Making the move interstate is a huge decision that’s not made lightly. This is something that you have probably already put a lot of time, thought and research into. There are so many things to consider when moving house. You have to think about job opportunities, the shift in the cost of living, housing availability, changes in health care and other services, as well as schooling and general community. The last thing that will be on your mind is moving your car. But if you don’t want to drive the thousands upon thousands of miles it will take to get your car from point A to point B, you need to make sure you plan ahead and make the right choice for your car transport.
To help you understand the cost involved and make the best decision, we’ve done the research for you. Here are 4 key considerations you need to take when moving your car.
Do your research
Warning to the wise – don’t go with the first transport provider you find on the internet! Be smart and do your research. Start by asking friends and family if they’ve had any good experiences with car movers. You could even share a post on Facebook asking for recommendations. After you’ve done this, go directly to the car shippers and request quotes. Once you’ve done this, you can book in appointments or ask questions of the providers whose services fit within your budget.
Ask the right questions
While your car may just be another number in a lineup of customer cars, it’s yours – and you want it to be looked after properly. So while salespeople may want to get you booking with them quickly, it’s important to take your time and ask the right car shipping questions.
One of the first things you should ask is what the insurance cover is like. This will help you understand what kind of insurance you need to make sure you have on your end.
Your next consideration should be around how your car is going to be transported. Will it be kept undercover? Or will it be open to the elements? While leaving your car uncovered may prove a much more affordable option, it increases the chances of your car receiving unwanted scratches or dents or getting dirty. Covering your car will help prevent these nasties from occurring, however it could cost up to 60 per cent more! Consider the type of car you have. If you have a luxury car that needs extra protection, it may be well worth paying the extra and ensuring your car gets priority on top of the trailer. But if you have a cheaper car that you’re not so worried about, you may be able to get away with leaving it uncovered.
The next question you should ask is how the company secures your car to the trailer. In some cases, cars can be secured with chains that are placed over the vehicle’s axle. This can put a lot of strain on your car when it is tightened. On the other hand, if the chains are left too loose, they can scrape and bang up against your car, leaving damage. As an alternative option, it’s worth asking the transportation company if they can use nylon straps. These will keep your car secure and firm during the trip, without causing any unwanted scratches.
Check your insurance
This is a big one, and something people often forget! But you simply can’t afford to not have your insurance up to date – it could come at a huge cost to you in the event that something goes wrong. And you don’t need any extra stress while you’re moving home. First, Make sure your insurance policy covers transportation of your vehicle by a third party. Second, find out what kind of insurance the car movers have. And never ever hand over your car to a company without fully understanding their insurance policy!
Consider the season
Prices can hugely fluctuate throughout the year. It may be more expensive to ship your car in the winter and cheaper to move your car in the summer.
By taking these simple steps, you’ll make sure your car gets to your destination hassle free. And you’ll be able to get back to checking everything else off your moving home to-do list!
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