Finding a reliable vehicle transportation service is an important part of any car shipping process. If you have never shipped a car before, but find that you need to do so, it is important to know what is involved in vehicle transportation and how it can be a great service to you. Here are some of the frequently asked questions that vehicle transportation companies are asked on a daily basis:

I bought a car on eBay that is located across the country and I want to have it shipped to me. Will a vehicle transportation service work for my situation?

If you do not want to put mileage on your new car or expose it to the many elements that you may encounter along the way, using a vehicle transportation company would be ideal. Many people ship cars they buy online and from other states all the time.

Is vehicle transportation expensive?

Some people choose not to use vehicle transportation simply because they don’t know about how valuable the service can really be. If you take the fuel costs, wear and tear on a car, and the time it would take to drive long distance; and compare it with the costs of shipping your car– you may find that vehicle transportation is cheaper in the long run.

Can I transport other things inside my car while it is being shipped?

Vehicle transportation companies are not licensed to transport household goods. Most people will still take a chance and put things in the trunk of their car anyway to be transported along with the car. This is not a good idea because the driver is not responsible for these items and their insurance will not cover any loss should these items be lost or stolen while the car is in their possession.

How long will it take to get my vehicle once it is picked up?

Shipping times will vary by company, distance the car will need to travel, and other factors. When getting quotes from different vehicle transportation companies, ask them if they can give you an estimated delivery date. Some companies may offer to expedite your delivery for additional fees. The typical delivery time can be a few days to a few weeks.

Do vehicle transportation companies carry special insurance to protect my car?

By law, all companies that transport vehicles are required to carry insurance. Make sure the vehicle transportation company that you choose has insurance and shows you proof of it before handing over your car to them. Never choose the services of any car transportation company that does not carry insurance. It is not only against the law, but it leaves you unprotected should your vehicle become damaged during transport.

My car doesn’t run at all. Can I still use a vehicle transportation service?

Any car can be shipped. Transporting a car that does not run will cost more; simply because the driver will need to take time and use special equipment to get your car in and out of its carrier. This may include using winches to get it loaded onto an open car carrier, or using a lift gate to get it loaded onto a closed car carrier.

Is there anything I need to do to prep my vehicle for transportation?

Make sure your car is clean, both inside and out. This way if there is any damage, both you and the driver will be aware of it. The driver will make note of any damage before taking possession of your car. Disconnect any car alarms, radar detectors and any other devices that are similar to those before vehicle transportation. If your car is being shipped to a cold climate, add antifreeze to winterize it. It is also wise to keep fuel levels low and to notify the driver if your car is leaking any fluids prior to vehicle transportation.