When you start looking for a car shipping company, you need to make sure you ask the right questions to make the best decision. You want your car protected, but you also don’t want to deal with surprise fees at the very end.
1. Are Prices Guaranteed?
Not all prices are guaranteed. In fact, you need to make sure you ask about that because most companies will tell you prices fluctuate. They’re not shady, but that’s the nature of the industry. The cost of fuel changes, as do other associated fees.
Some companies do offer a guaranteed price, but you’ll have to ask. For example, Sherpa Auto Transport provides a price-lock promise, as does Montway Auto Transport. They both tend to be a little more expensive upfront, but your payment won’t change. It’s a lot easier to budget for car shipping when you know fees won’t surprise you.
2. Do You Have Specific Pickup or Delivery Dates?
Most companies will give you a range of dates that you’ll need to be available for pickup or delivery. That can be a little complicated because you have to wait until they call you and tell you to be ready. They’ll give you a heads-up a few days before, but not before. Delays happen, and until you get close to the date, everything is up in the air.
Some companies also make you pick up and drop off at locations of their choosing that are close to where you are. It’s not entirely inconvenient, but it’s more convenient to have door-to-door service. Not every company does, but if you read through Amerifreight reviews, you’ll see that they do.
3. What Insurance Coverage Do You Provide?
Every carrier is required by law to have minimum coverage in case of damages. Some have higher amounts than others, but it varies, so you’ll have to ask.
Minimum coverage is typically enough for the average car, but if you have a classic car or a high-end luxury car, you might want more. Ask if you can purchase additional coverage, and call your car insurance company because they might offer coverage for you in this case, too.
4. Are the Drivers Certified?
Not every driver is certified, so this one is crucial to ask, especially if you’re working directly with a driver. If you’re working with a broker, chances are that the drivers are certified because brokers check on that. It’s on them if something happens and your carrier’s driver isn’t certified, so it’s in their best interest to vet every carrier they work with.
5. How Much Does Service Cost?
The cost of service depends on several different factors, with the biggest factors being open versus closed carriers and the total distance your car will travel. Open carriers tend to be less expensive, but closed carriers protect your vehicle from the elements.
Distance also matters because most companies offer bulk pricing. The farther you have to go, the less it will cost you per mile to get your car there. When you end up adding up the total cost, you’ll probably realize that it’s going to cost less to ship it than it would be to drive it to your destination, too.
6. Can I Track the Driver’s Travels?
People love GPS because you can watch where someone else is going in real time. When it comes to car shipping companies, the same concept applies.
Not every company has this option available, so if you’d like the extra peace of mind that comes with it, make sure you ask about it. Companies that don’t offer this option will tell you you’re welcome to call and get a status update whenever you want, but you’ll have to decide if that’s good enough for you. That said, if you want to work with a company that shares the live location of your shipment, visit Roadrunner auto transport broker.
The Bottom Line
Always ask the right questions so you know what you’re getting into with a car shipping company. Not all prices are guaranteed, and it’s better to know that from the beginning. It’s also helpful to know if you’re working with a range of dates or the specific delivery date when you get your quotes.
Remember to ask about insurance coverage and whether the drivers are certified before you decide. Also, ask about the GPS if that’s important to you. By the time you have all of your answers, you’ll be ready to decide and pick the best car shipping company for your needs.
