Most people only ship vehicles a few times in their life, at most. So people are generally not very knowledgeable about car shipping and how it works. As a result, several myths have arisen within the car shipping industry. Here are three common ones:
Many people think that they can save time and money by working directly with an auto transport carrier rather than dealing with an auto transport broker. However, it can actually be quite a hassle to find a carrier that will be travelling on your exact route—let alone several to compare quotes. Additionally, carriers are more likely to charge you more when they are the ones responsible for working directly with the customer and handling the paperwork. Choosing a reputable auto transport broker means working with someone who will not only help you to find the best deal, but who will also handle all the details for you to ensure the car shipping process go smoothly.
There is a common myth that shipping your vehicle on an open carrier is an unsafe. While your car is exposed to the elements on an open carrier, the risk of damage from road debris is only slightly higher than shipping via closed container. In fact, the majority of cars are shipped on open carriers, including most new cars. The cost to ship your vehicle on a closed carrier is typically 25-50% more, so it’s up to you to determine whether the additional cost is worth it.
This is not always true. Coverage depends on your specific auto insurance policy, so you will need to check with your insurance provider to determine whether your vehicle will be covered during auto transport. However, you should not need to use your auto insurance, since auto transporters are required by law to have cargo insurance coverage to be licensed by the FMCSA. In order to be confident your car is covered, it is always a good idea to check with the car shipping company’s insurance agent to check that the policy is still in force.
To find more information about the car shipping industry and to answer any additional questions/concerns you may have, visit our Car Transport Tips and FAQ pages.
MoveCars.com is a comprehensive online directory of car shipping companie s, including enclosed auto transport and international shipping companies. Even before you start looking for a car shipping company, you can find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about car moving, car shipping tips, and a glossary of auto transport terms.