Whether you’re in the market for auto movers to help you relocate to another part of the country, looking for professional car shipping so you can purchase an out-of-state vehicle, or you simply don’t feel like driving your car south this winter, it’s important to ask the right questions when choosing a car shipping company.
Here at Aaall States Auto Transport, we encourage all of our customers to shop around when looking for auto movers, since there are major differences between different car shipping companies such as pricing, experience and services offered.
To help you ask the right questions when hiring auto movers to transport your passenger car, light truck or van, we’ve put together this simple car shipping checklist:
1) Do The Auto Movers Charge a Deposit Fee?
Some car shipping companies demand an up-front deposit from their customers, long before your vehicle is actually loaded onto a transport. This can be a sign that the auto mover is experiencing financial troubles, and they’re using your hard-earned cash as their own private line of credit.
Here at Aaall States Auto Transport Inc., your fee is due once your vehicle is loaded – it’s that simple!
2) Are Free, No-Obligation Quotes Offered?
Reputable car shipping companies will be happy to offer you free, no-obligation quotes. Be wary of auto movers who charge a ‘refundable fee’ or ‘deposit’ in exchange for a quote, or companies that refuse to provide a firm, written quotation for their services.
3) Ask About Insurance
When shopping for auto movers, it’s important to ask about insurance coverage. If a shipping quote is ‘too good to be true’, chances are the quote doesn’t include comprehensive insurance that protects against damage during the shipping process.
It’s important to realize that your regular auto insurance may not include coverage while your vehicle is on a transport, so supplemental insurance is essential. If in doubt, discuss your coverage with both your car insurance company and the auto movers. Make sure the trucking company’s insurance is valid before you load your vehicle on their trailer.
4) Experience Counts
The auto moving business is complex, time-sensitive, and highly competitive. Car shipping companies come and go, so it’s important to find an auto mover who has the skills and experience needed to move your vehicle safely and efficiently.
When shopping for a car shipping company, be sure to ask how long the auto mover has been in business, how many vehicles they ship every year, and where their business comes from. Aaall States have been in business over 11 years and shipped thousands of vehicles safely. Experienced auto movers tend to rely heavily on repeat customers and word-of-mouth, while new companies need to invest heavily in new leads to generate business.
5) Ask For References
A reliable, trustworthy auto mover will be happy to provide you with references from past customers, while car shippers that deliver poor service are often reluctant to do so.
Better yet, look for an auto moving company that has a solid, well-established reputation with a third-party consumer protection organization, such as the Better Business Bureau.
Remember that choosing the right car shipping company can save you time, money and stress, so it’s important to take your time, ask the right questions, and pick an auto mover that you feel comfortable with.
