How To Safely Ship Your High-End Car
Are you considering relocating to a new state or just moving seasonally? Whether it’s a short-term relocation or a long-distance move, ensuring your luxury vehicle is safely transported is crucial. Using a reliable, experienced auto transport company will give you the peace of mind needed, so you are not worried about your expensive vehicle.
Florida’s population fluctuates up to 20% throughout the year thanks to snowbirds. At peak season in winter, there are 818,000 people traveling to Florida for warmer weather.
Many of these people choose to bring their car with them. Just imagine, cruising with the top down, sun on your face. You’ll be having a better time than your friends back home dealing with a few feet of snow.
Luxury car transport is how you make this dream scenario happen for you. Keep reading for how you can bring your vehicle with you and ensure it arrives safe and sound.
Prioritizing Safety During Transport
Your luxury car is your baby, and you want to find a carrier that will treat your vehicle with the same care you do. Talk to potential transporters and get a feel for their business style.
Moving a vehicle is a risk, so the transport service you choose should take every precaution to ensure your car arrives at the destination damage-free.
Checking Ratings and Reviews
Before you sign a contract with a transporter, look up their safety rating. The USDOT website offers a SAFER System.
Ask the transporter for their DOT or MC/MX number. Then you can use this number to look up the carrier’s vitals. This includes their safety record, safety rating, and crash history.
If a transporter refuses to provide you with this information, this is a red flag. Don’t work with a company that isn’t willing to be transparent with you. This is a sign that you, their customer, are not their first priority.
Choosing the Right Car Transport Company
When it comes to choosing the car transport company, it is crucial to select the right one. It will ensure the safe and secure transport of your luxury vehicle. Start by checking the company’s experience and reputation in luxury car transport. You also want to look for companies with positive reviews, testimonials, and a strong track record in handling luxury cars.
Make sure to confirm the car shipping company is fully licensed and insured. Verify their credentials through regulatory bodies and confirm they offer comprehensive insurance coverage to protect against potential damages during transit.
It is also essential to evaluate their customer service and responsiveness. A reputable car transport company should provide clear communication, offer detailed quotes, and be willing to answer all your questions about the car shipping process.
Choosing the Right Trailer: Open vs. Enclosed for Transport
There are two types of trailers that cars get transported on. You have the option of either an open or enclosed trailer. Since you are looking to ship your luxury vehicle, we highly recommend you choose an enclosed option.
We’ve all seen open car haulers on the highway. They are typically two levels of cars loaded on and tied down.
The vehicles are not protected from the weather, road debris, or unsavory characters. This puts your luxury vehicle at risk of damage or even theft.
A luxury vehicle needs to be in an enclosed trailer that is locked. No one will know your vehicle is in the truck. Your car is now safe from damage.
Understanding Insurance Options
A reputable car transport service will have insurance in place to protect themselves and you. Ask the carrier you want to use if they have insurance and how much.
While your carrier will take every precaution, sometimes things beyond their control happen. This is why insurance is so important.
Cost Consideration
We all want a good deal, but remember, you get what you pay for. So choosing the cheapest carrier option may end up being a colossal mistake.
One way to get competitive pricing while still ensuring your vehicle is taken care of is to choose a transport service that specializes in moving vehicles. There are many benefits of using car transportation services that focus specifically on vehicle shipping rather than general freight.
Some carriers will move anything and everything. While they are capable shippers, they may not be the best choice.
A carrier that focuses on luxury car shipping will have specialized expertise and equipment. This means your car is in good hands. This type of transport service knows how to get your vehicle to you in perfect shape.
Smart Savings to Cut Cost
When you consider the quotes you get to ship your vehicle, you need to keep in mind the money you will save. If you don’t pay to have your luxury car shipped, how else will you get your car to Florida?
Self-Driving Your Luxury Car
You could drive it. But now you have to spend hours in the car driving. You’ll also need a hotel room or two.
Then there are the restaurant stops for food. They will add time and expense.
Plus let’s not forget the most significant expense, the gas. This and the wear and tear on your car are a big expense.
Trailer Your Car
You could trailer the car down yourself. But you will still have to drive, just know you have a trailer on the back. This means increased wear and tear on the car you do drive.
Your gas expenses will increase because it takes more power to move your car and the trailer attached. This cost goes up relative to the size and weight of the trailer you decide to use.
Plus you’ll have all of the same hotel and restaurant expenses. These might even go up as your drive will take longer since you’ll have to drive slower with the trailer.
Preparing Your Luxury Car for Transport
Proper preparation is key to a smooth luxury car transport experience. You should start by thoroughly cleaning your vehicle, both inside and out. This will help in conducting a detailed inspection for any pre-existing damages. Don’t forget to document any scratches, dents, or other issues with photographs and written notes to compare the car’s condition upon delivery.
Remove all personal belongings from the car to prevent loss or damage during car shipping. Items left in the vehicle can shift and cause damage or may not be covered by the transport company’s insurance. Disable any alarm systems to avoid unnecessary disruptions during transit.
Lastly, ensure your luxury car is in good working condition before transport. Check fluid levels, tire pressure, and battery charge. If your car has any mechanical issues, inform the car transport company in advance to prevent complications during loading and unloading.
Ensuring a Stress-Free Luxury Car Transport
You have enough things to think about when preparing to move to another state for a few months. You have to close up your current home, pack, arrange for your travel. Then you do it all over again at the end of the winter season when it is time to go back.
When it comes to shipping your car, the right transport service can take this one task off your plate. One phone call and the shipping of your vehicle is handled.
Now you have peace of mind and can focus on everything else you need to get done.
Top-Notch Customer Service
When you use a quality car transport service, they will put your needs first. This means having a customer service department that is here for you.
You should be able to call them 24/7 with any questions for concerns.
Don’t leave your luxury car in the snowy northeast. Bring it with you to enjoy the beautiful 60 and 70-degree sunny weather in Florida.
Admit it; the Florida weather is perfect for enjoying cruises. So why not use a luxury car transport service to bring your car with you?
Contact us today for a quote to ship your luxury vehicle.