Important Questions to Ask an Auto Transport Company
Posted on: 18 February 2016
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Having your car shipped by an auto transport company can ensure that it arrives safely across the country or in a new country. You might also be legally required to transport your car this way if it's antique, for racing, or otherwise not allowed on the road. When you're ready to hire an auto transport company, note a few important questions to ask first. This will help ensure your car arrives in good condition and you know what's involved with the transport process.
1. Always ask how to prepare your car for transport
Emptying your car of anything you're storing in the cab area or trunk is often needed, but you may also be asked to check the spare tire and ensure it's properly connected and in place. You might also be asked to remove items you wouldn't expect, such as a GPS or anything expensive that the transport company doesn't want to risk getting stolen. The auto transport company may also need to keep your key with them, so it's good to make a duplicate if you aren't comfortable with them having the only key. You might also be asked to use up most of the gas in the car, so that the car is as light as possible.
2. Note if they use any type of protective film for the car
If the car will be transported on an open carrier or trailer, ask if they use any type of protective film. Be sure it won't leave a residue when it's removed from the car, and consider removing anything you don't want to risk getting damaged by the film or upgrading to an enclosed trailer for transport. If you have custom decals on the car, a tinted film on the car's windows, or anything else that might get damaged by protective film, choose an enclosed trailer for transport.
3. Be sure they offer added insurance for your car
You may know to ask about insurance when you're arranging for an auto transport, but sometimes a company will say that your car is insured when they are actually talking about your own insurance policy. You have every right to ask if they carry additional cargo insurance for your car that will protect it in case of damage. This should at least cover the amount of your deductible with your own insurance carrier so that you don't need to pay this out of your pocket if your car should get damaged.