Car Moving Advice
Posted by Admin at 24 July 2015, at 11 : 33 AM
Transporting a car is not an overly difficult task, but planning ahead and choosing the right car courier company is essential to a successful transport.
Car transport service
There are 3 main ways of transporting a car:
1) The car is driven to its destination on trade plates
2) The car is transported on a single car trailer
3) Transporting the car on a multi-car trailer
Having the car driven to its destination, by a driver on trade plates can be the cheapest option.. However, it comes with some problems. Since the car is being driven on the road, it is more likely to get damaged en route. Secondly, it will increase the mileage of the car, which may be significant for longer trips.
Having the car delivered on a single car trailer is likely to be the most expensive option, as the cost is not split with other customers. 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.
Price comparison
It is advised to have a least a few quotes for your car transportation before deciding which company to use. 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.
Checking insurance
It is essential to check the insurance policies of your car transportation company for all eventualities – accident, fire, theft etc. Not only the type of damage should be checked, but also the level of insurance.
It’s worth checking if your current car insurance covers the car whilst in transport already, as some policies do. If not, you might be able to insure the car whilst being transported with a small fee. The rule of thumb is your own car insurer is often more reliable than the car transport company.
Whether it’s car transport, transport de voitureor transporte de coches – you will always have to make sure the insurance is correct.
Reliablity
Once pricing and insurance are sorted out, you must establish that the car transport company are trustworthy, and can be trusted with such a valuable piece of equipment. Whilst problems seem to be rare, they can occur – so it is important to prevent them at the earliest stage. Simply “Googling” the company should bring up any worrying reviews.
Terms of Payment & Deposits
As soon as you decide which car transport company to be used, you should agree on payment terms. 25% deposit requirement is a common practice in car transport industry.
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.
Preparing Your Car For Transport
Although the car transport company normally provide tips and guidance, these are the important things that should be done in preparation for transport
1) Wash the car thoroughly.
2) Note down any existing damages.
3) Take some high quality photographs of the car, especially the damages and note down the date.
Any personal items should be removed from the car as they are not insured whilst in transit. Besides, such items make the car heavier which means it’s more likely to get damaged en route.
It’s also important to make sure the car is working to avoid delays – even though it is not likely to be driven.
1) Check the tyres are fully inflated, and batteries charged.
2) Drain the petrol if need be to reduce the weight, re-fill all mechanical fluids.
3) If there are any leaks, be sure to let the car transporter know. 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) If your car is alarmed, it will probably have a tow function, which disables the tilt alarm so that the car can be lifted without setting it off.
What’s 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 – a slight increase after transport is fine but you should worry about any major change in mileage.
When the car arrives
Upon delivery, inspect the vehicle meticulously. Before the car transport company leave, make sure no extra damage has been done en route. 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.