First let?s look at the best way to prepare your automobile for transportation. Firstly, your vehicle must be roadworthy. It is because employees of the auto transport company have to drive it on / off the transporter. Plus, you should wash you car to allow for easy inspection for specific things like scratches and dents.
Then ensure that your car doesn?t have any leaks. Cars are often transported in batches on one large transporter. You will end up responsible if any leakage of fluids from your car damages other cars on the same transport. By exactly the same token, make sure your vehicle’s gas tank is less than a quarter full and other fluids such as for example break and suspension fluids have room for expansion.
Next, secure or remove any accessories your vehicle may have. This includes specific things like antennae and wide mirrors externally of one’s car and after-market CD players inside. Ensure that your alarm is disabled alongside any other devices which could drain the battery. Remove all personal possessions from your own car because the transport company will not want to take responsibility for them. In fact, the Department of Transport ation does not legally let the transport of personal belongings in vehicles transported on auto carriers.
Bear in mind you might have to drive your car to a pick-up point agreed between you and the automobile transport company. The reason being the transporter vehicles may be unable to access town owing to their size.
Finally, don?t forget to consider the climatic conditions. In the event that you?re moving to, say, Alaska, it will be wise to put anti-freeze into your car before shipping. Plus check your heating or air-conditioning systems. You may also request a covered transport to help expand protect your vehicle contrary to the elements.
For international shipments, some other steps are needed. For one thing, you need to confirm your car meets environmentally friendly standards of the destination country. You can aquire these details from the consulate of the united states you?re moving to alongside details of any restrictions that could apply. Your auto car services transport company will let you here. Remember that international car transport regulations specify that cars be no taller than seven feet and also have a minimum of four inches ground clearance.
Checking the automobile Shipping Documents
So now that your vehicle is ready for transport, let?s consider the all-important question of paperwork.
The key document involved in car transport may be the bill of lading. This outlines all of the conditions and terms of the agreement between you and the auto car transport services company. A key component of the bill of lading is the condition report which documents the condition of your car during handover. It will also contain such details as odometer readings.
As any future claims for damages will be made on the basis of the information in this report, you must check it carefully before signing. Both you (or your designated representative) and a representative of the automobile transport company have to sign this both before and after loading. Generally, if your car is damaged you have two weeks where to file a complaint.
For international auto transport, additional paperwork such as for example those necessary for customs formalities will be required. And make note you will need the original title of one’s car and a Bill of Sale when arranging international shipment.
Then there?s the all-important matter of insurance. Require a copy of the car mover?s insurance coverage. Your vehicle ought to be insured against damage and theft by your auto transport company. By law, carriers have to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 worth of public liability insurance and cargo coverage. And don?t forget your owner?s insurance remains in effect throughout the transport of one’s car. In the event that you?re transporting you car by ocean container, it must be professionally packed for the insurance to be valid.
With regards to documentation, the golden rule is that you have to make sure you have everything, like the total cost involved, in black and white.
Providing you?re well prepared and follow the aforementioned steps, there?s no reason you shouldn?t enjoy a stress-free transportation of one’s car. But first ensure you look for a reputable car transport services firm that offers a full service. A reputable car transport company will undoubtedly be happy to offer you a free quote. Knowing that trained professionals are taking care of your precious car offers you peace of mind during this stressful time.