4. Choose the Location For the Delivery
You may want a vehicle dropped off at your home. However, there are other options for dropoff. For instance, delivery at a prominent metropolitan location will likely cost less if you are in a remote area.
5. Schedule Your Car Transport
Tell the car shipper when you want the vehicle delivered. Remember that the date they will give you for delivery is an estimate.
6. Contact the Seller or Dealer
For new purchases from a private seller or dealership, you must tell them when your transportation driver will arrive. They must be ready to release the vehicle to the shipper’s care.
7. Pre- and Post-Delivery Inspection
When your transporter arrives, they will inspect your vehicle to document its damage before shipping it. If you purchase the car from a seller, they should help the shipper with this process.
Both you and the delivery driver should inspect the vehicle when it arrives and identify if there is damage. You will sign a bill of lading. This is to confirm you have the car.
Everything You Need to Know About Shipping a Car
Follow the steps in this article and heed the additional tips. This is how to transport a car while reducing risk. You will be glad you read all about this!
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