If you are planning to transport your classic car for whatever reason, be sure to pick a classic car shipping specialist no less. What’s great is that this service is rather easy to find today, but with all providers being unique, how do you know which one to choose?
The best way to start is by asking those around you – friends, family members, colleagues, etc. Museums, local car clubs and big auction companies can also provide valuable recommendations. It is a must to hire a company experienced with classic cars so you know that yours is well protected against damage, especially to the chassis. And if you truly want this service to be high-quality, don’t base your decision strictly on price. Reputable carriers usually have similar cost structures and if you find an unusually low offer, that is probably a bad sign. One of the best ways to scrutinize a shipment company is to know how long they’ve been providing car hauling services. To know about their safety background and insurance status, you can log on to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website.
One of the decisions you need to make when this service is whether you want your car shipped in an open or enclosed trailer. Open transport cost less, but unless your car is due for restoration, closed transport is preferable because this service has less associated risks. And remember that most open trailers don’t have a winch for non-running vehicles, and there are some carriers that charge ridiculously high fees for unserviceable cars. In any case, make sure all the fees are laid out to you upfront before you move forward.
When it comes to insurance, a carrier’s liability is limited to its own acts of negligence and does not extend to unpredictable acts of nature. Therefore, make sure your car has agreed value coverage from a collector car insurance company before you get it shipped.
Also remember that auto transport is unique from airplane or train travel in that it is not as frequently or regularly scheduled. Each time an order is placed for this service, the dispatcher has to gather a specific number of cars before getting on with the transport. Depending on the time of year and your location, this can take up to several weeks. Once you hear of a coming storm, start talking to the transporters you have listed early on. In such a scenario, it may be best for you to go with a smaller company that can easily fit you in on short notice. Lastly, compare two or three vehicle transporters based on several factors, like reviews, pricing, etc. before you make your final choice.