Classic cars are a representation of passion and personality. They are also unique in both make and pricing. If you own one of these gems, safety comes first to protect the well-being of your car. Transporting your vehicle for a long-distance or across several states needs care. A shipping company is your safest option. These tips will help you to ship your classic car without accidents or damages.
1. Research about the Shipping Company You Want to use
Before you entrust your classic car to a shipping company, do your research. It is crucial to be sure that they are accurate as they present themselves to you. I will save you a lot of unnecessary and unforeseen complications. It will also give you confidence in the safety of your vehicle. Your fellow classic car owners can help you with the names of companies they used to ship their property. Learn about customer service and the quality of the services the company offers. You can also browse the internet and check out the reviews left behind by previous customers. Once you have narrowed your choice to a few companies, you can do due diligence. It is prudent to contact the transport authorities in your state. You will know whether the company you consider has a clean record.
2. Decide the Kind of Trailer You Want to Tow Your Vehicle
Some companies use enclosed containers, open-air trailers, or even both. Open transport is cheaper compared to an enclosed container. But that exposes your luxury car to the risk of damage from flying debris and dirt from rain or dust. An enclosed box keeps your car safe from environmental harm.
3. Inquire About the Company’s Insurance Coverage
It is essential to read the company’s insurance information. Find out whether the current policy will cover your car in case of an accident or damage. If the company filed for insurance in previous arrangements, ask about the outcome. It is good to understand the process and all the risks protected against in that cover.
4. Check Your Insurance Cover
It would help if you also were sure of what your insurance covers. It is good to know whether it will cover damages on the transportation of your vehicle. That can provide a fallback in case the shipping company’s insurance fails you. Be sure it will help when you incur damages or losses.
5. Drain the Gas Tank
Shipping a car when the tank is empty is safer than when it has fuel. Many companies will need you to drain it before they load it for transportation. The vehicle should not be more than a quarter full of gas when transporting it. You can drain the tank using a siphon or drive it before transportation.
6. Remove Valuables
Remove car stereos and anything else that is easy to lift from your vehicle. That will ensure you reduce the risk of losing valuables when shipping your car. Some shipping companies will not accept the car with personal items. That reduces the chances of theft and liability from the shipping company.
7. Perform Car Maintenance
Be sure to take your car to the garage to fix any mechanical issues it may have. It will help you to know if there are damages to your car as a result of transporting it. You may also want to provide the driver with instructions to operate your car if that will be necessary. Most classic cars have unique manuals that may not be easy for drivers.
8. Do not dismiss the Paperwork
Read every page of the shipping contract before signing it. You will ensure the company does not surprise you with hidden clauses. You will also be sure there are no extra costs that you do not know.
9. Inspect the Vehicle upon Delivery
Conduct a thorough inspection of your car before pickup. The most important things to check for include the mileage, roof, and bumpers of your vehicle. It serves to have documentation of the condition of the car right before shipping so you can compare it.
