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 Auto
Transport FAQ
FAQ - Auto Transport
How
much will it cost to ship my vehicle?
This
is not a simple question to answer. The
price for shipping your car depends on
many variables. You will first need to
contact several car transport companies
and request quotes. Bellow is a list of
information you should have on hand before
requesting a quote:
- What
city will they be picking up and dropping off
your car? Have the exact address in order to
get an accurate estimate.
- How
many vehicles will they be transporting?
- They
will need an estimated date for picking up
your car. If you would like to request a guaranteed
date, this will cost extra. If not you will
be contacted by the driver or dispatcher as to
when your car will be picked up.
- What
are the year, make and model of vehicle being
transported?
- Do
you want door to door service or will you drop
off and collect your vehicle at the terminal?
Door to door will cost you more money. Before
making this choice you should verify that your
new location allows access to oversized vehicles.
How
far in advance do I need to schedule my transport?
Usually
an auto transport company will request that
you attempt to order transportation service
at least 10 - 15 days prior to your requested
pick-up date. By placing your order in advance,
not only will the auto transport company have
a greater chance of picking up your vehicle
on or as close as possible to your requested
date but you could receive a better transport
rate.If needed, most companies offer
express pickups but this service will cost
extra.
What
is an oversize fee?
An
oversize fee is charged if a vehicle is
larger than a traditional passenger vehicle.
Most SUV’s will have an oversize fee applied
to them. These vehicles are large in size
and take up more than one space on a truck
or carrier and are charged accordingly.
How
long does it take to transport a vehicle?
There
are several factors that affect transportation
times:
- Varying
pick-up times – Unless you’ve requested a guaranteed
pickup date you will have a 5-10 day window
for pickup. The
total distance between pick-up and delivery
- Uncontrollable
factors such as weather conditions, traffic,
and truck maintenance
A
usual coast-to-coast move takes between 10 and
14 days. Transit times up and down the coasts
range from 3 to
10 days. Inclement weather, traffic, and truck
maintenance may lengthen transit time, depending
on their severity. Trip planning and route coordination
is determined by current orders. For example,
if your vehicle is the last to load and the first
to unload, the transit time will be drastically
reduced. If your vehicle is the first to load
and the last to unload, the transportation time
will be lengthened.
Can
I pack things in my car?No,
not only is it illegal for auto transport companies
to transport personal belongings inside a vehicle
but NO personal belongings are insured at time
of transport. Your auto transport company will
not be responsible for objects that are not part
of the vehicle.If you do decide to
place objects inside the vehicle, please keep
them "light and out of sight." Due to the
numerous weight restrictions that are placed
on trucks, auto transport companies will not
allow objects whose weight is estimated to be
in excess of 100 lbs. Remember, since these items
are not
insured, we ask that they be securely
positioned in an area that is not visible. Unseen
objects do not draw attention to themselves,
the vehicle, or other vehicles on the carrier.
Is
my car insured while in transit? The
company with whom you contract to transport
your vehicle should provide adequate insurance
to protect against driver negligence. However
you should always check with the specific
vehicle transport company to ensure they
have adequate insurance. Ask to see the
certificate of insurance. Read the fine
print. You may decide to get supplemental
insurance as some coverage may be excluded,
for example if you leave personal items
in the car and they are stolen this will
not be covered.
Small nicks & dents, and glass breakage may
also not be covered. Remember
if
the truck driver's insurance coverage has
lapsed for any reason, you will be unprotected. Inquire
as to whether there is any deductible and
if there is you will be required to pay
the deductible amount toward any loss or
damage to the vehicle before any insurance
payment is made from the auto transport
insurance company. Always
make sure to ask your auto carrier if he
is planning to use an agent to haul your
vehicle. You will need to see the Certificate
of Insurance for the agent also to make
sure your vehicle is covered. Your
own auto insurance may also provide coverage
for your vehicle so check your policy.
You home insurance policy may also provide
additional coverage for any personal items
you leave in the vehicle.
What's
the difference between an open and closed carrier? An
Open carrier is one where vehicles are transported in exposed trailers. This
means that the vehicles are exposed to inclement weather conditions during
transit. This would be the most popular mode of auto transportation. It is
both safe an economical. The trailers come in all shapes and sizes and are
capable of carrying from one to over 14 vehicles at once. Where
an enclosed carrier is one where the vehicles are loaded in and transported
inside the carrier. This is a better choice when transporting an antique or
custom car because in this case the vehicles are protected from inclement weather
conditions. This choice is a more expensive one however depending on the vehicle
to be transported it may be the only sensible option.
Where
will my vehicle be picked up and delivered? In
this case you have 2 options:
- Door
to Door Service
With this service your vehicle will be picked up at your home and delivered
to your new home. In some cases (such as weight restriction, low bridges,
wires and branches) you carrier might ask that you meet them truck at a mutually
appealing location such as a supermarket or some other large parking lot.
Keep in mind that door to door service will cost you extra.
- Terminal
Service
With Terminal Service your vehicle will either be picked up or dropped off
at a terminal. While your carrier will try to find a terminal as close to
your home as possible (usually within 20 miles) this distance is not guaranteed.
When and how do I pay?
Most
auto transport companies require a deposit (10-25%
of the total cost). If a deposit is given, the
balance due is always required at time of delivery
-- oftentimes with a credit card, cashiers check
or cash. You
should check with your auto transport company
to find out what types of payment are acceptable
to them. If
full payment is required prior to car transport,
consider using a credit card so that charges
may be reversed if circumstances warrant such
actions. What
do I need to know about releasing my vehicle
to the auto transport company at point of origin? Prior
to leaving your car with the driver be sure you
sign and receive a copy of an “Original Inspection
Report”. This report will details the condition
of the vehicle at the time of pick-up and at
which you will be able to compare at the time
of delivery. Current mileage,
dents, scratches, cracks to mirrors and windows, paint condition, etc. will
be listed as well as the overall condition. Make
sure you ask for a copy of this report if you
are not provided with one. Keep this report and use it when
you receive your vehicle.
What if damage should occur to
my car?
You shouldn’t really worry about any
damages to your vehicle because the majority
of car transport experiences are worry-free.
If damage has occurred to your vehicle during
transit you must note the damage in detail on
the original inspection report, obtain the drivers
signature and then contact your auto transport
company to resolve the matter. The car transport company should
then work with you to reimburse you for verifiable
damage done to your car.
Remember if the damage is
a result of you leaving personal items in the
vehicle or trunk the auto transport company is
not responsible and will not reimburse you.
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Obtain medical and dental records, x-rays and prescription histories. Ask doctor and dentist for referrals and transfer prescriptions.
