Auto Transport Checklist

6 Weeks Before
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Setting a budget for auto transport is the first thing you should do. Determine how much money you can spend on shipping your car. Be prepared to spend about $1000 if you plan to hire a professional car shipping company.

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Many private auto transport companies offer two auto-transportation options: open and enclosed auto transport. Open auto transport comes with cheap rates. Although enclosed auto transport is expensive, it protects your vehicle from dirt and harsh weather elements while on transit.

Look for a professional auto transport company for a pleasant moving experience. These movers do not only offer open and enclosed auto transport; they also have door-to-door services. Therefore, you don't have to leave your car at a pick-up location; the movers will come and fetch the car wherever it is and deliver it to your preferred location.

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Make sure the companies you are dealing with are licensed and insured. Confirm whether the company’s insurance certificate is valid. Ask questions concerning their insurance policy, including whether the company will cover damages that occur while the car is being transported.

After reviewing a company’s licensing and insurance credentials:

  • Ask them to estimate your car shipping costs.
  • Make sure you learn about their standards of service.
  • Compare the shipping costs and company standards of different shipping companies to find the one best suited for you.
4 Weeks Before
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Many people wait until the last minute to book an auto transport company. To avoid any inconveniences, book an auto transport company one month before the day you plan to move.

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When you receive a shipping order, go through the contract carefully. Make sure you understand all the terms and conditions in the agreement. Also, ensure all the information is correct, including pick-up times and insurance options. Sign the contract if you agree with all its terms and understand the implications.

 2 Weeks Before
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As a rule of thumb, you should have no more than ¼ of gas remaining in your gas tank. This is to cut down on the overall weight of the car. A quarter of a tank leaves enough gas in your vehicle for loading and unloading purposes.

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Removing all items from your care ensures it meets the weight restrictions. It also prevents theft during transportation and prevents your car from being damaged. Make sure you remove all electronics, valuables, documents, chargers, and CDs.

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Before you hand over your car for shipping, make sure your insurance policy covers your car while being transported. If your insurance policy does not cover your vehicle while it is being transported, you should buy additional insurance to address the risks of auto transport.

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Another measure you should take before handing over your car for shipping is to confirm pick-up and drop-off points. If you have chosen door-to-door service, make sure the shipping company has the right address of your residence. Also, if you are leaving your car at a drop-off location and picking it up in a new city, ensure you have accurate information as well.

A Day Before
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Before your car is shipped, make sure you document its condition for insurance purposes. Take photos for evidence of its current condition inside and out. 

Also, prepare all the information from the car service shop regarding the current condition of your vehicle. If your vehicle is damaged while on transit, you have proof that the auto transporters are responsible for the damages.

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Apart from removing all the items in your car, you should also remove exterior accessories. These include spare tires, long antennas, bike racks, luggage racks, and any items attached to the car. This helps the car meet the weight restrictions and secures these accessories against being damaged, misplaced, or stolen.

After Car/Truck Arrives at Your Place
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If you hire an open-air transport service, your vehicle has gathered a lot of dirt along the way. Even if you hired an enclosed transport service, you should clean your vehicle when dropped off. For thorough cleaning, take it to a professional car washing service.

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Since you have moved to a new state, your current license plates are invalid. Therefore, register your car with the new state and get new license plates. Refer to your local DMV website for information on how to register your car. Make sure you plan to register your car a month before moving it to the new state.

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To avoid running into car trouble, make sure you take your vehicle to the local auto repair shop as soon as it arrives. This will also help the mechanic identify any hidden damages that occurred while the vehicle was being transported.

In Closing

If you plan on moving your car to a new state, contact Sunshine Movers. We have a good track record of quality services; therefore, you are guaranteed that your car will arrive safe and sound. In the end, you will find that hiring an auto transport company will relieve you of some of the heartache associated with moving to a new state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Ask an Auto Transport Company?

You should ask an auto transport company about their licensing and insurance. Additionally, ask them for a quote and to explain all the services included in the quote. 

Taking quotes from different auto transport services ensures you get the best car shipping company. You can receive a free quote from Sunshine Movers by visiting our website.

What Is the Last Item on the Auto Transport Checklist?

The last item in the auto transport checklist is to verify details and sign the bill of lading. The driver is supposed to take note of any damages on the Bill of Lading before they transport the vehicle.

What Should I Know Before Hiring Private Car Transport Companies? 

Before you ship my car to another state, you need to understand the terms and conditions of the auto transport company. It is important to have the right information on where and when to pick up the car. Additionally, you need to ensure you have the appropriate insurance policy for auto transport. 

Why Should You Clear Your Car of All Items?

The Department of Transportation warns against leaving items in a car that is being transported. The auto transport company's insurance does not insure personal items. Therefore, you have no legal claim if anything gets damaged, lost, or stolen.

Can You Move a Car When It Has a Full Gas Tank?

When moving your car, you should make sure it is less than a quarter full. This will ensure it meets the weight restrictions for auto transport. Additionally, if you plan on storing the car for a long period of time, the gas may go bad. 

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