Handing over one of your most valuable assets to a stranger is nerve-wracking, but it doesn’t have to be. You can weed out the scam auto transport companies quickly by asking them some simple questions. Being educated and prepared will protect you, your wallet, and your car.
6 Questions to Ask Before Shipping Your Car
Is my quote final?
More times than not, you receive a quote for the car shipment, and while it’s mid-transit, you’re hit with additional and hidden fees. By the time your car arrives, you’ve now paid more than double what you thought. Obviously, you’re going to pay because you want your car, but you can avoid this from ever happening by ensuring you receive your quote in writing with confirmation that what you’re quoted is what you’ll actually pay. When in doubt, read Google reviews and research other people’s experiences with the company. You’ll quickly discover if they are out to tack on extra fees. If the quote looks too good to be true, then it probably is. Go with a company that clearly outlines that the price you see is the price you pay.
Do you require a deposit?
It can be hard to front thousands of dollars for a service that hasn’t even been completed yet! That’s like pre-paying for a car before you ever visit the dealership and test drive it. But, unfortunately, a lot of vehicle transport services require you to pay for the service upfront. All you can do is hope and pray your car shows up and isn’t damaged; otherwise, you’re fighting to get your money back. Finding a company that takes your payment information but doesn’t charge you until your car arrives is the way to go. It will give you peace of mind and make you feel much more confident during your car’s journey. A reputable car delivery service will allow you to ship now, pay later.
How will you keep me updated?
Nothing is worse than your car being in transit and not knowing where it is. You don’t want the panic you feel when your Amazon package isn’t delivered in the two-day prime window! Ensuring that you will receive automated status updates and track the shipment of your vehicle is a must. You deserve a stress-free shipping experience, not one that leaves you in the dark.
Are you licensed and insured?
Not only should you always check your specific auto policy and contact your insurer to confirm the details, but it is crucial to understand the coverage provided by the auto transport company. They are required by law to have insurance for the transport itself.
Any reputable transport company will also be able to provide you with its licenses to operate. Some examples include:
- United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) number: This identifies carriers operating in interstate commerce.
- Motor Carrier (MC) Authority: This grants a company the legal right to transport cargo across state lines.
If there is any hesitation in providing you with that information, then avoid using that company at all costs. Theft and fraud in the automotive industry are on the rise, and you don’t want to be its next victim.
Will my information remain private?
Some brokers sell your info – yikes. Find one that doesn’t. You’ve been researching and price shopping for hours, so you put your info in a “free quote tool,” and now your information is blasted across the internet to hundreds of brokers. Get ready for spam calls and texts because your info was just sold. Auto transportation companies will disguise themselves as handling the shipments, but really, they are sourcing third-party drivers to move your car. Clarify the company’s policies before giving them any of your information. Make sure they clearly state that they won’t sell your data.
Who do I contact with issues?
You know what’s frustrating? Needing to get in contact with someone and not being able to. Hours on hold, messages sent to a junky AI bot that doesn’t understand what you’re saying or leaving voicemails and never hearing back. That’s simply not the level of service you should have when shipping your car. Ensure the transport company has a dedicated customer service team and that you can reach them whenever you need. A company that can provide multiple ways to contact them is even better!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is the difference between a broker and a carrier? A: A carrier (like RunBuggyOne) has its own verified network of drivers and technology to move vehicles. A broker is a middleman that subcontracts your shipment to other companies, which is often how your information gets sold and quality control is lost.
- Q: How long does it take to ship a car? A: This depends on the distance, but most cross-country shipments take 7-10 days, while shorter, regional transports can be completed in 1-3 days. A reputable company will provide you with a clear estimated time of arrival (ETA).
Ship With Confidence
We at RunBuggyOne love it when customers ask these questions – because we can answer with a resounding YES to all of the above. If you need to ship your car and are having hesitations, come chat with us. Transparency and trust are kind of our things.
Learn how we get ship done at runbuggyone.com and get your free, no-obligation, no-hidden-fees quote today! And yes, your information is safe with us, and we won’t sell it (glad to see you’re already asking these questions) 😉.
