When shopping around for auto shippers, knowing what to ask is important. Since most of us don’t need to ship vehicles very often, it’s easy for us to be confused about what to look for in a reputable, reliable  company. Below, we highlight ten important questions that should be asked whenever you shop around for car shipping companies. Keep this list of questions at the ready when interviewing car transport companies, and you’re much more likely to get the help that you need – at a price that you can afford. Once you know what questions to ask, be sure to fill out the form at the top of the page for free quotes from reputable, licensed, bonded, and insured.

1. Where Do You Ship?

The first question that you should ask any company is what kind of area they cover. After all, an auto transport company isn’t going to do you any good if you need to get your car from Florida to California – and they only cover the East Coast. Ask every single company about the area they serve before going any further.

2. Is A Car Inspection Required?

Be sure to ask auto shippers whether or not a car inspection is required. Most require an inspection to be performed before assuming responsibility for it. This is highly advised for the protection of everyone involved.

3.  What Kind Of Documentation Is Necessary?

When transporters assume responsibility for your vehicle, they require many different kinds of documentation to make sure that everything is “on the level.” As such, you will probably need to provide proof of insurance, a title for your vehicle, damage inspection documentation and other information to your auto shippers.

4. Is Insurance Available?

Although you probably have an auto insurance policy, be sure to ask whether or not they offer additional insurance. Since you can never predict what may happen – even with the most reputable auto shippers – it’s important to keep extra insurance on your vehicle.

5. What’s Your Policy On Possessions In The Car?

As a general rule, most auto shippers will not transport a vehicle that is crammed full of belongings. By law auto transporters are not licensed to transport household items, and any items left in the car are subject to seizure by police at weigh stations etc.  Be sure to ask  about policies regarding belongings in your car; otherwise, you might be charged extra.

6. Do They Offer Open Shipping?

Ask  the transport company whether they offer open shipping only, or if other options are available. Most people choose open shipping – i.e., the cars are transported without being covered up. This is a popular method among auto shippers, but can result in damages.

7. Do They Offer Enclosed Auto Transport?

If you have a more expensive vehicle – or just want to be extra careful – ask auto shippers whether they offer enclosed auto transport.

8. Will They Explain Their Terms Of Service Openly?

Before signing anything with an auto shippers company, be sure to go over the terms and conditions carefully. If anything is confusing to you, ask the company to explain it more fully.

9. What Are Your Estimated Delivery Times?

Due to circumstances beyond their control, most companies cannot give a precise, down-to-the-minute delivery time. Ask the auto shippers you talk to, though, what the average transport times are for the distance that your car is being shipped. Experienced transporters should be able to give you a decent ballpark estimate.