Auto Moving Tips
Depending
on where you are moving to, you might want to use professional auto mover to transport your car. This might
prove cheaper than driving to your new home or even selling and buying a car.
The following topics will help you better understand this process:
1.
Choosing
the right auto mover
2.
Preparing
your car for shipping
3.
Inspecting
your car
4.
Scheduling
pickup and delivery
5.
How
much will it cost?
6.
Paying
for moving your car
7.
How
to save on your move
8.
Auto
move insurance tips
Choosing
the right auto mover
When choosing an auto mover:
-
It is important to verify the valid licensing of each
company. Check that the mover’s license is valid and active with the
appropriate transportation agency, such as the state or Federal Department Of
Transportation.
-
Examine the mover’s credentials and track record by
checking with the Better Business Bureau or any trade organization the
transporter is a member of. Such organizations include the Employee Relocation
Council, American Moving and Storage Association, Household Goods Forwarders
Association, and others.
-
Check to see if the company owns trucks or is only a broker that represents many haulers.
-
Insist on a written agreement and read it carefully. Ask
questions if you are unsure of any item.
-
It is important that you take the time to check
references.
-
Always make a value decision. Remember the old saying: ”you
get what you pay for”.
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Preparing
your car for shipping
When you prepare your car for shipping, make sure to
follow those guidelines:
Personal Possessions: Do not leave personal possessions of any kind in
your car. The transporters will not be
held responsible for any personal items stored in vehicle that are lost or
stolen. Of course spare tires, car jacks, and other standard items that can be
found in a trunk of a new car are not a problem. Make sure anything left in the
car is tied down securely.
Alarm: Shut off and or disable your car alarm. If your car alarm
were to go off during transport, it may pose a problem to the transport company
to turn it off.
Gas: Keep the gas tank filled under a quarter of a tank. It reduces the
weight of the car, and transporters will appreciate that. Cars and motorcycles
that are shipped on the moving van should be completely drained of fuel. In
addition, motorcycle batteries should be disconnected.
Cosmetic Damage: Wash it thoroughly so you can record any cosmetic damage
accurately.
Loose Parts: Secure or remove any loose parts or specialty items from
your car such as ground effects, spoilers, or fog lights.
Mirrors and Antennae: If you have wide mirrors fold them back. Lower,
remove, or retract the antennae if possible.
Antifreeze: When moving in winter, make sure that there is a
sufficient amount of antifreeze to protect your automobile against severe
winter temperatures.
Batteries, Tires and Fluids: Have a charged and
relatively new battery, properly inflated tires, and make sure all fluids are
at adequate levels.
Leaks: If you have ANY leaks from your car, be sure to tell
transporter so that he will position you car properly. Cars leaking oil and
especially brake or transmission fluid should NEVER be on the top of a two deck
open trailer. This is to prevent leaks onto the paint of vehicles below.
Convertibles: Always ship convertibles with the top secured properly.
Seal any holes or open seams in the top to prevent moisture damage. If you
cannot raise the top, consider closed container shipping.
Paperwork: You should keep a photocopy of your registration and
insurance paperwork for the vehicle in the glove compartment.
Operational Problems: Prepare a careful list of any operational problems
or steps necessary to start, stop, or drive your vehicle on or off the trailer.
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Inspecting
your car
When preparing your car for shipping, make a thorough vehicle
inspection. In order to ensure that any claims of vehicle damage are accurate
and enforceable, make a complete report of any pre-existing damage your vehicle
may have. Dated pictures can be a very effective in making claims on damage
Vehicle Condition Report:
When the transport company picks up your vehicle, a
Vehicle Condition Report must be completed and signed by you and the driver. The
condition report or other document used by the car mover should include:
current mileage, pre-existing damage of any type including: glass, scratches,
paint, dents, and so on. This report is important in case any disputes arise.
When your car is delivered, make sure to methodically
inspect it. Use the condition report given to you at pick up and go over all of
the details.
Look for damage not mentioned on the original report.
Check for changes in mileage and check every part of your car carefully. Look
for obvious damage or changes to the car's condition
that may have occurred during the shipping.
If there are any discrepancies, make sure to note them on
the condition report you received on pick-up of the car, and have the driver
sign the document.
You should avoid accepting your vehicle at night or at a
location that does not permit you easy access to inspecting all parts of your
car.
It is absolutely essential that you perform a thorough
examination of your car as described above. Remember that once you have
accepted your car, your signed documentation is what protects you.
If problems arise, reputable auto moving companies will
work out disputes with you in an amicable fashion, but you must have all
documents at hand.
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Scheduling
Pickup and Delivery
You should schedule your auto shipping at least 4 weeks
before you move. It will give you enough time to make arrangements with the
auto mover to pick up your vehicle.
Make sure to get a 3 day guaranteed window for the pick-up
and delivery dates of your car. Insist on having it in writing.
If you are not available, you should arrange an
alternative authorized party such as neighbor, friend or relative you can trust
to transfer the vehicle to the auto mover.
Make sure that if you or an authorized party is not
available to receive your car, that it will be stored in a secure storage
facility where you will be able to pick it up at a more convenient time. This
may be subject to additional charges. If you require a specific date for delivery,
many auto movers can accommodate you and store your car at a terminal for an
additional charge.
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How much
will it cost?
Car movers calculate the cost of your move depending on those
factors:
To get quotes from car movers be prepared to provide them
with basic information about your move. To calculate price car movers need to
know:
-
points of origin and destination
-
departure date
-
make, model and year of vehicle
-
operating condition (running or not)
-
type of service (e.g., door-to-door
vs. terminal-to-terminal)
-
type of carrier
(open vs. closed)
-
any special requests
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Paying
for moving your car
When choosing an auto mover, make sure to ask what types
of payment they accept. Usually, deposit is paid with credit card, while the rest
of the balance is paid with cash or US postal money order.
Be prepared that an auto mover will ask you to pay a
deposit in advance. If a deposit is given, the balance
has to be paid before or upon delivery. Usually, it is done with cash or US
postal money order.
Don’t be surprised if an auto mover requires full payment
prior to car transport. If full payment is required prior to the move, consider
using a credit card so that charges may be disputed if circumstances justify
such actions.
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How to
save on your move
There are several options how you can save on your auto
move:
Drive Away: The cheapest way to move your car is to have someone drive
it for you. Some car movers can provide you with such service. However, this
method depends on driver availability and can require a broader time frame for
delivery. Still, it can save you a few hundred dollars depending on distance
and the year and model of your car.
Terminal-to-Terminal: You can save on your car move by choosing
terminal-to-terminal service. If you deliver your car to (or pick it up from)
one of the terminals, you’re saving the car
moving company the trip to your house. This saves the mover time, effort, and
expense, making it a cheaper option for you.
Don’t forget to check with the representative how close
the terminals are to your departure and
destination locations.
Insurance: One option to save money on a car move is by using your
own auto insurance coverage instead of hauler’s coverage.
Insurance carried by the transporter should include cargo
and liability coverage (with no deductible) that insures your car for its full
value. Check with your insurance agent about covering your car during shipment,
and whether the transporter's coverage is adequate.
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Auto Move
Insurance Tips
Most of auto movers will provide insurance covering your
vehicle. However, you should do some research, since the level of coverage
might differ from mover to mover.
Certificate of Insurance: When choosing an auto mover, ask
for a Certificate of Insurance indicating full coverage so you can be sure your
vehicle will be insured while in transit.
The auto mover should provide insurance against damage or
theft and should provide you with a copy of their policies. It is important to
have in writing if the carrier's coverage is primary or secondary to your own
insurance and to have the deductible options in writing as well.
You should also contact your automobile insurance provider
and determine what, if any, coverage is included in your existing policy.
Personal Items: All personal items should be removed from your car when
using auto moving services unless you are confident your home policy coverage
would cover any loss or damage.
It is a common practice for a
vehicle carrier not to insure the contents of a vehicle other than necessary
items such as a spare tire and jack.
Department of Transportation: Make sure to check that your auto
mover is licensed and registered with the Department of Transportation. If not,
this could present problems regarding the coverage of you car.
Moving Overseas: If you are transporting your vehicle internationally, you
should check with U.S. Customs what documents you need to obtain.
You might be required to provide the original title or
certified copy of the title. If the move requires shipping your vehicle by
ship, you might need marine insurance to cover the car as it physically crosses
the ocean.
Disputes: If you have unresolved disputes regarding your service,
always try to work out your dispute with the auto mover first. They often work
on a referral basis and are motivated to working out problems.
However, if you feel you have reached a dead end or that
you have not been treated reasonably, you have the option of filing complaints
with multiple agencies (BBB, State and or Federal Department Of
Transportation, Interstate Commerce Commission) as well as seeking legal
counsel.
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