Shipping a car to another country can be a daunting task, especially for first-timers. You need to consider many factors to have a smooth-sailing experience. Below are five tips to guide those planning to ship a car overseas. Following these tips can minimize the stress and worry that car owners feel when shipping their cars to another country.
Choose a Reputable Company
The first thing you need to do is to find a reputable company. This is a step that you shouldn’t rush. Don’t choose the first company that will come up in your Google search. Take time to do some homework and try to know as much as possible about the car shipping companies you’ll see.
Not all auto transport companies are capable of shipping internationally. If you are shipping to or from Florida, California, or any part of the US, you need to make sure that the company you will choose is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Ensure that the company you’ll hire is also registered with the Federal Maritime Commission or FMC. Having an authorized and reliable international shipping partner can eliminate most of your concerns about international car shipping.
Prepare Your Car for Shipping
Clean your car thoroughly before shipping it. Clean it from the inside out. Doing so allows you to see existing dings, dents, and scratches on your vehicle. So if any new damage occurs during shipping, you’ll be able to spot it right away. Cleaning your car also allows you to have a clean and fresh car when you arrive at your destination.
After cleaning your car, you can now take note of pre-existing damage to the exterior. Check for scratches, dents, paint chips, and discolorations. It’s also a good idea to take photos of your car. These measures will make it easier to fill out the condition report when your vehicle arrives.
If you need to file a damage claim, you can also use the pictures as proof. It’s highly unlikely that your car will get damaged during shipping. Still, it’s better to be ready for anything that might happen. It’s also a good idea to make a backup copy of your car key. So in case the original key gets lost during transport, you can still use your car when it arrives.
Book Ahead of Time
If it’s important that your car arrives on time, it’s a good idea to schedule ahead. Most auto transport companies will pick up your car at home. Some companies also have designated pick-up and drop-off points, giving you an option if home pick-up is not convenient. If you’re buying a new car, the company may ship the vehicle directly from the dealership.
The amount of time needed to ship a vehicle abroad depends on the distance. If you’re from the U.S., for example, and you want to ship your car somewhere in Asia, you can expect that it will take some time for your vehicle to arrive. This is because it will need to pass through multiple ports and customs procedures. The company may not even give you an exact date but a time range.
Ensure That Your Car Is Protected
Out of the millions of containers shipped every year, only thousands get lost at sea. This means that your car’s chances of being lost or damaged are slim, but it’s not zero. Accidents can happen anytime, anywhere. This is why it’s important to ensure that your car is protected.
Car shipping companies are required to have insurance policies. But you still need to verify and determine coverage limits. The company’s policy should be enough to cover the cost of your car in case it gets lost. You also need to ask about the company’s damage coverage and optional coverage plans.
Check Your Car When It Arrives
Immediately check your car when it arrives. Do it while the driver is still around. If you know the condition of your car before it was shipped, it would be easy for you to check if it has been damaged during shipping. Take notes and pictures of new scratches, dents, or paint chips. The photos will come in handy when you file a complaint.
It can be nerve-wracking to ship a car abroad. You can’t be sure what will happen to it when it’s at sea. But following the tips above can make the experience less stressful.
