A luxury car is a huge investment. In fact, according to Your Mechanic, “Americans spend 5% of their income on purchasing a car. Another 5% goes towards ongoing maintenance and insurance costs.” If you’re moving soon, you should consider working with an auto transporter that will thoroughly protect your prized possession. Below, we cover five questions to ask before a company ships your luxury car.

How Can I Prepare My Vehicle for The Shipping Process?

Although the entire shipping process takes a few weeks, it’s important to begin preparing now. First, thoroughly clean your vehicle from the inside out. Plus, you should remove personal belongings from your car. Auto transporters are not responsible for items in the vehicle.  Also, make sure your car has gas. Your car won’t need a full tank for its journey, but it’s okay to have less than a half tank of gas in your vehicle. Make sure the battery is fully charged and secured before auto transport to avoid an additional fee for a non-running vehicle if the battery is dead. Finally, be sure to remove your EZ pass transponder and any other toll transponders! It is possible for the transponder to be read and charged while the car is in the trailer.

How Does Your Company Transport Cars?

Auto transport companies ship cars using either open or enclosed carriers. While both methods have pros and cons, it’s up to you to decide which shipping method you prefer. At Intercity Lines, we use enclosed car carriers to carefully transport luxury vehicles from point A to point B.

Is Your Company Insured, Licensed, and Registered?

A dependable auto transport company has the credentials to prove you can trust them with your vehicle. Businesses that offer cross-country transport services must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. If you plan to ship your vehicle internationally, the businesses you’re considering should have a special license from the Federal Maritime Commission.

By law, car shipping companies should be fully insured. In this case, be sure to ask about the business about the type of coverage they carry. If they offer adequate coverage, you can relax knowing the company will properly cover your car through the shipping process—even during emergencies. However, don’t be afraid to ask if they can increase your vehicle’s coverage.

How Does Scheduling Work?

Auto transport companies request that their customers remain flexible and open; you may be charged extra fees for strict pickup windows. This is because you’ll need to keep in mind that trucks’ schedules aren’t always easy to predict in advance. From unexpected breakdowns and sick drivers to traffic and the weather, there are many factors that can affect auto transport carriers. Carriers will give you their most honest estimate on how long you must wait before they can pick up your vehicle.

What Differentiates Your Company from Local Competitors?

The best companies value their customers, putting their needs (and their vehicles) first. These businesses should also be able to demonstrate that they have the experience necessary to ship luxury vehicles.

If you’re in the process of choosing a reputable auto transport company, we hope you consider Intercity Lines. Since 1980, our enclosed trucks and trailers carried a wide variety of vehicles, including antiques, classics, and exotics. Request a quote today—we look forward to exceeding your expectations!