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Car Transport Is No Longer A Difficult Task – Read This Guide

Choosing a car transport Service

As far as car transportation is concerned, there are 3 main options as belows.:

1) The car is driven to its destination on trade plates

2) Transporting the car on a single car trailer

3) The car is transported on a multi-car trailer

Having the car driven to its destination, by a driver on trade plates can be the cheapest option.. However, there are disadvantages. It is more likely to be damaged en route, as is actually being driven on the road (although a good car transporter will of course be insured). Besides, the car mileage will be significantly increase, especially when the involved distance is far.

Probably the most personalised and expensive option is to have your car delivered in a single car trailer, since you are the only one who pays for the transportation cost. However, there are many car transporters who offer this type of service so you can find one very quickly. If your vehicle is irreplaceable or particularly valuable, you may choose to have an enclosed trailer, but this option is more expensive.

Using a multi-car trailer is a value for money option, as your car gets transported (not driven) and the cost can be divided between many customers. Car transport companies of this type operate regular runs across the country so it’s also very easy to find one with a short notice. However, since muti-car transporters cannot get into small roads, you will most likely have to collect the car from a nearby hub.

Compare prices

Prices vary from company to company, so it pays off to compare prices of car transportation and shop around for quotes. Family, friends and your local car dealers are good resources which can recommend you a car transport company. Feel free to have a look at Yellow Pages as well as online resources.

Insurance

It is absolutely important to make sure the car transport company you are using is fully insured. Not only the type of damage should be checked, but also the level of insurance.

Some car insurance services also cover the car whilst in transport so it’s worth having a look at your current car insurance plan. If not, you might be able to insure the car whilst being transported with a small fee. Your own insurer may be more reliable than the transport company, so this is worth considering if only for your own peace of mind.

Whether it's car transport, transport de voitureor transporte de coches - you will always have to make sure the insurance is correct.

Can the car transport company be trusted?

It is very important to make sure that the car transport company are reliable and can be trusted with your car. You can never be too careful when it comes to transporting your loved car. Simply “Googling” the company should bring up any worrying reviews.

Payment Terms & Conditions

As soon as you decide which car transport company to be used, you should agree on payment terms. It is normal to pay a deposit of up to 25% at the early stages.

Don’t Forget The Small Print

All terms and conditions should be read carefully before signing the contract. If you don’t agree with any contract terms, ask the car transport company to edit them.

Car Transport Preparation

Although the car transport company normally provide tips and guidance, it is important to prepare your car before transporation

1) Fully wash the car.

2) Make a note of any chips, dents or any other damage already done to the car.

3) Take some high quality photographs of the car, especially the damages and note down the date.

You should also remove any personal items from the car, as these will most likely be uninsured during transportation. Besides, such items make the car heavier which means it’s more likely to get damaged en route.

The car should also be in good working order to avoid delays or inconveniences – although it will be driven little (if at all), mechanical failures can cause substantial delay.

1)Make sure batteries are charged and all the tyres are fully inflated.

2) Top up all mechanical fluids in the car, and if possible drain the petrol to all that is needed to save on weight.

3) Inform the car transport company about any leaks. If it is a non-dangerous leak, they will most likely put the car on the bottom shelf.

4) If the car has a soft or retractable roof, ensure that it is securely down, retract the antenna and move in any wing mirrors.

5) Check whether the car is alarmed and if yes make sure it’s turned off for transporation.

What Happens Next?

Before handing over your vehicle, ensure any damage is catalogued as described above. Ask the car transport company to do the same and sign an acknowledgement document.

The car mileage should be checked and recorded – although it may increase very slightly as it is loaded and unloaded, there should of course be no major inconsistency.

When the car arrives

Upon delivery, check the car carefully. Ensure that there is no extra damage before signing the job off. Check for any additional damage, and remember to make sure there is none on the roof or the bumpers. If any damage is found, ensure that the car transport driver signs an acknowledgement document.

Should damage in transit occur, you should follow the normal procedures with the transport company, to ensure the fastest possible resolution. If applicable, you must also inform your insurance company within 24 hours.

By: Antonino Bruzzsa

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Antonino Bruzzsa is a freelance writer creating quality content for websites. His work includes articles about how to shop for; sell and transport motor vehicles  and parts online and safe new car collection services; he is an expert on vehicle transportation uk and vehicle couriers.

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