Top Questions to Ask Your Auto Transport Company Before BookingTable of ContentsIntroductionAre You a Broker or a Car Carrier?Is My Car Insured During Transportation?What Type of Carriers Do You Use?What Is the Cancellation Policy?What Documentation Is Required for Transportation?Can I Get an Auto Transport Free Quote?Do You Offer Customer Support Service?How Long Will It Take to Transport My Car?What Is the Cost of Transportation?How Do I Prepare My Car for Car Shipping?Do You Offer Door-To-Door or Terminal-To-Terminal Service?What Payment Methods Do You Accept?What Should I Do if There Is Damage to My Vehicle During Transportation?Can You Provide References or Customer Reviews for Your Auto Transport Services?Can You Ship an Inoperable Car?ConclusionFrequently Asked QuestionsIntroductionShipping a car can be a daunting task, especially if you've never done it before. The stakes are high, whether you're moving cross-country or purchasing a vehicle from a distant location. Choosing the right auto transport company can significantly ease your stress and ensure a smooth process. But how do you filter through the array of options to find the best one? The solution lies in asking the right questions. This blog post aims to guide you through 15 essential questions to ask your auto transport company before booking. By the end of this post, you'll have a clearer understanding of what to look for and how to ensure your car reaches its destination safely and efficiently.Are You a Broker or a Car Carrier?Understanding whether you're dealing with a broker or a car carrier is crucial. Brokers act as intermediaries, connecting you with carriers. They don’t transport vehicles themselves but have a network of carriers they vet. On the other hand, carriers own the trucks and perform the actual transportation. Knowing who you're dealing with can help you gauge their reliability and the level of control they have over the transport process. If you're working with a broker, make sure to ask how they select carriers and what criteria they use to ensure reliability.Is My Car Insured During Transportation?It’s essential to understand the insurance coverage provided by the auto transport company. Ask for a copy of their insurance certificate to confirm they have adequate coverage. Inquire about what damages are covered and if there is any deductible you would have to pay in case of a claim. It's also worth checking if your own auto insurance covers transportation. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your car is protected during the journey.What Type of Carriers Do You Use?Auto transport companies typically use either open or enclosed carriers. Open carriers are more common and generally cheaper, but your car will be exposed to the elements. Enclosed carriers offer more protection and are ideal for high-value or classic cars. Ask about any restrictions on vehicle types for each carrier type and choose the one that best suits your vehicle's needs.What Is the Cancellation Policy?Life is unpredictable, and you might need to cancel or reschedule your transport. Understanding the company's cancellation policy is vital. Some companies may require a non-refundable deposit upfront, while others might allow cancellations with minimal or no penalty. Ensure you know the fees and conditions associated with cancelling or rescheduling your service.What Documentation Is Required for Transportation?Different types of documentation may be required depending on whether you’re shipping your vehicle domestically or internationally. Common documents include the vehicle title, registration, and possibly a notarized letter of authorization if someone else is handling the shipping on your behalf. Knowing the required documentation can help streamline the process and prevent any delays.Can I Get an Auto Transport Free Quote?Most reputable auto transport companies offer free quotes. Ensure you provide accurate information about your vehicle and the pickup and delivery locations to get an accurate estimate. Comparing quotes from different companies can help you gauge the market rate and select the most cost-effective option.Do You Offer Customer Support Service?Reliable customer support is invaluable. Ask if the auto transport company has a dedicated support team, their hours of operation, and how you can reach them (phone, email, chat). Strong customer support can make the transportation process smoother and help resolve any issues that may arise.How Long Will It Take to Transport My Car?The duration of car transportation can vary based on factors such as distance, route, and weather conditions. Ask for an estimated timeline and whether the company offers expedited shipping if you need your car transported quickly. Understanding the time frame helps in planning and setting realistic expectations.What Is the Cost of Transportation?Ask for a breakdown of all charges involved in the transportation process. This includes pickup and delivery fees, fuel surcharges, insurance, and any other miscellaneous expenses. Transparency in pricing helps you avoid unexpected costs and budget appropriately.How Do I Prepare My Car for Car Shipping?Properly preparing your vehicle for transport is critical. Common preparation steps include cleaning the car, removing personal items, ensuring the gas tank is no more than a quarter full, and checking for any leaks or mechanical issues. Follow the transport company's specific recommendations to avoid complications.Do You Offer Door-To-Door or Terminal-To-Terminal Service?Ask about their service options and what they recommend based on your needs. Door-to-door services typically offer more convenience but at a higher cost, whereas terminal-to-terminal services might be cheaper but require more effort on your part. Depending on your situation, one option may be more suitable than the other.What Payment Methods Do You Accept?Understanding the payment options is essential. Most companies accept various forms of payment such as credit cards, cash, certified checks, and money orders. Additionally, ask about the payment schedule; some companies may require a deposit upfront while others ask for the full payment upon delivery.What Should I Do if There Is Damage to My Vehicle During Transportation?Accidents can happen. Ask about the company’s claims process and the documentation required for filing a claim. Understand their liability limits and what types of damages are covered under their insurance policy. Being informed about this process prepares you to take swift action if any damage occurs.Can You Provide References or Customer Reviews for Your Auto Transport Services?A reputable company should be able to provide customer reviews or references. Testimonials can offer insights into the company’s reliability and quality of service. Additionally, check online reviews on platforms like the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any recurring issues or complaints.Can You Ship an Inoperable Car?If your car is not functional, ask if the company offers services to transport inoperable vehicles. This may require special equipment and could incur additional fees. Confirming this upfront ensures that the company can handle your specific situation and prevents any last-minute surprises.ConclusionChoosing the right auto transport company requires due diligence. By asking these 15 questions, you can evaluate their services, ensure transparency, and find a trustworthy company that meets your needs. Remember, the goal is to make the car shipping process as seamless and stress-free as possible. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be well-prepared to make an informed decision.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat are the acceptable forms of payment?Most major credit cards, postal money orders, and cashier's checks are typically accepted. It's also common for companies to require a deposit that ranges between 10-25% of the total shipping cost, with the remaining balance due upon delivery.How long does a coast-to-coast trip take?Coast-to-coast trips usually take between 10-14 days, while shorter trips range from 3-7 days, depending on the distance. Various factors like traffic, weather, and truck breakdowns can affect the timeline.Do I need to be present when my car is picked up?Yes, either you or a designated representative should be present during the pickup of your vehicle. This ensures that a proper inspection can be performed and a bill of lading is signed as proof of delivery.Can you transport inoperable vehicles?Yes, most companies can transport inoperable vehicles, but this service often comes with additional charges. It's crucial to inform the company about the vehicle’s condition beforehand to receive an accurate quote and ensure they have the necessary equipment.Can I leave personal items in the car?Auto carriers generally cannot transport household goods or personal items, and these items are not covered by the carrier's insurance. Any damage caused by personal items shifting in the vehicle is also not covered, so it’s best to remove all personal belongings.How is my car insured during transport?Your car is insured for its Blue Book value while it is on the truck. At the time of pickup, a condition report is completed and signed by both the shipper and the truck driver. Upon delivery, this report is presented again so you can compare the vehicle’s condition. If there is any damage, it must be noted on the report before signing.By addressing these frequently asked questions, we hope to further alleviate your concerns and ensure a smooth experience in transporting your vehicle. Happy shipping!