choosing an auto transport service
Choosing an Auto Transport Service
Moving house? Need to transport your car from your old house to your new house? Here are some tips to help you choose an auto transport service, and for during the process of transporting your car.
- First, ask around for recommendations from friends. The advantage of this is that you get free advice and a glimpse at how different people have different experiences with different companies.
- Second, shop around for quotes. Ask as many questions you want about all the different aspects of auto transport. Look at the company websites and ask for a quote. You may have to provide all the necessary details to get an accurate quote.
- Then do your own research to see if these companies have the necessary licenses and registrations. This is very important.
- Another aspect to research is the number of unresolved complaints in comparison with the volume of cars transported by the auto transport service. This should give you some idea of their effectiveness.
- Ask the company how they are going to transport the car: whether it will be in an open trailer, or an enclosed trailer. The pricing may vary but then so will the safety and security of your car.
- Ask about the various options for insurance: will the company be insuring your car for the duration of the transportation?
- Check your car insurance. Does it cover all these aspects such as theft and damage during transportation?
- The quotes you receive should include all the pertinent information (apart from the pricing options) such as pick up dates for your vehicle, the time that they need for the transportation of your car, the methods of payment and the insurance options.
- Once you have finalized which auto transport company to hire, make sure that you receive a copy of the contract. Read all the terms and conditions properly before you sign the contract.
- To make your car transport ready, wash it properly (inside and outside) and remove all your personal belongings from the car. Items which normally remain in the car, such as the spare tire, etc., need to be tied down properly so that they don't move around during transportation.
- While picking up your car, the driver should inspect the car for scratches and dents and make a note of these points in the bill of lading document which he will then give you.
- When you receive the car from the auto transport service, check the car against this bill of lading document.
- Also check the roof and under the car to see if you notice anything strange.
- Keep all the documents that you receive in the course of these transactions. They may come in handy later in case of any disputes arising.