A car is usually the second biggest investment apart from a house. Sometimes, it becomes necessary to transport the vehicle either to a neighboring state or perhaps across the country.
You might also need to bring a car home from a long distance, but finding an auto transport company to meet your specific needs satisfactorily can be daunting. Some are less reputable and not as qualified, making the time and effort to find quality auto transport services worth the effort.
One of the primary considerations is the price of auto transport services and how to get cheap car shipping rates with the best company. These costs will vary from one carrier to the next based on many variables, particularly if the auto will go across the country instead of from one state to the next.
Tips On Car Shipping Including the Costs
It’s roughly estimated that car shipping services will range at approximately “60 cents for each mile” if you travel across the country. It’s suggested the price will go down the further distance from the destination. A ballpark figure for average shipping costs can range “up to $1600.”
Many variables play into the price points for auto transport, particularly the differences in costs for the services from one carrier to the next.
While carriers strive to be competitive since they want your business, the prices can still range vastly; also, quotes won’t always be a guarantee of the final price. When speaking with companies, find those who ensure the quotes are guaranteed, especially if you’re on a strict budget. This will mean that the price point won’t change as the transport process progresses.
Delivery speed can be a factor that plays into the car shipping service fees. For faster auto pickup, there will be a higher fee. While some carriers have the opportunity to pick up within as soon as a couple of days, others could take several weeks.
Insurance coverage is another variable that needs to be considered. Carriers must supply a liability plan for clients. Many car owners want sufficient coverage if there is extensive damage while the car is in transit to cover the vehicle’s value.
Accidents with reputable auto transport companies are rare, but if a car owner wants that added protection, it will incur extra charges.
In reality, the insurance the shipping company offers is often sufficient, but it’s wise to research and do what makes you feel safe and secure.
Closed and Open Carrier Options
The transport method is a primary variable with car shipping. The carrier can’t follow through with transport until the method has been selected. You will either go with a closed or open trailer. The premium choice is enclosed transport, particularly for luxury or classic and brand-new autos.
The open transport leaves vehicles exposed to the threats of the outside. That can include vandalism, theft, and loss, along with road debris, weather, hazards, and on. Closed transport is enclosed from the outdoors with no threat of exposure. The vehicles are secured using nylon straps to further avoid damage.
The open carrier secures the autos using chains, which is not a perfect choice for holding the car in place. The open carrier is the least expensive of the two options if you prefer the lowest price and aren’t as concerned with the premium security.
Deposits Are Not a Thing with Reputable Car Shipping Services
With reputable auto transport companies, you will receive a cost estimate upfront. Usually, you can get quotes from company websites initially to keep your personal information private until you decide which few shipping services you want to contact for further details.
When your list is narrowed to a select few, you will call or visit the car shipping service to speak with an associate for further details on the transport pricing and the shipping provisions. If you decide to book with one of these companies and they ask for a deposit upfront, this should be a red flag.
A quality, qualified car shipping service won’t ask for a down payment upfront. The payment shouldn’t be requested until you receive the car.
If one of the companies you approach for transport asks for a down payment, you should probably move on to one of the other service providers. View here for tips for choosing the best car shipping service.
Final Thought
Pricing shouldn’t be your one and only consideration when shipping a car because, in reality, you get what you pay for. We’re all aware of that.
Auto transport costs will reflect the service qualifications and reputation, the quality of the drivers and the equipment used, and the overall security and safety of the transport services.
Some companies will add extra fees for certain services while others will add these complimentary. How will you know how to distinguish which service equals the value for which they are priced?
Follow reviews, testimonials, Better Business Bureau, third-party unbiased reviews, essentially people who back their stellar reputation.