Almost 10 million Americans live abroad, and more are thinking of making the move.
Shipping a car abroad can be an overwhelming task. This is particularly true if you’ve never done it before. With proper planning and knowledge, you can avoid common mistakes people make during the process.
Are you wondering what they are? This guide will cover seven mistakes with shipping cars across country. We’ll also give you reliable ways to avoid them.
Whether you’re using a car shipping service or arranging the shipment yourself, these insights will help ensure a hassle-free experience.
In this article
1. Choosing the Wrong Car Shipping Service
Selecting the right car shipping service is crucial for a successful shipment. When researching different companies, pay attention to their reputation, customer reviews, and track record.
Look for a service that has no shortage of positive feedback. They should be more than capable of delivering vehicles safely and on time.
Consider the type of transportation options they offer. For instance, you may need open or enclosed carriers. Having more options means you can choose the one that fits your needs and stays within your budget.
Don’t focus on the price while losing sight of everything else. You must also prioritize reliability and quality of service.
2. Not Properly Scheduling a Car Shipment
Proper scheduling is essential to ensure a smooth car shipment experience. Avoid the mistake of leaving it to the last minute.
Instead, book your car shipment well in advance to secure a convenient pickup and delivery window. Holidays, peak seasons, and other times of the year can affect the availability of carriers.
Plan accordingly and provide the shipping company with all the necessary details. For example, they’ll need your desired dates and locations.
3. Not Preparing for Car Shipments
Preparing your car in the right way is crucial. This will minimize the risk of damage during transit and more.
Start by cleaning your vehicle with a keen eye, both inside and out. This allows for a better inspection and helps protect the car’s exterior during transportation.
Remove whatever personal belongings you may have left in the car, too. It’s important to grab everything because these items aren’t often covered by insurance. Plus, they can create hazards during the moving process.
Don’t forget to disable any alarms or anti-theft devices. You’ll also want to fold back the mirrors to prevent them from getting broken off or scratched.
4. Not Paying Attention to Car Shipping Costs
Car shipping costs can fluctuate according to several fundamental factors. For instance, distance, type of transport, and the condition of your vehicle can all play a role.
To avoid unexpected expenses, request quotes from multiple car shipping companies. Take the time to compare them and get an idea of what’s fair. Be sure to use this nifty car transportation cost calculator.
While you’re at it, think about the general reputation and reliability of the company along with the price. Remember that the lowest-costing option may not always be the best.
Saving money isn’t worth the compromise on the service’s quality. You could also end up risking the safety of your vehicle. At that point, you may find yourself having to spend even more money because of an accident or another issue.
5. Forgetting Essential Car Shipping Documents
Proper documentation is crucial when shipping a car across the country. Don’t make the mistake of overlooking this aspect. Gather all the necessary paperwork in advance to ensure a process without hiccups.
Common documents include a copy of your driver’s license, car title, registration, and proof of insurance. You may also need permits or customs documents.
The exact paperwork will depend on the requirements for interstate and international shipments. Are you unsure of what you need? Consult with the shipping company to verify the specific documentation.
6. Not Inspecting Your Car Before and After the Shipment
Conducting a comprehensive inspection of your car is essential both before and after shipment. Take precise, timestamped photographs of your vehicle from all angles. Focus on any existing damage, such as scratches, dents, or paint chips.
This documentation serves as evidence in case any new damage occurs during transit. Repeat the inspection upon delivery and compare it to the initial photographs.
If you notice any further damage, don’t hesitate to report it to the shipping company. You can even begin the process of filing a claim if need be.
7. Not Verifying Insurance Coverage Details
Insurance coverage is critical for protecting your car during transportation. Don’t make the assumption that the shipping company’s insurance will cover all damages. The last thing you’d want is to find out the hard way that this isn’t true.
Instead, thoroughly review the insurance policy offered by the shipping company. That way, you’ll understand the coverage limits, deductibles, and any exclusions.
Consider buying extra insurance if necessary. Doing this will make it easier to ensure complete protection for your vehicle.
It’s always best to be properly prepared and have valid insurance coverage. After all, something could go wrong that you may have never expected.
For instance, you wouldn’t want to be left with damages you’re forced to cover. Looking at it this way, the insurance you get could end up being a lifesaver.
Shipping Cars Across Country Can Be Easy
Now that you can avoid these hurdles, shipping cars across country doesn’t have to feel like an impossibility. Instead, you can relax and be confident about the results. That way, you can enjoy your familiar wheels wherever you’re going.
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