Major moves like relocating, going on vacation, or just needing to get your car from point A to point B can find car shipping to be a convenient and stress-free option. But how do you ensure that your beloved vehicle arrives safe and sound, without the stress, headaches, dents, and broken side mirrors? This is where the right company comes in.
Major manufacturers and even individuals are keeping the automobiles in pristine condition with the shippers who are following the established guidelines and who have the resources to secure the transit. Traveling by ocean liners or specialized vessels that are designed to carry over 8,000 cars is now possible with the roll-on and roll-off ships. If you’re interested, below are some tips to get started:
Preparations that You Need to Do
Taking the time to get things in order can ensure a smooth and worry-free experience, especially if you decide on a service like car shipping in San Diego. Average pick-up times after you’ve completed the booking can be 1 to 3 days, and you can get no obligation and free quotes to help you decide. However, before doing the transport, you need to thoroughly clean both the interior and exterior of your vehicle for easier inspection.
Capture pictures of any existing damage or scratches as a reference point in case any issues arise during transportation so it would be easier for you to claim your insurance company. Another essential thing to do is to remove all personal belongings from the inside, which includes items such as loose change, electronics, CDs, or anything that could potentially shift during transit and cause damage.
Various carriers have strict rules against carrying personal items in vehicles being transported, and some can face penalties and additional charges if they don’t adhere to these regulations, so be careful.
Fuel levels should be no more than a quarter tank of gas at the time of pick-up because this will not only reduce the weight, but also minimize potential hazards during loading and unloading processes.
You might think that everything is fine, but before handing over your keys to a driver in San Diego, disable any alarm systems or theft deterrents that may be set off accidentally while in transit, to prevent unnecessary panic or delays upon arrival. Never overlook routine maintenance checks, and always see if the tires are properly inflated, and the battery is charged up before shipping out your vehicle. See more about battery charging on this page here.
Selecting the Right Provider
Research the companies that have a solid reputation and positive customer reviews where you can have peace of mind that you’ll be given the best services possible. They should be professional, polite, knowledgeable, and assuring because, after all, it would be your beloved car that’s on the line.
Services can include both open and enclosed transport options, and the latter can be more expensive since it will protect your automobile from road debris, dust, and dirt. See if the carrier can accommodate any special requirements you may have, especially if you’re shipping a vintage or luxury model. This just means that they need to be extra careful when handling your assets because it can be very costly to repair them, even if there’s insurance.
While it’s tempting to go with the cheapest option, keep in mind that quality often comes at a higher price. Look for a balance between affordability and value, and with the different options today, you don’t need to break the bank to ship your automobile to San Diego.
Tips for a More Successful Experience
1. Communication is Key
Be clear about your expectations, and don’t hesitate to ask questions about pickup/delivery procedures, insurance coverage, and estimated delivery times to ensure a smooth experience. You have the right to know because cars are expensive, and other people might still even be in the process of paying them off from dealerships.
Get in touch with someone who can provide you with regular updates about what’s going on. Look for a car transport company that offers real-time tracking services so you can monitor where your vehicle is at all times during transit on the ROROs; you can find out more at this link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roll-on/roll-off.
2. Insurance Coverage
Even if you already have existing policies in place, it would still be helpful if you purchased one that’s exclusive for transit. This will give you peace of mind that you can get reimbursed whenever there are accidents or injuries on the road. As long as you’re with a licensed and accredited carrier, you can rest assured that you’ll be fine. Regulatory bodies and authorities in San Diego have already checked them, but you still need to know more about what they do to be on the safe side.