If you’re not ready, then shipping your car can be stressful. When you want to send your car for purchasing, relocation or for an event, there is so much that goes behind the selection of the auto shipping company. Car shipping mistakes could delay service, incur unexpected costs, or in the worst case, even damage your vehicle. The most common auto shipping mistakes can turn your experience from smooth and hassle-free to costly and frustrating.
In a car shipping blog, we’ll list the common mistakes people make when shipping a car and ways to avoid them. If you keep these tips in mind, your vehicle will arrive on time, safely and in budget.
Picking the lowest-priced option without doing research
When looking for auto transport services, it is tempting to choose the cheapest quote. Choosing the cheapest one without due diligence may land you in trouble in the future. Many people wish to save money but when you pay the cheapest price sometimes you get corners cut resulting in a poor service.
This Can Lead to Mistakes
The cheapest option may be from a carrier that’s not as reliable or strong in customer service as others. Your vehicle may get damaged or delayed in a transport.
Limited insurance coverage: Cheaper services might not have adequate insurance, which may expose you to the risk of loss or damage.
Low-cost companies may advertise a low price but charge hidden fees for things like additional insurance, terminal-to-terminal shipping, or fuel surcharge.
What You Should Do
Don’t just focus on price – do your research on the company’s reputation and service. A trustworthy company will charge a fair price for the quality of service you need and will be upfront with you about any extras.
At 1st Car Shipping, we keep our prices competitive and our services top-notch, ensuring you get the best deal around.
Insurance coverage is not understood
Many shippers fail to grasp the insurance package that comes with the transport service they choose to use. Customers think that the standard insurance offered by the transport company will cover their vehicle fully, but that doesn’t happen.
Reasons It Isn’t a Good Idea
Auto transport company standard insurance coverage may not protect against certain damage types that can occur in transit. For instance, it might exclude minor dents, scratches, or harm caused by a rock from the road.
If your car has a high value or custom parts, the base would not cover the cost in case of damages.
How to Prevent It
Inquire about the specifics of the coverage offered by insurance. Be sure that you know what’s covered and what isn’t, and purchase extra coverage to protect your transportation vehicle.
At 1st Car Shipping, we offer insurance coverage options so that your vehicle is fully protect during transport.
Not preparing your vehicle properly beforehand
When you prepare your car for ship, you help to make sure that it is sent out and delivered in the same condition. If your car is not prepare properly for transport, it may cause complications and/or damage while being ship.
Why It’s a Mistake
Having personal belongings in your car can be dangerous. Plus, it can add more weight to your vehicle, leading to more shipping costs. Sometimes, transport companies may not permit the company to ship personal belongings inside the car.
Not removing any loose parts, antennas, side mirrors, spoilers and other protruding parts damaged during the transit if they are not secured in any way or remove.
Some firms demand that the fuel level be less than a quarter tank full in order to avoid spillage during a transport.
If you fail to do this, your shipment delayed or incur extra charges.
Ways to Stop It
It is advisable to clean the vehicle, remove personal belongings, and take off any loose parts that may get damaged before the shipment. Contact your shipping firm with questions about whether your vehicle must arrive with full fuel tank or certain other fluids checked.
At 1st Car Shipping, we guide the customers on how to prepare their car for shipping, ensuring an easy process that goes without an issue.
Ignoring the Terms and Conditions
Most people don’t read the fine print when booking auto transport services. As a result, they end up miss something or getting charge. The terms and conditions are an important part of the contract. It includes everything from the pickup and delivery to cancellation policies.
Why This is not Right
Certain companies may surprise you with additional charges for residential pickup, expedited shipping, or terminal-to-terminal transport. You may incur charges you did not expect.
If you don’t understand delivery timings, you may not have a car when you need it. Some transport companies don’t guarantee delivery dates.
If something goes wrong during a rental period, you might find you have limited liability or poor insurance coverage, and it may be too late for you.
How to steer clear of it
Always take out time to read the contract carefully. If something is vague, ask the transport company to clarify. This will save you from getting any shocks later.
At 1st Car Shipping, our terms and conditions are clear for your understanding. This way, you can make an informed decision with confidence.
Failing to convey clear instructions to transporters
Effective Communication Works Best When It Comes To Auto Transport. Always communicate with the courier company about your shipping schedule and instructions, whether it’s your pickup and delivery times, preferred shipping method, or if you need to change anything. Otherwise, they could make an error or delay.
Reason why this is bad
Not communicating your pickup and drop-off locations clearly can lead to delays or complications with the transport of your vehicle.
Lack of time frames: If you don’t tell your transport company when you want your vehicle delivered, they may not be able to help you.
If you don’t keep in touch with the transport company about the shipping process, you may miss something important, there may be changes made, and so on.
Ways to Stay Away from It
Keep in contact with your auto transport company every step of the way. When organizing the pickup or the delivery, clear messaging regarding said instruction is a must. Notify them about any changes to the same as early as possible.
At 1st Car Shipping, the customer service team guarantees that communication occurs without a hitch. Therefore, we will keep you updated every step of the way.
Eliminate shipping hindrance by avoiding mistakes
You can ship your car without a lot of stress if you avoid the common auto shipping mistakes above. You can enjoy a smooth, hassle-free experience by researching your options, knowing the insurance coverage, preparing your vehicle, reading the terms and conditions, and communicating well with the transport company.
At 1st Car Shipping we provide auto transport services that are reliable, transparent as well as affordable. Get your free quote today. Avoid these common mistakes and let us help you ensure your car arrives safely and on time!
