Transporting your vehicle requires planning, research, and attention to key details to protect your vehicle. Choose reliable auto movers that know what your vehicle needs. If you have a high-value vehicle or custom parts, opt for enclosed transport. Here’s how to make sure your vehicle is protected during transport:
Select a Leading Auto Transport Company
Look for auto movers with many years of experience in moving vehicles of a particular type. To help you make an informed decision, find consistent positive feedback on handling vehicles like SUVs on online review platforms. Check credentials such as USDOT numbers on official government transportation department websites. You can request detailed explanations of their loading procedures for vehicles.
Choose Enclosed Transport
Enclosed transport provides better protection from the environment during the shipping process. The complete coverage that enclosed carriers offer is a suitable advantage for luxury vehicles such as sports cars. Classic automobiles such as vintage roadsters retain their pristine condition inside protected trailers.
Modified cars and other performance vehicles avoid road debris that could damage the vehicles. Cars with convertible tops or sensitive finishes such as custom paint jobs are protected from harsh weather elements by enclosed carriers. Having your high-quality vehicle in an enclosed carrier will prevent it from being seen during transport, which will protect it from vandalism or theft.
Document Your Vehicle’s Condition Thoroughly
Have comprehensive documentation to protect yourself from disputes about pre-existing versus new damage. Take clear photos of all sides, the roofline, and the exterior of your vehicle. Carefully document areas such as wheel wells, undercarriage, and door jambs. Take close-up images of any scratches, dents, or paint imperfections that already exist. Before transportation starts, record your current odometer reading as proof of mileage. Make a written condition report of such things as working lights and signals. Photograph VIN plates and special badges for verification purposes.
Remove Personal Items and Valuables
Take out electronics like GPS devices, dash cams, and portable chargers from all compartments. Glove boxes should be cleared out of documents like insurance cards, registration papers, and personal mail. Empty storage areas such as center consoles, door pockets, and trunk compartments completely. Remove or secure special floor mats and seat covers.
Verify Adequate Insurance Coverage
Insurance verification is your financial investment protection during the transport process. Ask for documentation showing how much coverage amounts are, like per-vehicle and per-occurrence liability limits. Know how much you are responsible for in the case of damage claims and deductible amounts.
Supplemental coverage for vehicles like antiques that exceed standard policy limits may be ideal. Photographs of insurance documents containing policy numbers and contact information for claims departments can be helpful. Check what coverage is provided for weather damage, theft, and loading accidents. Know the claims process, documentation required, and time frames to report after delivery.
Work With Auto Movers
Reputable auto movers will have sufficient means to transport your vehicle safely and efficiently. Most companies are able to deliver your car directly to your door, or as close as the surroundings allow. Take action now and begin preparing your car for transport with experienced automobile movers.
