Many people will require the services of an auto transport company at some point in their lives. You may be moving your car because of college, or going on a long-term vacation, or moving. Whatever the reason for needing transportation, there are some questions that everyone should ask before deciding which company to use. When looking for an auto transportation service provider, everyone should ask the six questions listed below.
Do I Need Insurance Coverage?
Inquire with the auto-transport company on whether you require insurance coverage. Many companies will try to sell it to you, but your regular car insurance policy will often cover auto transportation once notified.
Some auto insurance companies will give you a discount on your policy if you tell them you’re using an auto transport company. If the company insists on purchasing additional coverage, you should shop around before committing to that extra cost.
What is Your Hourly Rate?
The hourly rate can vary significantly from company to company, so you must inquire about it. Some businesses charge a flat rate that includes the cost of loading and unloading the vehicle.
Others, however, may not include those costs in their rates. If they do not have them, this is something to think about when deciding between several companies. You should also inquire about any fees or surcharges that may apply in certain circumstances, such as if they pick up your car on a Friday afternoon.
What Does Proof of Ownership Look Like?
Before they even consider transporting your vehicle, any reputable auto transport company will require some form of proof of ownership. For some businesses, this may only include the insurance policy and registration card.
Others, however, may require you to provide a copy of the title or other forms specific to your state. You must gather this information for them before they arrive. Otherwise, there is a good chance that your vehicle will not be able to fit onto their truck.
How is My Car Picked Up, and Where is it Transported?
Again, please inquire as to how they intend to pick up your vehicle. While some companies will send a tow truck with their company name on the side, others will send one of their employees to come by and load your car onto their flatbed.
This may not appear to make much of a difference. However, if you have your vehicle towed or loaded on with equipment that does not apply enough pressure to register the weight correctly, you may be paying more for shipment than you shouldn’t. Please make sure that whoever you select is aware of these numbers before they arrive at your home.
Do You Have any Special Pricing?
Don’t forget to ask the auto transport company about any discounts they may provide. While most businesses will charge a flat rate or add their cost to your bill, some may be willing to work with you to keep costs low.
Specific fees may also not apply in some cases, such as if your vehicle weighs less than 3,500 pounds. Never assume that one company is superior to another simply because they charge a lower price. Before deciding on a company, make sure you understand what you’re getting for your money.
How Do I Know if My Car is Safe?
Finally, express your concern and inquire how you can be confident that your vehicle will safely travel from point A to point B. After they have loaded your car onto their truck, some companies will send you photos of it.
The photos will allow you to check for any potential damage before giving them the go-ahead. It would help if you also inquired whether their trucks have tracking devices so that you can know where your car is at all times while in transit.
The answers to the preceding questions will assist you in locating the best auto transport company for your requirements. These are just a few of the critical factors to consider when selecting an auto transportation company. You can ensure that hiring a reputable auto transport company will benefit both your car and your wallet by asking these crucial questions.
