Transporting a car over a long distance can be pretty hectic. And in most cases, driving it yourself just won’t cut it. That is where auto shipping companies come in. Whether you’re relocating or want to use your car in a different country, an auto shipping company can get it to your intended destination.

Finding a car shipping company nowadays is pretty easy. All you have to do is perform a simple google search, and you’ll get hundreds of seemingly suitable companies willing to transport your car at a low price.

In most cases, many people fall prey to the alluring discounts and promises of safe transport without digging deeper and finding out how the transport companies operate. More often than not, this seemingly inconsequential decision has costly consequences.

So, the next time you’re transporting your car, don’t settle for the information provided on the shipping company’s website. Dig a little deeper by asking their representatives relevant questions before making your decision.

Here are five questions that you should ask before choosing an auto shipping company.

How Much Will My Shipping Cost?

Car shipping costs vary from one company to another. And although it’s tempting to go for the cheapest offer, it’s not always the best choice. Most reputable auto shipping companies are pretty transparent about what’s included in the cost. But, don’t leave it to chance. After all, you wouldn’t want to get surprised by any ‘extra’ charges that may arise.

So, before choosing which transport company will be transporting your car, ask for a quote. Also, ask them if the quote includes everything they cover, then comb through it intensely to confirm the charges.

Preferably, you can also ask to speak to their representative in person. This way, you’ll stand a better chance of getting a more accurate quote since you can better explain any special needs or preferences you might have.

Are You Registered and Licensed?

Finding out whether a car shipping company is registered or not is not hard. But it’s still nice hearing it directly from their representatives. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all car transport companies that move vehicles across state lines to have a USDOT number.

Similarly, the Federal Maritime Association requires all international car shipping companies to have a shipping license. Once you have the transport company’s USDOT number, you can look up its safety record, operating status, and other registration numbers. If the company doesn’t provide you with its USDOT number, that’s a red flag. In this case, you should look for another company.

Is Your Company Insured, and What Does Your Policy Cover?

Most probably, your standard motor insurance provider won’t cover your car transportation. Therefore, you need to ensure that the car transport company has adequate insurance to cover your vehicle should anything go wrong in transit.

All car transport companies should be fully insured. That being said, there are a couple of things you should know before leaving your car’s fate in their hands. You should ask specific questions like what are their standard shipping insurance options? Can you buy additional insurance? How much of your car will their policy cover if the worst happens? Do you have to pay a deductible?

Once you’ve got all that covered and feel confident with the transport company’s insurance cover, ask to see its insurance certificate. All auto shipping companies are required by law to hold a valid insurance certificate. Once you have it, read it and compare it to the insurance clauses in your contract.

How Do I Get My Car Ready for Shipping?

Car shipping companies are prohibited from transporting cars with any household item inside, so they might ask you to remove them. Make sure that your car is clean and that you’ve inspected it and documented all the existing damages. Also, according to the Department of Transport, all car keys should be turned over to the transporter.

Most companies will also require you to make sure that your car doesn’t have over a quarter tankful of gas to avoid surcharges due to excess weight.

What Are My Pickup and Delivery Options?

You wouldn’t want to drive for miles to pick up or drop off your car, right? Most reputable car transport companies have multiple pickup and drop-off locations. You should make sure that these locations are convenient for you.

Some car shipping companies also offer a door-to-door service. If the company offers this service, then they will pick up or deliver the car directly to your home. On the downside, this service tends to cost more.

The Bottom Line

For most people, their car is their second-most valuable possession apart from their home. Even if this doesn’t apply to you, you shouldn’t leave your car’s safety to chance by trusting a shady car transport company.

Asking your car transport company, the questions above will help you to discern good companies from knockoffs, thus improving your chances of getting quality service.