Although some people feel excited about starting the next chapter of their lives, they dread the moving process. After all, that includes finding a reputable moving company, packing up all your belongings, getting the kids enrolled in a new school, finding a different doctor, and the list goes on.
However, some moves prove a little more challenging than others. For instance, what do you do when relocating to a different part of town or to an entirely new city, state, or country when you own multiple vehicles? Even with just one car, traveling to your new home by plane means you need to find a way to get it to you.
If you find yourself in this situation, help is available. You can contact a trusted company that provides automobile shipping services.
So, as far as how to ship a car, the information provided will guide you through the process.
Establish a Timeline
The first step is to determine when you need to have your car shipped. Depending on where you move, this can take between two days and three weeks. Keep in mind that even when given a relatively solid delivery timeline, unexpected delays can occur. Things like road construction, bad weather, and traffic conditions are possibilities.
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Create a Budget
The cost to have your car shipped depends on the company you hire. This is why comparing different options is so important. Ultimately, things like the type and size of the vehicle, the distance to your new home, the time of the year, and more all factor into the overall cost.
Typically, car-shipping companies have a base price for their services. For example, you might pay $1 per mile for a distance between 1 and 500 miles. Then, the shipper would likely decrease the price to $0.75 per mile for anything over the 500-mile benchmark. In other words, the shipper will probably discount the cost the farther away you move.
Although many things factor into the cost to ship your vehicle, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $1,400 on average.
Decide on Shipping Method
The companies that provide automobile shipping services utilize several different modes of transportation. Moving within the same country allows you to have more input as to how the company ships your car. On the other hand, if you plan to relocate to a different country, the shipper might have the final say.
For national moves, you have two options.
1. Enclosed
This means your vehicle is inside a closed transport carrier. Of the two options, this is the safest. Also, with this, your vehicle is never exposed to the outside, which greatly reduces the risk of damage. The only drawback is that shipping your car this way is roughly 50 percent more expensive than the uncovered option.
2. Uncovered
In this case, the shipping company uses an uncovered transport carrier. The disadvantages include your car’s exposure to the elements, and depending on the company’s insurance, you might end up paying some or all of the cost of any damage. Usually, uncovered shipping services work best when moving a short distance away.
Now, for each of these, you can select additional services.
3. Terminal to Terminal
With this, the car-shipping company delivers your vehicle to a drop-off terminal, meaning you have to go there to retrieve it.
4. Door to Door
The more convenient option is to have your car picked up at your current residence and then delivered directly to your new house.
Choose a Car-shipping Company
Considering that someone you do not know will have possession of your vehicle for a period of time, you want to hire the best company possible. Remember that in exchange for superior service, you do not automatically have to pay a higher price. By comparing what different companies offer, you can make a well-informed decision.
Choose two or three candidates. Before you sign a contract, talk to a representative from each company. That way, you can ask questions and gather pertinent information. One thing you need to know is how much of a notice the company needs. Also, inquire about any required deposit and where it stores your vehicle overnight during the transport process.
Perhaps one of the most critical questions to ask is about the car-shipping company’s insurance. Similar to standard movers, car shippers offer various options. You want to ensure that if your car sustains damage, the insurance provider pays the full cost. For additional peace of mind, talk to your personal insurer to see about adding a temporary policy.
Preparing Your Car
One final piece of information has to do with getting your car ready to ship. You will need to have your insurance information, vehicle registration, and driver’s license readily available. Then, before the company picks up your car, make a list of any scratches, dents, or other existing damage. Even better, take photos or a video.
Then, take all items out of your car and do not have more than a quarter of a tank of gas. Other last-minute tasks include folding the side mirrors in, removing any tall antennas, and disabling the alarm, and removing any toll pass, if applicable.
After your car arrives at your new home, perform a second inspection to make sure what you see matches its condition before the pickup. Instead of worrying about getting one or more vehicles to the location where you plan to move, consult with a reputable company.
Also read: Guide On Shipping Car Bought Online
