8 Common Questions to Raise Before Choosing Auto Transport Services

In the US, 91% of households have access to a vehicle. Cars are vital for our everyday lives, so if you're moving soon, you're probably concerned about moving yours in the best way possible.

A great option is auto transport services, which will not only reduce wear and tear, but also protect your vehicle while in transit. Not to mention, it'll also take the burden of transport off your shoulders!

But before you book an auto shipping company, you need to make sure you're choosing the right one.

Nexusautotransport.com is here with eight common questions you need to ask before shipping your car.

1. Are You Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?

When you deal with any company that'll move your belongings, you need to make sure they're properly licensed, bonded, and insured. Otherwise, if they damage or steal your items, it's harder to hold them accountable.

Knowing that a company is licensed and bonded can also give you peace of mind, since you know their operations are above board.

Ask the company for their DOT number so you can look them up. This will verify they're licensed and you can also see if there are any safety reports filed against them.

2. Do You Offer Free Quotes?

Any reputable company will offer free quotes, so take it as a red flag if an auto shipper says they don't. A good and reliable transporter won't need to resort to cheap tactics to get business.

The auto transport companies you consider should offer not just free quotes, but also no-obligation ones. You should feel comfortable about walking away if the prices don't suit your budget. If you don't, then take that as a sign not to proceed with those choices.

3. What Do Your Quotes Include?

Again, a reputable company will be upfront and transparent about what its quotes include. Unscrupulous ones will give you too-good-to-be-true quotes then tack on a bunch of hidden and extra fees once they bill you. So if an estimate seems suspiciously low, it probably is.

The agent should be able to walk you through what the quotes do and don't include. They should also inform you about what factors may affect pricing.

It's important to go with your gut feeling here, as the way an agent responds is very telling about their practices.

4. What Are Your Rates?

A quote that just shows you a number amount isn't very helpful. You'll also want to ask what a company's rates are so you understand their pricing structure.

For example, the majority of them charge by the mile, with longer distances being cheaper. They should be able to give you the price and mileage range for each tier of their rates.

5. What Services Do You Offer?

Car shipping isn't as simple as you might think. There are open and closed haulers, as well as different shipping speeds you can choose. And some companies ship a wide variety of vehicles, while others focus on certain types.

You want to make sure that the auto transporter you choose is able to deliver the services you need.

While you're asking about the services offered, you should also see if they're a broker, carrier, or auto transport management company. The last option is best because they're completely focused on the customer, as are brokers. Carriers are more focused on their shipments, so customer service may not be the greatest with those.

6. Can I See Your References and Reviews?

A car shipping company might look good on paper, but you never know if they're actually worth their salt.

Of course, you can (and should) look up customer reviews on Google, as this will give you a good idea of how they operate. But you should also ask them for references on the spot. If they respond in a friendly and open manner, and you receive credible references, then that's an excellent sign.

7. How Can I Pay?

It's important to know what payment options are available. For example, if you prefer to pay with a credit card, you need to check that they actually accept this payment method.

Also, you need to see how much payment they want and when. If an auto shipper says they need the full payment upfront before services are provided, then that's a red flag.

Usually, these professionals will ask for a partial payment or a deposit first. Then, after your vehicle's shipped successfully, they'll ask for the rest of the payment.

8. How Should I Prepare My Car for Pickup?

When you book services with an auto shipping company, they'll go over the list of preparations you need to make. However, it's still good to ask this question over the phone since you can see how well prepared and patient the agent is.

They'll probably tell you to empty and clean your car, as well as leave your gas tank at 1/4th full. They'll also tell you the documents you'll need, such as your photo ID, registration, title, and proof of insurance.

You can also take this opportunity to ask if they'll allow you to put personal belongings in the vehicle for shipping. Most won't since there's added liability, but it won't hurt to ask. That way, you can plan ahead if you aren't able to put boxes in your car.

Use Nexusautotransport.com for Auto Transport Services

Now you know all the questions you need to ask before you get auto transport services.

Nexusautotransport.com is obviously a leader in their industry since they were able to come up with these valuable questions. Not only that, but they can also confidently answer them. So if you need car shipping done, count on them to get the job done right!