Do you need to ship a vehicle a long distance? If so, there are some things you need to know to make the process a hassle-free one. Continue reading to learn some helpful tips for shipping a vehicle across city or state boarders.
Whether you are relocating for work, loaning a car to a loved one, or just moving far away because an opportunity presented itself, you are likely in need of vehicle shipping if you are taking a plane to your final destination. In order to do this, you will need to follow a particular set of steps.
Hire a Professional Long-Distance Towing Company
The first step to shipping your vehicle across city or state limits is to find a reputable towing company to transport it for you. Be sure you hire a licensed and insured tow truck company that has decades of experience with all kinds of towing. They should retain the proper fleet of trucks and the latest technologies in transport equipment, as well as, adhere to all industry best practices for long-distance towing. This will give you confidence that your car or truck is being transported, safely and professionally. It also means you can expect a timely delivery.
Prepare Your Vehicle for Transport
The next step you want to take is prepping your vehicle for its journey. Start by cleaning out the interior of the vehicle, and removing any personal possessions. Make sure you deactivate any car alarm systems too. Once you have finished the interior, schedule your car for a routine maintenance appointment at your trusted auto repair shop.
They will check all the fluid levels, adjust tire inflation, inspect all braking systems (parking, emergency, etc.), charge the battery, and more; overall, they will make sure that your vehicle is in good condition. This way, you will know it will be ready to drive once it arrives at its new home. After your vehicle is serviced, take it to a car wash to have the exterior cleaned and waxed. This is important for the next step.
NOTE: You do not need to remove the license plate, but be sure the screws are tight and intact.
Make Records for Your Own Protection
To protect yourself and the transportation company from liability, be sure to take a lot of pictures and even a few video recordings to confirm your vehicle’s condition before the journey. This can be used as evidence if a scratch or ding come into questions by either party. Take pictures of all minor and major defects along the surface, including existing scratches, nicks, paint chips, dings, dents, rust, and more. You should even write down the numbers on your car odometer.
NOTE: You won’t need to worry about documenting fluid leaks or internal damage since you’ve recently had the vehicle serviced, professionally.
When you are done making records, contact your auto insurance carrier to discuss your policy limits. You need to know if your vehicle is covered during its transport, and after it arrives at the new location.
Disclose Important Information to Your Driver
When the towing company arrives to pick up your vehicle, be sure you disclose all the necessary information they need to transport the car safely. This includes telling them of any mechanical problems or defects, regardless of how minor. It is especially important to tell them if your car has problems with its parking or emergency brakes. If your vehicle is in a risky condition, or very fragile, you can even provide the driver with written car handling instructions.
