If you’re planning on moving to another state, you may wonder how to ship your vehicle. After all, you can’t just drive it there! The good news is that there are a few different options for shipping your car out of state. But before you do so, there are a few things you need to do to secure your vehicle for transport.
1. Have Your Documents Ready
Before you can even ship your vehicle out of state, you must have the proper documentation. This includes your title and registration, as well as your insurance information. Make copies of all of these documents, just in case anything gets lost or damaged during transport. You should also ensure that your car is up to date on all its scheduled maintenance; this will help ensure that it’s in good condition for shipping.
These documents will be required when you pick up your car at its destination, so it’s important to have them ready and easily accessible. You may want to put them all in a folder or an envelope, so you don’t have to search for them when the time comes.
2. Clean Your Car
You might think there’s no point cleaning your car before shipping it, but it’s a good idea. First, it will be easier for the transport company to appraise your car if it’s clean. But more importantly, a clean car is less likely to suffer damage during transport. All that dirt and grime can be abrasive, causing scratches or other damage to your paint job.
Cleaning your car also involves emptying it. This is important for two reasons. First, you don’t want your personal belongings lost or damaged during transport. But more importantly, an empty car is lighter and will cost less to ship. So be sure to remove all items from your car, including the trunk, before shipping it out of state.
3. Prepare Your Car for Shipping
Once your car is clean and empty, you need to do a few things to prepare it for shipping. First, check the tire pressure and inflate the tires if necessary. You should also disconnect the battery and any other electronics that could be damaged during transport.
It’s also a good idea to disable the alarm system to avoid potential problems. Finally, ensure that nothing is hanging from the mirrors or windows; this could get caught on something during transport and break off.
4. Choose the Right Shipping Option
Now that your car is ready to go, you need to decide which shipping option is right for you. The most popular option is open-air shipping, which is the most affordable option. But if you’re shipping a luxury or classic car, you may want to choose enclosed shipping for added protection.
You might also need to choose between some options for pick-up and delivery. For example, you can have your car picked up from your home or office, or you can drop it off at the transport company’s terminal. The same options are available for delivery; you can have your car delivered to your new home or office or pick it up from the transport company’s terminal.
5. Find a Reputable Shipping Company
Now that you’re ready to ship your car, you need to find a reputable shipping company. For example, if you ship your car to another state, you need to find a company that offers the services you are looking for, such as enclosed shipping or door-to-door service. You also need to make sure that the company is licensed and insured.
Once you’ve found a reputable shipping company, ask about any discounts they may offer. Some companies offer discounts for AAA members or military personnel. You may also be able to get a discount if you’re willing to ship your car during off-peak hours.
6. Schedule Your Shipping Date
Once you’ve chosen a shipping company, it’s time to schedule your shipping date. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to prepare your car and get all the necessary documents in order. You should also make sure that you’ll be available to drop off and pick up your car at the shipping terminal.
When choosing a shipping date, ask about the company’s cancellation policy. You may need to pay a fee if you need to cancel or reschedule your shipping date, so it’s important to know the policy before you schedule your shipping date.
Conclusion
Shipping your car out of state can be a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be. Following these simple tips can make the shipping process much easier. Just be sure to do your research and choose a reputable shipping company. With a little planning, you can ship your car without any problems.
