When you want to ship your car to a certain company, you need to do some research to decide if it will be the right company for your car. Aside from checking on reviews or asking for recommendations, there are a few questions you should ask the companies when you contact them.
1. What Coverage Is Provided?
Every car shipping company is required to have at least liability coverage to cover potential damages during shipment. You should ask about this because you need to make sure the coverage is adequate for your car.
Depending on what you’re shipping, your car may be worth more than the total amount that a company will cover. You can choose to purchase additional coverage from the company or seek out a company with better coverage.
Additionally, you can always check with your car insurance provider to see what they cover for damages during shipment. You may be required to pay additional premiums for shipment, so make sure you check with your insurance company anyway so if anything does happen, you’re covered from every angle.
2. Are There Deductibles?
Deductibles are an essential aspect to ask about because you may have to pay part of the bill if a deductible is part of the insurance coverage. Think about the way it works when you file a claim. When you or your property suffers damages, you typically have a maximum amount that you need to pay before coverage kicks in.
The same concept can apply to car shipping companies and the coverage they provide. If you end up filing a claim, make sure you know the deductible and the process ahead of time. By asking this question, you’ll also be able to call and get information from multiple shipping companies to compare rates, deductibles, and other relevant information.
3. Can You Request a Specific Timeframe?
With some car companies, you may request specific time frames, but it will usually be more expensive. When working with other companies, you may need to be flexible with a range of dates. Delays happen, and while they’re not intentional, you may want your car by September 21st, but you’ll get it on the 25th because that’s when the driver can get there.
In other words, if you need to have a car somewhere on a specific date, you’ll be hard-pressed to ensure that it is going to work out the way you want. You may wish to agree to flexible dates for your sanity because having to stick to a predetermined date is met can stress you out.
4. Are There Better Deals With Flexible Dates and Situations?
Depending on the company you’re going to go with, you may be able to score some fantastic shipping costs if you can be highly flexible. For example, some truck drivers have leftover space that they’re willing to use to ship your car.
The downside is that you may need to be even more flexible because you’ll have to find a driver with the room you need on an existing route. This is not a situation where you get to select the pick-up or drop-off location. Instead, there may be a time where you need to be available when drivers need to drop off your car according to their schedules.
To help you score a better deal, consider planning ahead to work with the car shipping company of your choosing. Giving them enough time to find a carrier to move your items will help, as will being flexible with shipping during an off-season. You would need to contact them for the best rates for your needs.
5. What Are Company Limitations and Guidelines for Shipping?
Different companies have different limitations and guidelines when it comes to shipping your car. For example, some may need you to drain your fuel tank to only include a specific amount. Others may tell you that you need to remove everything from the inside that could be loose.
If your car isn’t running, that’s a whole other set of guidelines that will need to be followed. You will be charged non-operational fees, so you’ll need to be ready for that expense, too. You’ll probably also be instructed to meet the carrier at a predetermined location for both easy pick-up and drop-off.
A Few Last Thoughts
When shipping a car, you don’t want to miss essential questions. Always ask about coverage and check with your insurance company for what they offer. Be prepared for deductibles so they don’t surprise you. For better deals, be flexible, and remember to follow company rules for the best car shipping experience.