Sunday, December 19, 2010

Things to know before shipping your car

Millions of people are transporting their cars from one location to other during a year. The auto transport company takes the responsibility of shipping your car without causing any damages. They are professional who would manage the transport perfectly. However, for better car shipping, it is essential that you must make sure of certain things about your car. 

The auto transport company offers you open and enclosed methods of car transport. You have to make the selection of the shipping method. Furthermore, they would also provide delivery options like door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal. Here also you have to make the choice of the options. Proper information should be sought form the company before signing the contract. While ordering the auto shipping service, generally a deposit is paid. This deposit would range from 10 percent to 25 percent of the total shipping rate. The deposit should be given prior to the pickup and the balance is due upon the delivery of the car. You must enquire about the paying options offered by the company. 

The auto transport company provides insurance coverage for your car against any damages that would occur during the shipping. You should ask for a copy of the coverage details to be kept with you. This would help to understand the coverage and deductible details if any problem happens. You must make sure that any offer that the company gives should be made into writing. This would give authenticity than oral words.

There are some important things that you must do before the vehicle transport. The main thing is to inspect your car clearly before the shipping. The best thing to do is to wash the car properly as it would allow you to identify all the minor details including scratches in your car. Any damages should be clearly noted down in the inspection report. The car should be emptied of all the personal belongings and documents since the auto transport company would not take the responsibility of such items. Moreover, the extra items would add to the total weight of the vehicle. Any special effects like spoilers or antennas should be removed so that it won’t be damaged during transport. If possible, turn in mirrors too. 

It is suggested that you must turn off the car alarm before handing over the keys. The car shippers would not like to waste their time disabling the alarm if it keeps on ringing. The gas tank should be drained to less than half tank so that the shippers can make sure of safety and weight concerns. You must inspect the air pressure of the tires and it would be better if you could go for an oil change. If your car has any leakage, you must inform it to the driver beforehand since leaking automobiles cannot be loaded on the top of the trailer. 

Some cars have starting troubles and the drivers would charge extra for such kind of problems during the loading and unloading of cars. To avoid such crisis, it is better to inform the driver about the status of your car. You must closely inspect the auto transport inspection report while delivery to ensure the condition of the car. You must clearly inspect the roof and front and rear bumpers on delivery.