Written by: Kate Becker
Date:

The modern world offers us many amazing possibilities that just a few decades ago were nothing more than a dream. For instance, at any given time we are able to see and talk with someone on the other side of the globe. Traveling across the world has never been easier, with more and more people going on tourist tours across the continents. Moving from Europe to Australia, to South America has always been something that people from time to time did. However, it was not that simple, and you had to go through some trouble to go through with that. Transporting your home and your car can be done more easier than ever before. Car shipping preparation is the same as preparing your home for a move and Verified Movers is here to give you some important guidelines.

Prepare yourself before you start the whole process

Whether you are about to move to the other side of the world, or “just across” the ocean, to Europe, or within the USA, like for example from New Mexico to New York, you have to be ready for facing the potential obstacles. Before you start looking for cross country movers New Mexico, spare a few moments for yourself. Planning an entire moving operation or just going through a car shipping preparation can be really stressful. So, you need to make sure that you are ready for the whole thing. Things may get a bit bumpy on the road, but you have to be aware that it will all pass. Once you prepare yourself for the fact that things may be hard, but that they will pass, you are ready to deal with anything that comes your way.

A woman writing, organizing a car shipping preparation
Car shipping preparation will require proper organization

One thing that can give you peace of mind is auto transport insurance

We have already said just how stressful and anxiety-ridden car shipping preparation can be. So, it’s natural that you would want to make the process as easier as possible. While not the cheapest option, auto transport insurance will definitely give you peace of mind. Before you choose a moving company, be sure to carefully study car transport insurance. Some movers offer more than one type, so be sure to go through all of them. While these different types of car insurance might cover different scenarios, they will also cost you more (or less.) All in all, when choosing auto transport insurance, be sure to consider the needs of your car, the state of your moving budget, and all of the following:

  1. Coverage: Determine the amount of coverage you need and make sure the insurance policy covers the full value of your vehicle.
  2. Deductible: Consider the deductible, which is the amount you will be responsible for paying in the event of a claim.
  3. Provider: Choose an insurance provider with a good reputation and a proven track record of providing reliable coverage. Also, knowing who regulates auto shipping companies is a must.
  4. Cost: Compare the costs of different insurance policies and choose one that provides the right coverage at a cost that fits your budget.
  5. Read the policy: Make sure you fully understand the terms and conditions of the policy, including any exclusions, before you sign on.
  6. Check for carrier liability insurance: If you’re shipping your car through an auto transport company, check if they already have liability insurance coverage and what it covers.

If you are having problems with car shipping preparation, the good idea is to consult an insurance professional to help you choose the best coverage for your specific needs.

A person signing a document for car shipping preparation
Auto transport insurance will give you peace of mind

The first step of car shipping preparation is to check for any preexisting damage

Before you send your car on its way across the state or the ocean, inspect it. It would be a good idea to wash and clean your car properly before shipping. This way you will be able to check it properly. Whatever scratches, dents, or chips you notice, make sure that you make a note of all of them. Take pictures of all of them and make written notes. You should take pictures from all angles just to make sure you cover everything properly. Once the shippers arrive, inspect the car with them. Give them your notes and pictures, and have them officially confirm them by signing them. This documentation will serve as a record of the car’s condition before shipping and can be used in case of any disputes.

A photo of an inside of a car
When doing a car shipping preparation, check for any preexisting damage

When it comes to car shipping preparation, it’s important that you check for any fluid leaks! Make sure there are no fluid leaks, such as oil or transmission fluid, that could cause damage to the car during shipping. Furthermore, a mishap of this kind can even pose threat to other cars, all kinds of items, or even the company’s personnel. Also, be sure to disable the alarm. If your car has an alarm, be sure to disable it before shipping. Alarms can go off during transit, causing a disturbance to the driver and potentially damaging the car.

Clean the car of all removable custom upgrades and additions

Taking care of your belongings is always something that has to be on your mind. Your car is undoubtedly one of the most important possessions you may have. What makes us attached to things like cars is that, over time, we make them ours. We put our personal items that act as memorabilia in them, making them feel more like an extension of ours. As they are there for our convenience and are very important to us, making sure that they are safe, is a top priority. As technology is getting more and more affordable, it is no wonder that there are more and more items that can be put in our cars.

You may have DVD players, GPS systems, detachable CD players, and even custom-made stereos for your car. Removing them is something that simply has to be done. Your car is probably going to be inspected several times throughout the shipping process. It will also be loaded and unloaded a couple of fo times also. Whether we are talking about commercial moving or a residential one, it does not matter. Many moving companies will refuse to transport your car if it is full of your personal possessions. The chances of theft may be low, but they are still there. That is why companies tend to insist on removing these. So, do it ahead of time.

Do everything that is up to you with car shipping preparation

When it comes to preparing for something as important as moving, you should do everything you can. One simply cannot be careful enough with these things. Your car is going to go through a lot, from loading and unloading it several times. Everything you do to prepare it properly improves the chances of it getting to its intended destination on time and without any damage. For instance, if you have a convertible, you have to make sure that you secure and protect its top. You want to avoid any damage from the air, or moisture, right? You should fold the mirrors so they don’t get chipped or broken. Get the best packing materials you can in order to be most effective. Also, retract the antenna. Lots of people forget to retract the antenna for some reason. Don’t be one of them!

Check the usable elements

As you go through car shipping preparation, you have to make sure that the car is completely clear of all the usable resources. So, firstly and most importantly, do not gas up your car. Having your tank full of gas will make the car heavier and may increase the cost of the move. Why pay additional money if you don’t have to? Shippers will be shipping your car, not driving it anyway. Furthermore, leaving your gas full may damage your car if there is going to be a while before you use it. However, consider filling the gas tank to about one-quarter full. This will help reduce the weight of the car and prevent it from shifting during transport. Be gentle to your wheeled pet, and it will arrive at its destination without a scratch.

A photo of car wheels
Don’t forget to check tire pressure!

Next, you should check the tires. Having a car with under-inflated or over-inflated tires can make it rather risky, as they can get damaged. That’s why you should check tire pressure and make sure it’s at the recommended level during car shipping preparation. This will help prevent flat spots and other damage to the tires during shipping.

Make sure that you choose a good shipping company

This is very important for obvious reasons. Watching strangers deal with your belongings for some people may be really stressful. So, hiring a reliable company is very important. Make sure that you ask for recommendations and check their online ratings. If you live in, for example, Dallas, know that hiring trusted and proven top Dallas movers will make the whole process of transporting your car smooth and enjoyable. The same goes for any other place. Make sure to track down reputable local movers and make sure that every segment of the services they offer is clear to you before you sign the deal with them.

How to find a good and trusted auto shipping company

Finding a good auto shipping company can be a challenge, but it’s an important part of car shipping preparation. With the right approach, you can make this process a lot easier. Here are some steps you can take to find a trustworthy and reliable auto shipping company:

  • Do your research: Start by researching different auto shipping companies online, looking for reviews and recommendations from previous customers.
  • Check licensing and insurance: Make sure the company is licensed and insured, and that the insurance coverage is adequate for your needs.
  • Get quotes: Contact multiple auto shipping companies and ask for quotes. Compare the quotes and make sure you understand all the costs involved.
  • Ask about their services: Find out what services the company offers and make sure they can meet your specific needs. For example, if you’re shipping a luxury car, make sure the company specializes in shipping high-end vehicles.
  • Check their track record: Look at the company’s history, including how long they’ve been in business, how many vehicles they’ve shipped, and how many complaints they’ve received.
  • Ask for references: Ask the company for references and contact previous customers to find out about their experiences.
  • Verify their reputation: Check the company’s Better Business Bureau rating and look for any red flags or negative reviews.
A man looking at a laptop, organizing a car shipping preparation
Finding a good and reliable auto shipping company is a part of car shipping preparation

How to avoid car shipping scams?

When it comes to car shipping preparation, there are many potential pitfalls to watch out for. One of the most serious is the threat of car shipping scams. Here’s what you need to know to avoid falling victim to these unscrupulous practices.

Some car shipping companies are unregistered or unlicensed, which makes it difficult to hold them accountable in case of a problem. Before you choose a shipping company, make sure they are registered and licensed with the relevant authorities. Also, be wary of lowball quotes! Some car shipping companies offer low quotes to attract customers but then raise the price significantly once the car is already in transit. To avoid this, make sure to get a detailed, written quote from the company and understand all the costs involved. Furthermore, be on the lookout for companies that ask for a large upfront payment before shipping the car. In some cases, these companies will take the payment and then disappear, leaving you without your car or your money.

A surprised woman looking at a laptop
Be on the lookout for car shipping scams

With careful preparation, your car can reach its target location intact

While handling car shipping preparation might prove troublesome, that doesn’t have to be the case. Be sure to check your car for preexisting damages, take out all the removable, and be sure to protect all the fragile parts (i.e. mirrors). All in all, shipping a car can be simple and easy, but only if you make it so!