Transporting your vehicle long distance can be a nightmare not to mention adding mileage to your car, possible damage along the way, and the overall time it takes to get from one location to another.  Finding the right automobile transportation service takes the worry out of transporting your automobile and you do not have to look very far to find great service.

There are a few important factors to consider when hiring a company to transport your vehicle, aside from the cost.  We all want to save money where possible, but cheaper is not always the best option. Take some time to review different sites, contact customer service and ask plenty of questions.  After all, you are entrusting your vehicle to them so you want to be sure that they will take great care of it while it is in their hands.

Be leery of companies asking for non-refundable deposits.  You should not have to pay an upfront deposit for automobile shipping services.  You should inquire about cancellation charges.  Red flags should be raised if you are asked to make a deposit or impose cancellation charges should you choose not to use the service.

Before making your final decision there questions you should answer.  

What is the condition of the trucks and how reliable is the company?  You do not want your vehicle sitting on the side of the road because the transport vehicle broke down. Checking the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) is another way to check the records of a company.  They provide safety records and ratings as well as the inspection and accident information.

You should thoroughly inspect your vehicle before and after it is transported, and notify the driver and company of any damages immediately.  Most companies perform an inspection form to note any issues.  Auto moving companies typically carry general liability and cargo insurance.  The cargo insurance covers any damage to your vehicle.  It is recommended that you keep your insurance on your vehicle until it has been delivered as well.

Paying for your vehicle transport service may vary from company to company.  Some will require a deposit only after a truck has been assigned to move your vehicle.  When the driver reaches the destination, you pay the driver in cash, cashier’s check, or money order.  Some companies will accept payment by credit card, but this should be discussed beforehand and not when the driver has arrived.

Once you have found a reliable company, moving your vehicle from one state to another will be a worry-free, effortless task.   On average, it takes approximately three to five days to get a truck to you to pick up your vehicle.  The time to deliver your auto may vary on location, but the company will be able to give you a more accurate time of delivery.  If you need the process expedited you should discuss this with the company prior to signing the contract.

Now that you do not have to drive, you can make your airline reservations and meet your vehicle at its destination or prepare to move your other items without worrying about driving to your new location.