Car Shipment is becoming more and more common with the rise of internet commerce.  More people are buying cars online from far away cities or even other states. It is not always practical to retrieve the car personally, so the car shipment industry has grown to meet the demand. The  industry also serves a growing segment of the population who are relocating due to the economy and shrinking job market. Shipping a car will, at first, either seem very simple or be a cause of overwhelming concern. A few guidelines will show that there are things to watch out for, and none of them should cause any stress.

The first thing to watch for in choosing an auto shipping company is their insurance policy. Damage can occur during shipping and you want to make sure your car will be covered. The car shipment company’s insurance should be primary and your own insurance secondary, if needed at all. The insurance should also cover theft and any deductibles must be minimal. There’s no reason to pay a deductible for something that is not your fault. Also, be aware that most insurance will not cover personal belongings inside the car.

After insurance, cost will be the secondary factor in choosing a car shipment service. You must be able to provide the following information to get an accurate quote: origin, destination, departure date, make and model of the vehicle, type of service desired (home delivery or terminal delivery,) enclosed or open transport, and whether the vehicle is in running condition or not. Payment should never be made completely up front. A deposit is standard with the rest is payable upon delivery. Some companies require a surcharge for paying with a credit card.

Never rely on a verbal agreement with a car shipment company. A written contract must be provided and it is advised that it be read through in its entirety. These car shipment contracts can be tricky. Watch for any clause that does not guarantee pick up or delivery on time. If this is the case, you should ask for a contract clause to waive any cancellation fees if not picked up within a reasonable amount of days. Otherwise, you may forfeit your deposit if you cancel, if it is for shoddy service. Some companies will offer a rental car if not delivered on time. Find out the dollar limits and details of any rental car clause.

Pick-up and delivery dates for transport should be estimated and provided in writing. If you are promised a firm date, this is a red flag. Auto shipping services can almost never provide an exact time. If they do give a firm date/time, ask what happens if it is not met. They should be able to provide a discount at the very least. Also, if you will not be able to pick the car up until after the delivery date, make sure you get in writing what their terminal hold fees will be.

Car shipment companies should inspect the car prior to shipping and their inspection report should be carefully examined. Be sure the driver signs a waiver of any changes or discrepancies in the inspection report. Also, verify the condition on arrival while the driver is present.

Following these guidelines will ensure an easy car shipment.  To get started, simply fill out the short form above to get your free car shipment quotes.