August 11, 2021

Drive or Ship? Auto Transport is Not as Complicated as You May Think

A big move is an exciting new chapter.

A new city is chock full of possibilities. Getting there, however, can be a headache.

Packing can seem endless, and there are so many logistics to consider to make sure your stuff arrives as close to when you do as possible.

And then there’s the issue of your vehicle. Do you drive it? Sell it and buy a new one in your new city? Or maybe you should ship it.

If auto transport seems like an inconvenience, don’t write it off as an option just yet. In many cases, shipping your vehicle can be a smooth, hassle-free process. And unless you’re moving a short distance, auto transport will likely cost less than the gas, food, and lodging you would need if you drove, particularly across a country as big as Canada.

With a little time and effort put into researching your options, it’s possible to find affordable car transport companies that can deliver your car to your new address reliably, safely and as efficiently as possible.

Here are some things to consider when shopping around for car transport companies.

INSURANCE

Car transport companies are required by law to have insurance, but that doesn’t mean that their policy is going to be as comprehensive as you want it to be. Accidents happen, and in the case they do, you want to make sure that your vehicle will be covered; I can’t think of a worse way to start life in a new city than with an unexpected bill in the thousands.

You will also want to check with your own car insurance provider and find out if your policy covers auto transport. It may be possible to purchase transport insurance as an add-on to you existing insurance plan.

DAMAGED VEHICLE POLICY

Should your vehicle be damaged during transport, what is their policy? Do you only have a certain window of time (ex. 24 hours) to make a claim? Will they only pay out a certain amount, or will they cover the entire bill to get it fixed? These are important questions to ask.

Moreover, it’s a good idea to thoroughly clean your vehicle before it’s dropped off for shipping. A clean vehicle, inside and out, will make it easier for you to spot any damage that may have occurred.

HIDDEN FEES

As stated, shipping your vehicle may very well save you money, but not if there are surprise fees hidden in the overall cost. Does the price you were quoted include insurance? Is there an extra charge for picking up or dropping off your vehicle? If you must pick your car up at the terminal, will you be charged for storing it there until you’re able to?

CITY RESTRICTIONS

Due to size restrictions, some cities do not allow car carriers to drive on residential or city streets. Check out the bylaws in your new city. If such restrictions exist, will the car transport company work with you, perhaps delivering your vehicle to your new home?

THE BOTTOM LINE

If you’re in need in of auto transport services in Canada, Able Auto Transport provides transport across Canada, from British Columbia to Ontario. Call them today to get a quote.