Whether you plan to move long-distance or buy a new car, there are a few things you need to know before you ship. The auto shipping process can be difficult, if you ship with the wrong company, of course. Guardian Auto Transport wants to make your auto transportation as easy as possible this summer.
Personal Items
When you ship a car, the carrier is going to ask you to ship the car without any items inside. We allow up to 100 LBS of cargo or “personal items” inside your vehicle during transport. If you exceed this weight, the carrier has the right to charge you more money accordingly.
Your car is not a storage closest, don’t treat it like one. If you must, we ask that you please move any times into the trunk of the vehicle. Your belongings can easily bounce and move around during transit. If you have limited trunk space, place any items behind the passenger seat, below window-level and secured.
Tip: Although your vehicle is insured during auto transport, items inside your vehicle are not. Any personal items that are damaged during transport fall under the customers responsibility.
Gas Tank
When it comes to shipping your car, weight is important. The more the car weighs, the more money it cost to ship. Make sure you keep the gas low in your vehicle. Liquids can weight a lot. Your vehicle only needs a bit of gas in it so that the driver can move your vehicle around.
Tip: It is a good idea to leave your vehicle at a quarter tank before auto transport. If you feel there is too much gas in the vehicle before transport, make sure you let the driver know.
Photos
Before shipping your car, take lots of photos. Be sure to take photos that show each body panel on your vehicle in detail. Getting different angles will help you decide if any damage has occurred to your vehicle during transport, or if it was already there before hand. Make sure you take pictures of the interior of you vehicle before transport as well.
The chances that your vehicle will get damaged during transportation are very low. Through my years of experience in the auto shipping industry, damage on vehicles during transport occur once in a blue moon. Although the chances are very low, it is always importation to be prepared.
Insurance During Transport
Open air carries offer up to $100,000 coverage on vehicles in transit. Enclosed trailers on the other hand offer insurance at a minimum of $100,000. You might even want to call your insurance company and let them know your car is being transported. Some insurance companies offer insurance during transit as well. For more information on insurance during transit, click here.
If you have any questions or want to submit a free quote with Guardian Auto Transport for you vehicle this summer, click here!
