Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Tips for ensuring a proper auto transport

Auto transport services have become popular among the people as the number of vehicles being used had been in a rise. People are shipping their cars very often regardless of the high fuel costs. Car shipping is a tough job but it would be a hassle free process if it’s in the proper hands. Here, the auto transport company comes for your help. Since they are professional in auto transport services, your car would be safe in their hands. However, proper steps should be taken to choose the company that would get along with your needs.
To begin with, you should have a clear plan about the car shipping before approaching a car transporting company. You should prepare the plan based on factors like car shipping rates, time and weather. 

Once you are done with the plan you can look out for companies by means of proper research. Reading reviews and testimonial s about the company would give a clear picture of the reputation of the company. After the market research, contact two or three companies whose services lie close to your plan. In order to confirm the authenticity of the company, you should contact the Better Business Bureau. Once you make a choice, ask them for the quote. Here the focus should on getting the quality service in an economical rate. The rate would be based on factors like the distance between the origination and destination, the weather conditions, the kind of car and the type of car shipping service that you would need. You should never compromise quality for cheap rates. 

Before you sign the contract, you should also reach grounds on the insurance offered by the company. Your car should be covered against any damage that may happen during the transport. You must also inquire if the insurance policy would serve as the primary or secondary insurance. The kind of shipping method; either enclosed or open transport should also be selected before getting into terms with the company. Open trailers are either partially or fully exposed and there are many different types of open trailers ranging from three car carriers to large car carriers. On the other hand, enclosed trailers are usually covered and are not exposed to outer elements. 

Usually the delivery options include drop off at your destination or a terminal. However, this doesn’t mean that they will leave your car at your door step. The car shipping company would get as close as your locality since the large carriers would not be able to manage in narrow streets. If you opt for terminal to terminal transport, the time and date of pickup and delivery at the terminals should be known before hand. 

Before the company drives off with your car, you must take out all your personal belongings and documents. The company would normally do an inspection in which they will note down the present condition of the vehicle both inside and outside. A report would normally be prepared after this inspection and you too would be provided with a copy. You must go through the report after the delivery of the car to make sure of any damages.

Car shipping should be done with utmost care and responsibility. So if you are paying well to get good services, make sure that the services offered are worth the pay and the promised services are done without fail.