Top 4 Questions to Ask Your Car Shipping Company Before You Book

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Different Types of Shipping
3. Insurance & Liability
4. Detailed Quotation
5. Preparing the Vehicle and Vehicle type
6. Conclusion

Summary

Hiring a car shipping company requires due diligence. Here are four questions to ask when looking for one. Ask them the next time you are looking for a shipping company.

Every day, many Canadians are looking for car shipping companies to relocate to a new city, buy or sell a vehicle from/to another city and many other reasons. If you are also thinking about vehicle shipping in Canada, you need to be diligent while selecting the company for it. You need to ensure that you choose the right shipping company so that the whole process is done without any hiccups or unpleasant surprises. To help you, here are 4 questions you need to ask when looking at different car shipping companies in your location. 

How Many Types of Shipping Services Do You Offer?

There are many types of shipping services and not all shipping companies offer every option. So, before selecting a company, it’s important to understand their available services. Some may provide only open transport, which is the most cost-effective, while others may offer premium services like “White Glove Shipping”. 

You need to know what types of services the company provides and ensure they match your needs. For example, enclosed container shipping works best for delivering a high-end, luxury vehicle. Then there is door-to-door delivery, which involves having the car picked up and dropped off at your house. If you want your car shipped as soon as possible, find a business that provides expedited delivery.

What Are Your Insurance and Liability Policies?

This is the second most important question to ask when looking for reputable vehicle shipping in Canada companies. You should never select a company without understanding what kind of coverage the company is providing. You should ask not just about the cost of insurance but what is included in that price. 

Companies vary in their basic insurance coverage features. Knowing the details will help you make an informed choice. Apart from knowing their insurance coverage, options and prices, you should also inquire about their claim process and liability policies. 

Under no circumstances should you hire a car company that doesn’t offer any insurance, because with them, you have no way to get compensated if any damages occur. On top of that, you will have to pay for all the repairs, if the car is damaged during the transportation. All these will be covered by the insurance provided by a genuine and reputable shipping company. 

May I Have a Detailed Quote?

Once you are satisfied with the previous two answers, then comes the question about the quote. Many companies give a low quote, only to hike up the price when you show interest in their services with “extra fees”. Hence, at the very least, you should ask them to give you a detailed quote that explains every cost. It should include your base shipping fee, fuel surcharges and any other charges.

You can also ask if there are any potential additional fees, taxes or charges that may arise during the transit. If the company refuses to give you a clear picture of their price and is vague about their estimates, it is best to avoid them as transparency is key when it comes to shipping quotes. 

Do You Ship Vehicles of Any Condition and What Preparations Do I Need to Make?

The final question to ask before deciding if this is the right shipping company is whether they ship vehicles in any condition. You should also find out how you need to prepare the vehicle before handing it over. Most shipping companies will transport only working vehicles. They also require the owner to remove all nonessential items from the car including personal items and any parts added to the car like stereo, GPS, bike rack, etc.

Additionally, inquire about the fuel level at the time of handover. Most companies require the vehicle to have at least a minimal amount of fuel, rather than an empty tank. Reputable companies will provide detailed instructions on how to prepare your vehicle for transportation. 

Conclusion

Choosing the right company for vehicle shipping in Canada is crucial. By asking the right questions, you can find a Canadian shipping company that is reputable, transparent, and professional and one that will address your concerns and queries. This type of company is best when it comes to shipping your car to, from or within Canada.