Service Type

There are 3 main service types available to you when transporting your car, each of which carries their own pros and cons, these will be discussed in turn.

1. Have the car driven on trade plates
2. Have the car transported on a single car trailer
3. Have the car transported on a multi-car trailer

Having the car driven on trade plates by a professional can often be the cheapest option for car delivery. However, you are adding mileage onto the car and there is an increase in the chance of damage when compared with the other main methods whereby your vehicle is trailered.

Single car trailers are generally used for the more urgent vehicle deliveries, accordingly, however as only one car is moved at a time it also tends to be the most expensive. There are a wide range of single car trailers on the market, from simple open-tops to those that are enclosed and even climate controlled. You may wish to insist upon an enclosed trailer if your vehicle is of particularly high value or is irreplaceable, but expect to pay a premium.

Multi-car trailers can transport several cars at once, whilst the service will be slower you can expect a lower price. Cars are being transported on multi-car trailers everyday and if there is spare capacity on a route a vehicle transport firm is already travelling you could get a great price. As multi-car trailers are harder to manoeuvre than single-cars, it is often the case that vehicle transport firms will not deliver to the door, but rather to a local hub where the vehicle can then be collected from. So, it is worth checking that out prior to accepting any offer.

Getting Prices

Like any service, you wouldn’t just accept the first price quoted so it pays to shop around. Aim to get at least 5 quotes for your job.

Insurance

One of the most important things to do when choosing a car transport company is to check their insurance documents. If they are not adequately insured you run the risk of not only their transporter being impounded but also your own vehicle. Plus of course, in the event of an accident you will want the peace of mind that your vehicle is adequately covered. Policies can differ from company to company, but the key areas you will want to look for are the value of the level of cover as well as cover for both damage and theft.

Your own car insurance policy may already have cover for your vehicle whilst in transit, so it is certainly worthwhile checking that. Some insurance firms do also allow you to add this option to your insurance for a fee. Having this option available to you as a back-up should the worst happen and the car transport firm fail to claim is worth it for the peace of mind alone.

Establishing the trustworthiness of the car transport company

So, you’ve got a great price & their insurance cover is fine, but how do you know that they are reliable & have adequate experience. The car transport firm should also be able to offer you testimonials. At the end of the day, it is up to them to prove to you that they are trustworthy. If they find it hard to do that, they probably aren’t the right ones for you.

Payment Terms

Now that you have chosen your car transport firm, it is normal practice to be required to pay a deposit, but this should not exceed 25% of the total cost. Usually cash or check is accepted as payment, however using a credit card is your best option in case you need to dispute charges at a later date.

Go through contract

Verbal promises mean nothing. Make sure that everything is down on paper in black and white. If you are uncertain about any clauses, ask the firm and get them to re-draft it if necessary. There should be a clause whereby you are compensated if they fail to deliver within the specified timeframe.

Preparing car for transport

Once you have agreed dates, signed the paperwork and paid your deposit, you will need to prepare your car for transport. Don’t leave this until the last minute. Your transporter will no doubt offer you tips as well, but be sure to check for and document any pre-existing damage by following these steps:

1. Wash the car thoroughly.
2. Make a written note of any chips, dents or other cosmetic damage whatsoever.
3. Take photos of the car from several angles as well as close-ups of any damage.
4. Date the photographs and written record.

Be certain to remove any personal items from the car (including the boot), these generally won’t be covered by insurance should they go walk about. Also any extra weight could potentially cause damage to the cars undercarriage whilst in transit as well as other vehicles if on a multi-car trailer.

Unless the car you are getting moved is a complete write-off you should check it for any mechanical problems. Although your car will be driven very little (if at all), you should try to ensure that it is running as best it can to help prevent any time delays or damages.

1. Check the battery is fully charged & tyres are fully inflates.
2. Top-up all fluids in the car but try to run down the petrol tank to about full which will help save on weight.
3. If you have spotted any leaks or mechanical issues, be sure to let car carrier know. If you car is going on a multi-car trailer it should be placed on the bottom rack to prevent spilling on cars below.

Finally, if your car is a soft-top be sure that it is securely down. Fold back your wing mirrors & retract the radio antennae. Remove/hide any items that could catch the eye of thieves such as cd players/sat nav. Also, be sure to disable your car alarm prior to pickup, if that’s not possible be sure to tell your car transport company how to turn it off should it be triggered.

What to expect from the car transport firm on pickup/delivery

Before releasing your vehicle make sure you have made a record of any pre-existing damage including time-stamped photos. When the company arrive, they will inspect the vehicle with you and note this damage on their own records, make sure that any/all damage is recorded there before signing.

Before loading up your car be sure to check the mileage indicator, although your car may be driven a little to load/unload it, there should be no major increase in mileage between pickup and delivery.

When your car is delivered, inspect your car slowly and carefully. Do not rush this step or sign anything yet. Check for any new damage (including roof and bumpers) or increase in mileage. If there are any inconsistencies, you should document these and get the driver to sign it. Only once you are happy and the driver has signed to acknowledge for any new damage should you sign acceptance. If you do not follow these steps it is unlikely you will have recourse at a later date.

In the unlikely event that new damage has been caused in transit, you should file a claim with the car transport company and follow their usual procedures. You should also file a claim with your own insurance company within 24 hours.

Post Delivery

The vast majority of car transport transactions go smoothly, however if there were any problems, first try to iron these out with the firm directly. They usually work on a referral basis and so really do want to resolve any issues that have arisen. If you had tried but feel you are not getting anywhere, you may want to file a complaint with agencies such as trading standards.

Author: Robert Matthams
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Service Type

There are 3 main service types available to you when transporting your car, each of which carries their own pros and cons, these will be discussed in turn.

1. Have the car driven on trade plates
2. Have the car transported on a single car trailer
3. Have the car transported on a multi-car trailer

Having the car driven on trade plates by a professional can often be the cheapest option for car delivery. However, you are adding mileage onto the car and there is an increase in the chance of damage when compared with the other main methods whereby your vehicle is trailered.

Single car trailers are generally used for the more urgent vehicle deliveries, accordingly, however as only one car is moved at a time it also tends to be the most expensive. There are a wide range of single car trailers on the market, from simple open-tops to those that are enclosed and even climate controlled. You may wish to insist upon an enclosed trailer if your vehicle is of particularly high value or is irreplaceable, but expect to pay a premium.

Multi-car trailers can transport several cars at once, whilst the service will be slower you can expect a lower price. Cars are being transported on multi-car trailers everyday and if there is spare capacity on a route a vehicle transport firm is already travelling you could get a great price. As multi-car trailers are harder to manoeuvre than single-cars, it is often the case that vehicle transport firms will not deliver to the door, but rather to a local hub where the vehicle can then be collected from. So, it is worth checking that out prior to accepting any offer.

Getting Prices

Like any service, you wouldn’t just accept the first price quoted so it pays to shop around. Aim to get at least 5 quotes for your job.

Insurance

One of the most important things to do when choosing a car transport company is to check their insurance documents. If they are not adequately insured you run the risk of not only their transporter being impounded but also your own vehicle. Plus of course, in the event of an accident you will want the peace of mind that your vehicle is adequately covered. Policies can differ from company to company, but the key areas you will want to look for are the value of the level of cover as well as cover for both damage and theft.

Your own car insurance policy may already have cover for your vehicle whilst in transit, so it is certainly worthwhile checking that. Some insurance firms do also allow you to add this option to your insurance for a fee. Having this option available to you as a back-up should the worst happen and the car transport firm fail to claim is worth it for the peace of mind alone.

Establishing the trustworthiness of the car transport company

So, you’ve got a great price & their insurance cover is fine, but how do you know that they are reliable & have adequate experience. The car transport firm should also be able to offer you testimonials. At the end of the day, it is up to them to prove to you that they are trustworthy. If they find it hard to do that, they probably aren’t the right ones for you.

Payment Terms

Now that you have chosen your car transport firm, it is normal practice to be required to pay a deposit, but this should not exceed 25% of the total cost. Usually cash or check is accepted as payment, however using a credit card is your best option in case you need to dispute charges at a later date.

Go through contract

Verbal promises mean nothing. Make sure that everything is down on paper in black and white. If you are uncertain about any clauses, ask the firm and get them to re-draft it if necessary. There should be a clause whereby you are compensated if they fail to deliver within the specified timeframe.

Preparing car for transport

Once you have agreed dates, signed the paperwork and paid your deposit, you will need to prepare your car for transport. Don’t leave this until the last minute. Your transporter will no doubt offer you tips as well, but be sure to check for and document any pre-existing damage by following these steps:

1. Wash the car thoroughly.
2. Make a written note of any chips, dents or other cosmetic damage whatsoever.
3. Take photos of the car from several angles as well as close-ups of any damage.
4. Date the photographs and written record.

Be certain to remove any personal items from the car (including the boot), these generally won’t be covered by insurance should they go walk about. Also any extra weight could potentially cause damage to the cars undercarriage whilst in transit as well as other vehicles if on a multi-car trailer.

Unless the car you are getting moved is a complete write-off you should check it for any mechanical problems. Although your car will be driven very little (if at all), you should try to ensure that it is running as best it can to help prevent any time delays or damages.

1. Check the battery is fully charged & tyres are fully inflates.
2. Top-up all fluids in the car but try to run down the petrol tank to about full which will help save on weight.
3. If you have spotted any leaks or mechanical issues, be sure to let car carrier know. If you car is going on a multi-car trailer it should be placed on the bottom rack to prevent spilling on cars below.

Finally, if your car is a soft-top be sure that it is securely down. Fold back your wing mirrors & retract the radio antennae. Remove/hide any items that could catch the eye of thieves such as cd players/sat nav. Also, be sure to disable your car alarm prior to pickup, if that’s not possible be sure to tell your car transport company how to turn it off should it be triggered.

What to expect from the car transport firm on pickup/delivery

Before releasing your vehicle make sure you have made a record of any pre-existing damage including time-stamped photos. When the company arrive, they will inspect the vehicle with you and note this damage on their own records, make sure that any/all damage is recorded there before signing.

Before loading up your car be sure to check the mileage indicator, although your car may be driven a little to load/unload it, there should be no major increase in mileage between pickup and delivery.

When your car is delivered, inspect your car slowly and carefully. Do not rush this step or sign anything yet. Check for any new damage (including roof and bumpers) or increase in mileage. If there are any inconsistencies, you should document these and get the driver to sign it. Only once you are happy and the driver has signed to acknowledge for any new damage should you sign acceptance. If you do not follow these steps it is unlikely you will have recourse at a later date.

In the unlikely event that new damage has been caused in transit, you should file a claim with the car transport company and follow their usual procedures. You should also file a claim with your own insurance company within 24 hours.

Post Delivery

The vast majority of car transport transactions go smoothly, however if there were any problems, first try to iron these out with the firm directly. They usually work on a referral basis and so really do want to resolve any issues that have arisen. If you had tried but feel you are not getting anywhere, you may want to file a complaint with agencies such as trading standards.

Author: Robert Matthams
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Service Type

There are 3 main service types available to you when transporting your car, each of which carries their own pros and cons, these will be discussed in turn.

1. Have the car driven on trade plates
2. Have the car transported on a single car trailer
3. Have the car transported on a multi-car trailer

Having the car driven on trade plates by a professional can often be the cheapest option for car delivery. However, you are adding mileage onto the car and there is an increase in the chance of damage when compared with the other main methods whereby your vehicle is trailered.

Single car trailers are generally used for the more urgent vehicle deliveries, accordingly, however as only one car is moved at a time it also tends to be the most expensive. There are a wide range of single car trailers on the market, from simple open-tops to those that are enclosed and even climate controlled. You may wish to insist upon an enclosed trailer if your vehicle is of particularly high value or is irreplaceable, but expect to pay a premium.

Multi-car trailers can transport several cars at once, whilst the service will be slower you can expect a lower price. Cars are being transported on multi-car trailers everyday and if there is spare capacity on a route a vehicle transport firm is already travelling you could get a great price. As multi-car trailers are harder to manoeuvre than single-cars, it is often the case that vehicle transport firms will not deliver to the door, but rather to a local hub where the vehicle can then be collected from. So, it is worth checking that out prior to accepting any offer.

Getting Prices

Like any service, you wouldn’t just accept the first price quoted so it pays to shop around. Aim to get at least 5 quotes for your job.

Insurance

One of the most important things to do when choosing a car transport company is to check their insurance documents. If they are not adequately insured you run the risk of not only their transporter being impounded but also your own vehicle. Plus of course, in the event of an accident you will want the peace of mind that your vehicle is adequately covered. Policies can differ from company to company, but the key areas you will want to look for are the value of the level of cover as well as cover for both damage and theft.

Your own car insurance policy may already have cover for your vehicle whilst in transit, so it is certainly worthwhile checking that. Some insurance firms do also allow you to add this option to your insurance for a fee. Having this option available to you as a back-up should the worst happen and the car transport firm fail to claim is worth it for the peace of mind alone.

Establishing the trustworthiness of the car transport company

So, you’ve got a great price & their insurance cover is fine, but how do you know that they are reliable & have adequate experience. The car transport firm should also be able to offer you testimonials. At the end of the day, it is up to them to prove to you that they are trustworthy. If they find it hard to do that, they probably aren’t the right ones for you.

Payment Terms

Now that you have chosen your car transport firm, it is normal practice to be required to pay a deposit, but this should not exceed 25% of the total cost. Usually cash or check is accepted as payment, however using a credit card is your best option in case you need to dispute charges at a later date.

Go through contract

Verbal promises mean nothing. Make sure that everything is down on paper in black and white. If you are uncertain about any clauses, ask the firm and get them to re-draft it if necessary. There should be a clause whereby you are compensated if they fail to deliver within the specified timeframe.

Preparing car for transport

Once you have agreed dates, signed the paperwork and paid your deposit, you will need to prepare your car for transport. Don’t leave this until the last minute. Your transporter will no doubt offer you tips as well, but be sure to check for and document any pre-existing damage by following these steps:

1. Wash the car thoroughly.
2. Make a written note of any chips, dents or other cosmetic damage whatsoever.
3. Take photos of the car from several angles as well as close-ups of any damage.
4. Date the photographs and written record.

Be certain to remove any personal items from the car (including the boot), these generally won’t be covered by insurance should they go walk about. Also any extra weight could potentially cause damage to the cars undercarriage whilst in transit as well as other vehicles if on a multi-car trailer.

Unless the car you are getting moved is a complete write-off you should check it for any mechanical problems. Although your car will be driven very little (if at all), you should try to ensure that it is running as best it can to help prevent any time delays or damages.

1. Check the battery is fully charged & tyres are fully inflates.
2. Top-up all fluids in the car but try to run down the petrol tank to about full which will help save on weight.
3. If you have spotted any leaks or mechanical issues, be sure to let car carrier know. If you car is going on a multi-car trailer it should be placed on the bottom rack to prevent spilling on cars below.

Finally, if your car is a soft-top be sure that it is securely down. Fold back your wing mirrors & retract the radio antennae. Remove/hide any items that could catch the eye of thieves such as cd players/sat nav. Also, be sure to disable your car alarm prior to pickup, if that’s not possible be sure to tell your car transport company how to turn it off should it be triggered.

What to expect from the car transport firm on pickup/delivery

Before releasing your vehicle make sure you have made a record of any pre-existing damage including time-stamped photos. When the company arrive, they will inspect the vehicle with you and note this damage on their own records, make sure that any/all damage is recorded there before signing.

Before loading up your car be sure to check the mileage indicator, although your car may be driven a little to load/unload it, there should be no major increase in mileage between pickup and delivery.

When your car is delivered, inspect your car slowly and carefully. Do not rush this step or sign anything yet. Check for any new damage (including roof and bumpers) or increase in mileage. If there are any inconsistencies, you should document these and get the driver to sign it. Only once you are happy and the driver has signed to acknowledge for any new damage should you sign acceptance. If you do not follow these steps it is unlikely you will have recourse at a later date.

In the unlikely event that new damage has been caused in transit, you should file a claim with the car transport company and follow their usual procedures. You should also file a claim with your own insurance company within 24 hours.

Post Delivery

The vast majority of car transport transactions go smoothly, however if there were any problems, first try to iron these out with the firm directly. They usually work on a referral basis and so really do want to resolve any issues that have arisen. If you had tried but feel you are not getting anywhere, you may want to file a complaint with agencies such as trading standards.

Author: Robert Matthams
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Service Type

There are 3 main service types available to you when transporting your car, each of which carries their own pros and cons, these will be discussed in turn.

1. Have the car driven on trade plates
2. Have the car transported on a single car trailer
3. Have the car transported on a multi-car trailer

Having the car driven on trade plates by a professional can often be the cheapest option for car delivery. However, you are adding mileage onto the car and there is an increase in the chance of damage when compared with the other main methods whereby your vehicle is trailered.

Single car trailers are generally used for the more urgent vehicle deliveries, accordingly, however as only one car is moved at a time it also tends to be the most expensive. There are a wide range of single car trailers on the market, from simple open-tops to those that are enclosed and even climate controlled. You may wish to insist upon an enclosed trailer if your vehicle is of particularly high value or is irreplaceable, but expect to pay a premium.

Multi-car trailers can transport several cars at once, whilst the service will be slower you can expect a lower price. Cars are being transported on multi-car trailers everyday and if there is spare capacity on a route a vehicle transport firm is already travelling you could get a great price. As multi-car trailers are harder to manoeuvre than single-cars, it is often the case that vehicle transport firms will not deliver to the door, but rather to a local hub where the vehicle can then be collected from. So, it is worth checking that out prior to accepting any offer.

Getting Prices

Like any service, you wouldn’t just accept the first price quoted so it pays to shop around. Aim to get at least 5 quotes for your job.

Insurance

One of the most important things to do when choosing a car transport company is to check their insurance documents. If they are not adequately insured you run the risk of not only their transporter being impounded but also your own vehicle. Plus of course, in the event of an accident you will want the peace of mind that your vehicle is adequately covered. Policies can differ from company to company, but the key areas you will want to look for are the value of the level of cover as well as cover for both damage and theft.

Your own car insurance policy may already have cover for your vehicle whilst in transit, so it is certainly worthwhile checking that. Some insurance firms do also allow you to add this option to your insurance for a fee. Having this option available to you as a back-up should the worst happen and the car transport firm fail to claim is worth it for the peace of mind alone.

Establishing the trustworthiness of the car transport company

So, you’ve got a great price & their insurance cover is fine, but how do you know that they are reliable & have adequate experience. The car transport firm should also be able to offer you testimonials. At the end of the day, it is up to them to prove to you that they are trustworthy. If they find it hard to do that, they probably aren’t the right ones for you.

Payment Terms

Now that you have chosen your car transport firm, it is normal practice to be required to pay a deposit, but this should not exceed 25% of the total cost. Usually cash or check is accepted as payment, however using a credit card is your best option in case you need to dispute charges at a later date.

Go through contract

Verbal promises mean nothing. Make sure that everything is down on paper in black and white. If you are uncertain about any clauses, ask the firm and get them to re-draft it if necessary. There should be a clause whereby you are compensated if they fail to deliver within the specified timeframe.

Preparing car for transport

Once you have agreed dates, signed the paperwork and paid your deposit, you will need to prepare your car for transport. Don’t leave this until the last minute. Your transporter will no doubt offer you tips as well, but be sure to check for and document any pre-existing damage by following these steps:

1. Wash the car thoroughly.
2. Make a written note of any chips, dents or other cosmetic damage whatsoever.
3. Take photos of the car from several angles as well as close-ups of any damage.
4. Date the photographs and written record.

Be certain to remove any personal items from the car (including the boot), these generally won’t be covered by insurance should they go walk about. Also any extra weight could potentially cause damage to the cars undercarriage whilst in transit as well as other vehicles if on a multi-car trailer.

Unless the car you are getting moved is a complete write-off you should check it for any mechanical problems. Although your car will be driven very little (if at all), you should try to ensure that it is running as best it can to help prevent any time delays or damages.

1. Check the battery is fully charged & tyres are fully inflates.
2. Top-up all fluids in the car but try to run down the petrol tank to about full which will help save on weight.
3. If you have spotted any leaks or mechanical issues, be sure to let car carrier know. If you car is going on a multi-car trailer it should be placed on the bottom rack to prevent spilling on cars below.

Finally, if your car is a soft-top be sure that it is securely down. Fold back your wing mirrors & retract the radio antennae. Remove/hide any items that could catch the eye of thieves such as cd players/sat nav. Also, be sure to disable your car alarm prior to pickup, if that’s not possible be sure to tell your car transport company how to turn it off should it be triggered.

What to expect from the car transport firm on pickup/delivery

Before releasing your vehicle make sure you have made a record of any pre-existing damage including time-stamped photos. When the company arrive, they will inspect the vehicle with you and note this damage on their own records, make sure that any/all damage is recorded there before signing.

Before loading up your car be sure to check the mileage indicator, although your car may be driven a little to load/unload it, there should be no major increase in mileage between pickup and delivery.

When your car is delivered, inspect your car slowly and carefully. Do not rush this step or sign anything yet. Check for any new damage (including roof and bumpers) or increase in mileage. If there are any inconsistencies, you should document these and get the driver to sign it. Only once you are happy and the driver has signed to acknowledge for any new damage should you sign acceptance. If you do not follow these steps it is unlikely you will have recourse at a later date.

In the unlikely event that new damage has been caused in transit, you should file a claim with the car transport company and follow their usual procedures. You should also file a claim with your own insurance company within 24 hours.

Post Delivery

The vast majority of car transport transactions go smoothly, however if there were any problems, first try to iron these out with the firm directly. They usually work on a referral basis and so really do want to resolve any issues that have arisen. If you had tried but feel you are not getting anywhere, you may want to file a complaint with agencies such as trading standards.

Author: Robert Matthams
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Service Type

There are 3 main service types available to you when transporting your car, each of which carries their own pros and cons, these will be discussed in turn.

1. Have the car driven on trade plates
2. Have the car transported on a single car trailer
3. Have the car transported on a multi-car trailer

Having the car driven on trade plates by a professional can often be the cheapest option for car delivery. However, you are adding mileage onto the car and there is an increase in the chance of damage when compared with the other main methods whereby your vehicle is trailered.

Single car trailers are generally used for the more urgent vehicle deliveries, accordingly, however as only one car is moved at a time it also tends to be the most expensive. There are a wide range of single car trailers on the market, from simple open-tops to those that are enclosed and even climate controlled. You may wish to insist upon an enclosed trailer if your vehicle is of particularly high value or is irreplaceable, but expect to pay a premium.

Multi-car trailers can transport several cars at once, whilst the service will be slower you can expect a lower price. Cars are being transported on multi-car trailers everyday and if there is spare capacity on a route a vehicle transport firm is already travelling you could get a great price. As multi-car trailers are harder to manoeuvre than single-cars, it is often the case that vehicle transport firms will not deliver to the door, but rather to a local hub where the vehicle can then be collected from. So, it is worth checking that out prior to accepting any offer.

Getting Prices

Like any service, you wouldn’t just accept the first price quoted so it pays to shop around. Aim to get at least 5 quotes for your job.

Insurance

One of the most important things to do when choosing a car transport company is to check their insurance documents. If they are not adequately insured you run the risk of not only their transporter being impounded but also your own vehicle. Plus of course, in the event of an accident you will want the peace of mind that your vehicle is adequately covered. Policies can differ from company to company, but the key areas you will want to look for are the value of the level of cover as well as cover for both damage and theft.

Your own car insurance policy may already have cover for your vehicle whilst in transit, so it is certainly worthwhile checking that. Some insurance firms do also allow you to add this option to your insurance for a fee. Having this option available to you as a back-up should the worst happen and the car transport firm fail to claim is worth it for the peace of mind alone.

Establishing the trustworthiness of the car transport company

So, you’ve got a great price & their insurance cover is fine, but how do you know that they are reliable & have adequate experience. The car transport firm should also be able to offer you testimonials. At the end of the day, it is up to them to prove to you that they are trustworthy. If they find it hard to do that, they probably aren’t the right ones for you.

Payment Terms

Now that you have chosen your car transport firm, it is normal practice to be required to pay a deposit, but this should not exceed 25% of the total cost. Usually cash or check is accepted as payment, however using a credit card is your best option in case you need to dispute charges at a later date.

Go through contract

Verbal promises mean nothing. Make sure that everything is down on paper in black and white. If you are uncertain about any clauses, ask the firm and get them to re-draft it if necessary. There should be a clause whereby you are compensated if they fail to deliver within the specified timeframe.

Preparing car for transport

Once you have agreed dates, signed the paperwork and paid your deposit, you will need to prepare your car for transport. Don’t leave this until the last minute. Your transporter will no doubt offer you tips as well, but be sure to check for and document any pre-existing damage by following these steps:

1. Wash the car thoroughly.
2. Make a written note of any chips, dents or other cosmetic damage whatsoever.
3. Take photos of the car from several angles as well as close-ups of any damage.
4. Date the photographs and written record.

Be certain to remove any personal items from the car (including the boot), these generally won’t be covered by insurance should they go walk about. Also any extra weight could potentially cause damage to the cars undercarriage whilst in transit as well as other vehicles if on a multi-car trailer.

Unless the car you are getting moved is a complete write-off you should check it for any mechanical problems. Although your car will be driven very little (if at all), you should try to ensure that it is running as best it can to help prevent any time delays or damages.

1. Check the battery is fully charged & tyres are fully inflates.
2. Top-up all fluids in the car but try to run down the petrol tank to about full which will help save on weight.
3. If you have spotted any leaks or mechanical issues, be sure to let car carrier know. If you car is going on a multi-car trailer it should be placed on the bottom rack to prevent spilling on cars below.

Finally, if your car is a soft-top be sure that it is securely down. Fold back your wing mirrors & retract the radio antennae. Remove/hide any items that could catch the eye of thieves such as cd players/sat nav. Also, be sure to disable your car alarm prior to pickup, if that’s not possible be sure to tell your car transport company how to turn it off should it be triggered.

What to expect from the car transport firm on pickup/delivery

Before releasing your vehicle make sure you have made a record of any pre-existing damage including time-stamped photos. When the company arrive, they will inspect the vehicle with you and note this damage on their own records, make sure that any/all damage is recorded there before signing.

Before loading up your car be sure to check the mileage indicator, although your car may be driven a little to load/unload it, there should be no major increase in mileage between pickup and delivery.

When your car is delivered, inspect your car slowly and carefully. Do not rush this step or sign anything yet. Check for any new damage (including roof and bumpers) or increase in mileage. If there are any inconsistencies, you should document these and get the driver to sign it. Only once you are happy and the driver has signed to acknowledge for any new damage should you sign acceptance. If you do not follow these steps it is unlikely you will have recourse at a later date.

In the unlikely event that new damage has been caused in transit, you should file a claim with the car transport company and follow their usual procedures. You should also file a claim with your own insurance company within 24 hours.

Post Delivery

The vast majority of car transport transactions go smoothly, however if there were any problems, first try to iron these out with the firm directly. They usually work on a referral basis and so really do want to resolve any issues that have arisen. If you had tried but feel you are not getting anywhere, you may want to file a complaint with agencies such as trading standards.

Author: Robert Matthams
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

So when shopping for your next car, consider the true cost of your car and what factors influence that cost. Owning the car you want is a luxury. A luxury most cannot afford, instead, decide what it is you need. Will you need four wheel drive? How many are there in your family? Also consider how long you want to keep the car as the number of passengers may change before you are ready for another car. Finally determine before shopping what you are willing to spend on a monthly basis for this car. Let this number determine the kind of car you buy and the price you are willing to pay, and if at all possible, buy used. There is nothing wrong with buying a new car, but if you are trying to reduce expenses, buy used. The intrinsic value of a car is predominantly age independent. As long as it can get you from one place to another it has value and the extent of that value depends on how long that car will continue to serve that purpose minus the maintenance expense to keep it serving. Any price above intrinsic value can be attributed to marketing and personal preference; values considered extrinsic.

A new car comes with intrinsic value which will decay proportionately with use and abuse, though the vast majority a new car’s price is extrinsic and will decay independent of use at an exponential, meaning that they lose a percentage of their value each year. Until there is no value left. For example, if you buy a $20,000 car that depreciates 20% each year, after your first year the car is worth, $16,000, after the second year it is worth $12,800, then $10,240 its third year, and after 5 years, worth $6553. These numbers are just an illustration. The true depreciation of a car is quite a bit higher (about 28% each year). Typically after the third year, the price of a car starts to stabilize. If you want your car as new as possible and still have good value, buy it after 3 years. If you want as little depreciation as possible, wait until car is at least 6 years old. At this point, the car is old enough that much of the extrinsic value of the car has decayed away, but is still typically free from major physical wear.

You can gauge how much intrinsic value a car has by how much differences in mileage influence price. For example, if you had two cars of the same make, model, and year; If the first had 120,000 miles and sold for $10,000 while the other had 60,000 miles sold for $13,000; then, based on the selling prices, the intrinsic value of 60,000 miles is $3000. If the market perceives the average life of this car as 180,000 miles, then the first car’s intrinsic value is $3000, the second car’s intrinsic value is $6000, and a brand new car had an intrinsic value of about $9000 and an extrinsic value of $21,000 if bought new for $30,000.

Once you have a good gauge of intrinsic value, the next step is to determine what mileage range to buy. This depends on how long you intend to intend to keep the car for and your budget for maintenance. A car with higher miles may fit just as well within your time frame and cost less. For example, if a car model is not expected to last beyond 200,000 miles, and you want to own this car for over 5 years, then you should probably not buy a car with more than 125,000 miles. If you only intend to have the car for 2 years, you can get by with a higher mileage car and pay significantly less initially. The same rule also applies to warrantees. If the car’s warranty expires at 100,000 miles and you want to keep it at least 3 years, then you will probably want to buy a car with at most 65,000 miles.

This is a simplistic description of auto pricing as many other factors also influence price. In general, when looking for the right car, remember these three things: first, know exactly what you need; second, know how long you plan to keep it, and third, use not age determines value.

Author: Kari Hoopes
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Service Type

There are 3 main service types available to you when transporting your car, each of which carries their own pros and cons, these will be discussed in turn.

1. Have the car driven on trade plates
2. Have the car transported on a single car trailer
3. Have the car transported on a multi-car trailer

Having the car driven on trade plates by a professional can often be the cheapest option for car delivery. However, you are adding mileage onto the car and there is an increase in the chance of damage when compared with the other main methods whereby your vehicle is trailered.

Single car trailers are generally used for the more urgent vehicle deliveries, accordingly, however as only one car is moved at a time it also tends to be the most expensive. There are a wide range of single car trailers on the market, from simple open-tops to those that are enclosed and even climate controlled. You may wish to insist upon an enclosed trailer if your vehicle is of particularly high value or is irreplaceable, but expect to pay a premium.

Multi-car trailers can transport several cars at once, whilst the service will be slower you can expect a lower price. Cars are being transported on multi-car trailers everyday and if there is spare capacity on a route a vehicle transport firm is already travelling you could get a great price. As multi-car trailers are harder to manoeuvre than single-cars, it is often the case that vehicle transport firms will not deliver to the door, but rather to a local hub where the vehicle can then be collected from. So, it is worth checking that out prior to accepting any offer.

Getting Prices

Like any service, you wouldn’t just accept the first price quoted so it pays to shop around. Aim to get at least 5 quotes for your job.

Insurance

One of the most important things to do when choosing a car transport company is to check their insurance documents. If they are not adequately insured you run the risk of not only their transporter being impounded but also your own vehicle. Plus of course, in the event of an accident you will want the peace of mind that your vehicle is adequately covered. Policies can differ from company to company, but the key areas you will want to look for are the value of the level of cover as well as cover for both damage and theft.

Your own car insurance policy may already have cover for your vehicle whilst in transit, so it is certainly worthwhile checking that. Some insurance firms do also allow you to add this option to your insurance for a fee. Having this option available to you as a back-up should the worst happen and the car transport firm fail to claim is worth it for the peace of mind alone.

Establishing the trustworthiness of the car transport company

So, you’ve got a great price & their insurance cover is fine, but how do you know that they are reliable & have adequate experience. The car transport firm should also be able to offer you testimonials. At the end of the day, it is up to them to prove to you that they are trustworthy. If they find it hard to do that, they probably aren’t the right ones for you.

Payment Terms

Now that you have chosen your car transport firm, it is normal practice to be required to pay a deposit, but this should not exceed 25% of the total cost. Usually cash or check is accepted as payment, however using a credit card is your best option in case you need to dispute charges at a later date.

Go through contract

Verbal promises mean nothing. Make sure that everything is down on paper in black and white. If you are uncertain about any clauses, ask the firm and get them to re-draft it if necessary. There should be a clause whereby you are compensated if they fail to deliver within the specified timeframe.

Preparing car for transport

Once you have agreed dates, signed the paperwork and paid your deposit, you will need to prepare your car for transport. Don’t leave this until the last minute. Your transporter will no doubt offer you tips as well, but be sure to check for and document any pre-existing damage by following these steps:

1. Wash the car thoroughly.
2. Make a written note of any chips, dents or other cosmetic damage whatsoever.
3. Take photos of the car from several angles as well as close-ups of any damage.
4. Date the photographs and written record.

Be certain to remove any personal items from the car (including the boot), these generally won’t be covered by insurance should they go walk about. Also any extra weight could potentially cause damage to the cars undercarriage whilst in transit as well as other vehicles if on a multi-car trailer.

Unless the car you are getting moved is a complete write-off you should check it for any mechanical problems. Although your car will be driven very little (if at all), you should try to ensure that it is running as best it can to help prevent any time delays or damages.

1. Check the battery is fully charged & tyres are fully inflates.
2. Top-up all fluids in the car but try to run down the petrol tank to about full which will help save on weight.
3. If you have spotted any leaks or mechanical issues, be sure to let car carrier know. If you car is going on a multi-car trailer it should be placed on the bottom rack to prevent spilling on cars below.

Finally, if your car is a soft-top be sure that it is securely down. Fold back your wing mirrors & retract the radio antennae. Remove/hide any items that could catch the eye of thieves such as cd players/sat nav. Also, be sure to disable your car alarm prior to pickup, if that’s not possible be sure to tell your car transport company how to turn it off should it be triggered.

What to expect from the car transport firm on pickup/delivery

Before releasing your vehicle make sure you have made a record of any pre-existing damage including time-stamped photos. When the company arrive, they will inspect the vehicle with you and note this damage on their own records, make sure that any/all damage is recorded there before signing.

Before loading up your car be sure to check the mileage indicator, although your car may be driven a little to load/unload it, there should be no major increase in mileage between pickup and delivery.

When your car is delivered, inspect your car slowly and carefully. Do not rush this step or sign anything yet. Check for any new damage (including roof and bumpers) or increase in mileage. If there are any inconsistencies, you should document these and get the driver to sign it. Only once you are happy and the driver has signed to acknowledge for any new damage should you sign acceptance. If you do not follow these steps it is unlikely you will have recourse at a later date.

In the unlikely event that new damage has been caused in transit, you should file a claim with the car transport company and follow their usual procedures. You should also file a claim with your own insurance company within 24 hours.

Post Delivery

The vast majority of car transport transactions go smoothly, however if there were any problems, first try to iron these out with the firm directly. They usually work on a referral basis and so really do want to resolve any issues that have arisen. If you had tried but feel you are not getting anywhere, you may want to file a complaint with agencies such as trading standards.

Author: Robert Matthams
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

1) Find out the value of the car.

Do your homework and research your car choices before attending a new car sale or purchasing a used car. You’ll want to know the true value of the car you wish to buy as well as the value of your current car if you wish to trade it in.

Check out the car maker’s website to research the factory list price for the model of car you’re interested in. For example, Ford’s website (ford.com/) offers an online vehicle showroom where you can choose your next new car and pick the price range.

Go to several different dealers and research different deals on the same car before purchasing it. A lot of dealers’ prices will differ on the same make and model. Check out the wealth of information on carsguide.news.com.au which offers price comparisons on your new or used car as well as tips to help you when you purchase.

The Red Book (redbookasiapacific.com/au/) is an excellent resource to see how much a used or new car is worth. Car dealers make money by marking up the price, as do private sales. Knowing that a car is unfairly priced will help you to save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.

2) Get the proper financing.

Car dealers can make a bundle of money selling you more car than you can afford by offering you financing for a longer period of time. You can also expect to pay more for lease options if you’re not careful. Banks and finance companies typically offer a lower interest rate than car dealerships. You can also look into financing from the manufacturer of the car for sale-you’ll pay much less in interest than on a loan from the dealer.

Banks take longer to grant approval than finance companies, which can often approve your loan online in minutes.

Never pay for a new or used car on a credit card, as you’ll be paying lots more in interest rates. One of the very best tactics is to get pre-approved for the purchase of a used or new car at a financing institution before you go car shopping. When you’re shopping, don’t tell the car sales associate. A lot of times the car dealer will cut the price of your car, thinking they’ll make money on the financing later. When they realize you already have financing it will be too late to take back the deal on the price.

3) Buy at the right time of the month.

Most car salesmen work on commission and get incentives for selling the most cars. By the end of the month they know if they need to up their sales and they’ll be more persuasive and aggressive to get that one last sale. However, you can use this need to sell to your advantage.

Visit a car dealership at the beginning or first of the month for an initial visit, but not to buy. This takes some of the pressure off because the salesmen aren’t going to be as persuasive to have you purchase something you can’t afford or don’t want.

Visit several car dealerships to inspect the assorted car sales and take plenty of notes. Then return to the car dealership of your choice at the end of the month when dealers are eager to make a quick car sale. Chances are you’ll get a great deal on a fantastic new or used car.

4) Skip the extended warranty and extras.

You don’t need an extended warranty, though the salesman will make you worry and fret until you shell out the extra money to pay for the warranty. Most of the time, if you care for your car properly and maintain it according to the factory specifications you won’t need an extended warranty.

If you really think you should purchase one, wait as long as possible. Most companies allow you to wait until you’re close to the end of your regular warranty to purchase one. By then you’ll know how much maintenance your vehicle needs. If it’s a lemon by nature then an extended warranty might be a good idea in the long run.

You don’t need most of the extras offered, like rust-proofing, paint protection, tinted windows and life insurance. Educate yourself about what you need and what you don’t to keep from paying unnecessary charges.

Verify how much you’re paying for hidden charges such as shipping and preparation charges. Most of the time you can negotiate these charges down in your car sale.

5) Consider Used vs. New

New cars depreciate quickly the first two years of ownership. In fact, expect your $20,000 new car to cost you almost $7,000 in depreciation and interest rates alone (with a 6.9% loan) during that time. When you buy a used car the original owner has already absorbed the depreciation costs, leaving you with a good car that’s worth every penny.

However, the car sale market may be so slow that good deals can be had when buying a new car over a used car. It’s essential to be aware of how much car you can afford to buy and to guard against getting suckered into buying more car than you can afford.

Used Car Purchase Tips:

The uncertainty about a cars history - whether it’s been well taken care of or possibly damaged by an accident - can make some people leery about buying a used car. When buying used, it’s important to look for a car that has been properly maintained and an owner who has the records to prove it.

When buying used consider forgoing the financing and instead buy outright. Car dealers tend to try to make money through the financing angle when selling a used car. Opting to pay for it in full puts money in your pocket.

Don’t be afraid of high mileage. A car driven by Grandma on weekends could actually have more problems because an idle car usually has problems associated with sitting around, such as plugged lines or rusty breaks. Consider spending the money to get a vehicle inspection from a reputable garage if you’re unsure about purchasing a used vehicle.

Author: Julie Davidson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Without exception, a custom fitted car cover offers the best protection for any vehicle. With side mirror pockets, a high quality car cover will fit your vehicle snuggly much in the way a well fitted dress graces a womans body or as a glove fits a hand. The benefit is a car cover that stays in place without flapping in the wind or sliding off.

Moreover, a custom fitted car cover will protect your car from the following:

Moisture With four layers of protection a custom fitted car cover will resist moisture and protect your cars finish from acid rain, road salt, hail, sleet, and snow.

Pollution Air pollution, dirt, and flying debris can all wreak havoc on your cars finish in no time. A high quality car cover will prevent your finish from looking old before its time.

Nature In the city you have a burgeoning pigeon population to contend with, while in the suburbs you have squirrels, birds, and a host of other little critters who see your car as an invitation to leave their mark upon. Even if natures critters like your car cover, they wont be able to do harm to your car.

Sunny Days — You protect your skin with sunscreen, right? Dont think for a moment that your cars finish isnt immune from harmful solar rays. Even the best finishes come under attack and need protection. Regular washes and waxing does help, but in between times your finish is under constant assault.

Small Impacts — No, a car cover wont protect your vehicle from another car slamming into it, but it can protect your car from someone who opens their door and bangs into your car as well as kids on skates who get a kick out using your hood as a seat for rest.

Intruders — Why is it that strangers think nothing of peering into your unoccupied car when you are not around? Dont think for a moment they are admiring the design of your interior! Likely, someone is casing your car for anything of value left out in full view or they are admiring your Bose sound system. Regardless, a car cover keeps the snooping folks away. What they cant see they arent likely to go after.

High quality car covers such as those made by Covercraft can offer the best protection for your car. Each custom fitted car cover is developed for the specific make and model of your car no matter whether it is a Honda, BMW, Dodge, Kia, or any other vehicle. The more layers it consists of means better protection for your vehicle too. Select one with side pocket mirrors and your vehicle will receive maximum protection. Truly, for what amounts to a small investment a custom fitted car cover offers an excellent return on the money.

Author: Matthew Keegan
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

A Dealer commits title fraud for two main reasons, desperation or greed. Today there are a surprising number of car dealers who are having trouble paying their staff and their bills forcing them to make desperate decisions like committing title fraud. When a dealer is desperate title fraud is appealing because it is remarkably easy to do and offers immediate and substantial amounts of money, so of course it also attracts the extremely greedy car dealers. A car dealer can commit title fraud in two ways, when you trade a car in and when you purchase a car from them.

I want to use a typical car deal to show you how a car dealer commits title fraud with your trade-in. Let’s assume I am doing business with the crooks from Escondido and I just traded-in a 2004 Volkswagen Passat. I bought the car 3+ years ago and I have 10 months of payments left at $375 per month. As part of the deal they give me $14,000 for the car. Now I still owe $3,750 on the Passat so the dealer is putting $10,250 towards the purchase of a new car and they will pay off the remaining $3,750 I owe to the bank for the Passat, a very typical car transaction. In most states by law the dealer has between 3 to 5 business days to complete the deal by paying off my old Passat’s bank.

This is standard car dealer business but some dealers use a scam so they can hold your trade-in’s title and use that money for themselves. They might wait a month, two months or maybe plan on never paying the $3,750 to the Passat’s bank. A dealer does this so they can use that money without permission, interest free. And while they commit title fraud their customer’s credit gets damaged. Who do you think is responsible for the $3,750 still owed on the Passat in our example, you guessed it…. ME! A car dealer pulling this scam will do a great job of lying to the lender and customer to put off having to pay off the trade-in for as long as possible.

The other way a car dealer can hurt you by committing title fraud on the car they sell to you. Using the San Diego crooks again for my example; let’s say I went in and bought a new 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse SE Coupe from them for $23,500. I put $3,500 down and I am financing the remaining $20,000 plus interest, tax and tags, over six years. Another simple, straight-forward car transaction and I stroke them the $3,500 check, sign all the paperwork and drive away in my hot little sports car, everything’s great right? Sorry, remember I made the mistake of buying my Mitsubishi in Escondido so instead of completing the transaction (with the California DMV and the bank I have my loan with) in 3-5 business days, you guessed it, they decide to pull a scam and not properly issue a title and not complete all the associated paperwork.

When a dealer does this they can delay paying off my new Mitsubishi to their floor plan company. You see, virtually every dealer uses floor plan to stock their lot with inventory (I only know of two that don’t). Floor plan is a program that allows a dealer to have cars on their lot that they have not yet purchased. The dealer uses a lender to that provides ‘a loan’ that enables the dealer to stock a large number of cars on their lot without tying up huge amounts of money. The lender receives interest payments from the dealer for their inventory and is paid-off when a car is sold. For most dealers they could not or would not want to keep 150 cars on their lots without floor plan (if those 150 cars averaged a cost of $20,000 each the dealer would need to tie up $3,000,000 in their inventory). So, when I bought my Eclipse I took out a $20,000 loan from a bank. That bank pays the Mitsubishi dealer $20,000 on my behalf for the car. Then the car dealer is responsible to pay the floor plan bank their money. This is usually done within 2 or 3 business days.

Every day ethical car dealers payoff their floor plan lenders for the cars they sell, but remember I was unlucky enough to do business with the San Diego scammers and they decided to delay paying off their floor plan lender so they could use the $20,000 from my loan for their own purposes. Now, you may not care that a bank is getting scammed, but you are in danger too. When a dealer plays with the title of a car they sold they must ‘fudge’ some paperwork to ensure they do not get caught in the scam (a dealer caught doing this could lose the ability to have floor plan and be put out of business). Typically they will delay the registration of the car (a dealer does not register cars until they are sold). So in the example we used lets assume that they do not register my car so they can use the $20,000 they received from my car loan and now that dealer has put me in a very dangerous position.

Imagine if I am in an accident, no fault of my own but my car is damaged and I’m hurt badly enough to need medical attention. The accident is not my fault but when the insurance company for the person who hit me finds out that my Eclipse is not registered, that gives them the legal right to deny my claim because an unregistered car does not have a legal right to be on the road. So the at fault driver’s insurance company refuses to pay for my medical needs or the damage to my car, all things they would have paid for had my car been insured. To make matter worse, my insurance company does not pay me anything because they are voiding my coverage for driving and unregistered car! Now my medical expenses along with the cost to repair the Eclipse come out of my pocket which could easily total $75,000 to $150,000 or more!

So, a dealer not handling your title properly can be a big problem, yet it is an easy scam to avoid. If you trade-in a car to a dealer and the dealer is responsible for the payoff call your trade-in’s lender and let them know that they should expect a payoff shortly from (name the car dealer). Also, it is not a bad idea to write that lender a letter to state when you traded in their car, what the total trade-in value was and when you gave the car dealer possession of that lender’s car. The bank will appreciate this information, they might contact the dealer to alert them to their knowledge of your situation and this would greatly discourage a dealer from committing this scam on you. And if the dealer is foolish enough to attempt this title fraud the information you gave to the trade-in’s lender will help prevent that bank from looking to you for any future payments and not damaging your credit status.

Now, if you have a loan with a bank for a new car I recommend calling that lender the day after you take possession of your new car and inform them that you are in possession of the car and ask them when your first car payment will be due. While on the phone go over information like your name and address to be sure everything is correct. A car dealer trying to commit this scam will often put incorrect information on banking documents to mislead the bank to delay their anticipation of payment. During your phone conversation with the lender make note of the people you spoke with. By making this phone call you are cemented your business relationship with that lender and if there is a problem in the future you have already established an ownership time-line. And finally, call your insurance carrier to ensure that they are aware that you are in possession of a new car and that any funds that have been paid to them to insure your old vehicle are now applied to the new one. When this information is confirmed make note of it, you want to know that you have insurance in place when you are driving that new car. Taking these precautions can go a long way to helping you avoid serious troubles and financial losses in the future. When you are buying a car you need to be smart and be careful!

Author: Richard Serge
Article Source: EzineArticles.com