You’re probably here because you’re planning to make your big move in 2022. Whether you’re moving across state lines or abroad, you need to think about how you’ll ship your car. Car shipping is convenient and cost-effective, provided you work with reputable car shipping companies.
Driving your car, on the other hand, is cumbersome and comes with additional expenses. For example, meals, lodging, tolls, and fuel all cost money—not to mention tire wear, engine wear, and depreciation.
In this article, we look at six important tips to consider before shipping your car in 2022. Read on for more insight.
Compare Several Quotes
There are many auto shipping companies in the market, and they vary in shipping prices. It’s also important to note that factors influence the cost of shipping a car. They include:
- Distance covered
- Vehicle size
- Time of the year
- Open or closed transport
You should ask for car shipping quotes from different providers before you settle for one. Remember, auto shipping quotes are free. Compare at least three or four of them before you pick the provider that meets your budget and shipping needs.
Understand the Different Shipping Methods
The car shipping method you pick will affect how much you’ll spend on overall shipping expenses. Auto shipping methods fall into two categories, namely:
- Terminal to terminal
- Door to door shipping
For terminal-to-terminal car shipping, you will drive your vehicle to an agreed pickup terminal. Your carrier will then pick it up from there and ship it to the drop-off terminal location. Upon arrival, the car is available for you to collect. It is a cheaper alternative as you don’t incur charges for car pickup or drop-off.
For door-to-door car shipping, your car is collected at your parking lot and delivered right in front of your new home address. Remember, this sort of convenience will cost you more.
Open Versus Enclosed Transport Carriers?
How do you want your car shipped? Most carriers offer both open and enclosed transport. With open transport, your car is ferried in an open truck and exposed to the elements. Your car is also ferried alongside other cars in the open trailer. It is the more budget-friendly alternative. And because many cars are shipped openly, you don’t have to worry about long wait times.
If you own an expensive car, like a vintage model or an exotic sports car, you’re better off choosing enclosed transport. Of course, this is a costlier option. But your expensive investment will be protected from the elements and prying eyes during transport.
How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping
Consider washing your car before shipping. A clean exterior brings to the attention of the inspector any dings, dents, or scratches. It also makes it easier for you to notice any damage that may have been inflicted on the car during transport. Besides that, here are a couple more tips on how to prepare your car before shipping your car:
- Disable the car alarm.
- Detach exterior attachments like bike racks and antennas.
- Do not leave any valuables like money, phones, or jewelry inside the car, including the trunk.
- Ship the vehicle with less gas in the tank. A quarter-full tank is ideal for shipping. Remember, more gas adds to the overall weight of the car. As you probably know, more weight translates to higher shipping costs.
- Ensure your car’s parking brake is functioning.
You Should Have a Car Shipping Insurance
Several scenarios may occur while your vehicle is in transit. They include:
- Leaking fluids such as brake, oil, coolant, and steering fluids
- Damage to the undercarriage
- Car dents, dings, and scratches
- Alignment issues
That’s why you need to confirm with the car shipping provider about what’s covered and what’s not. Auto shipping companies are mandated by law to have a genuine certificate of insurance. They are expected to present this at the request of clients. Besides checking for proof of coverage, make sure you understand their policies.
Ask whether they provide coverage for potential damage while the vehicle is in transit. Do they cover just some parts or the entire car? You may consider adding a short-term insurance policy. That’s if you’re not satisfied with the shipper’s coverage.
Book for Your Car Shipping Appointment Early
Be ready to make a booking when comparing the multiple quotes from different auto shippers. The earlier you book, the higher the chance of receiving a low shipping rate from the carrier. It’s ideal to book at least two weeks before your planned shipping date. That is enough time to schedule a spot on the carrier, especially if you wish to use open carrier shipping.
The Bottom Line
The process of shipping a car is quite simple. But it’s important to know the various aspects that affect your shipping costs and how to secure the most affordable rates. The tips above are worth having in your arsenal as you navigate the world of auto shipping in 2022.
