You can hire an auto transport company if you want to move more than one car from one area to another.If you haven't hired an auto transport company before, you may not know how to choose the best one and avoid scam artists.We'll teach you how to research a company's services, prices, and trustworthiness so you can make an intelligent decision and pick an auto transport company that fits your needs.
Step 1: You can make a list of companies that offer specific services.
First, make a list of the services you need from an auto transport company, then research local companies online to find the ones that perform these services.It would be pointless to try and get in touch with a company that doesn't perform the service you need.You may prefer enclosed auto transport.You should only consider companies that offer enclosed auto transport.Terminal-to-terminal service is one of the services you might need.
Step 2: You can check customer ratings and reviews for companies you are considering.
You can find online reviews and ratings on business review websites.If friends and family have experience with the companies, ask them their opinions.The companies that seem unreliable should be removed from the list.Look for negative reviews of the company and compare them to positive reviews.This is a good way to find out if customers are happy with their services.Before publishing customer reviews, the Better Business Bureau must contact the customer and the company to confirm that there was a transaction.Other sites may not verify their reviews, which may mean that they don't give an accurate picture of customer satisfaction.
Step 3: Don't use a company that asks for a wire transfer payment
Most legitimate auto transport companies ask for payment in the form of a check or credit card.If a company prefers that you pay them by wire transfer, it is more likely to be an unreliable business.If a company accepts wire transfers but doesn't mind you paying with a credit card or check, it's probably legitimate.Those companies that insist on wire transfers should be your main concern.
Step 4: There are spelling andgrammatical mistakes on the company's website.
Companies that run reliable businesses tend to take more care in avoiding these types of mistakes on their websites.A lot of spelling and grammar mistakes indicate that the website was put up by a fake company.
Step 5: You should check for a valid Motor Carrier Number if you are in the US.
The U.S. Department of Transportation requires all auto transport companies to have an MC Number.A company that does not have this number is almost certainly fraudulent.If a company is legit, it will make this number available on its website or give it to the person asking.A fake company will either provide a fake number or hide it.The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has a website that can be used to verify a company's MC Number.
Step 6: You can find carrier options at the company.
Your car can be moved on an open carrier, a multi carrier or an enclosed carrier.The most expensive carriers leave your car exposed to the elements.If you want to keep your car protected, enclosed carriers are the best choice.Open carrier transportation is offered by nearly every auto transport company.If you want to use a company that offers enclosed transportation, you may need to search a bit more.
Step 7: Do you know if the company offers insurance plans?
If your personal auto insurance policy doesn't adequately cover your car, you may need to purchase insurance from the company itself.You should never do business with a company that won't cover your car while it's being transported.You may not be able to get any kind of reimbursement if something happens to the car.If the company offers insurance for your car, be sure to ask for proof of it to make sure it isn't a scam.Proof of insurance is required of legitimate companies.
Step 8: Inquire about the arrangements for payment.
You can either pay in installments or pay the full price of shipping your car upfront.If you don't want to pay the full price in advance, be sure to ask if the company offers payment plans for their clients.A typical payment plan requires you to submit regular payments to the company over a period of time.You may be charged a fee for paying in installments rather than in a lump sum.
Step 9: The company's cancellation policy should be investigated.
If there's a deadline after which you'd have to pay a fee, ask.Let the company's customer service representative know what options they have for canceling or rescheduling your reservation if you need to retain some flexibility in your schedule.If a company penalizes you for canceling a reservation but allows you to redo it at no cost, that's a good example.If the company offers you a unique cancellation policy or any other special service, be sure to get the terms in writing.
Step 10: Visit the website to get a quote.
Most auto transport company websites will have a button at the top of the home page that says "Get Quote" or "Request Quote." It's almost always free to request a quote, so don't worry about having to commit to the company just because you're requesting aquoteYou can get a quote by calling the company's customer service phone number.The company's website has a phone number on it as well.
Step 11: Get quotes from companies with good reviews.
Do you know how much it would cost to transport your car from one company to another?Tell them everything you know about your car and how you want them to transport it.You will need to provide the make and model of your car, as well as the shipping locations and dates.Get quotes from all of the companies you are considering so you can compare the offers.
Step 12: Do not settle for the cheapest option.
Although you may think the lowest-priced company will give you the best deal, these companies often surprise customers with hidden fees down the line.The company with the lower quote may give lower quality service.It's normal for quotes to be within $100 of each other.It could be a bait and switch.The cost of insurance or a service fee can be hidden.
Step 13: Decide which company is best for your situation.
You are in the best position to choose the right company once you have gathered information on each company's services, reputation, and price.If you still have questions about which company is right for you, contact the companies again.