Sometimes, you may have to move from one state to another. When this happens, there are some things that you will have to move to your new location. One of the things that you need to transport to your new address is your vehicle. However, the process of shipping your car must be conducted properly to avoid damage and even the potential loss of valuable vehicle parts. Here are some tips on how you can prepare your car for interstate transport.
6 Best Steps to Prepare a Car for Interstate Transport
Clean the Exterior
First, you will need to make sure that your car is clean and that there is no dirt on the entire exterior of the vehicle. This may seem counterproductive (after all, the car is about to get trucked across the country) but it’s actually an important step. Why? Because it facilitates the next stage of the car preparation.
Conduct a Visual Inspection
After you have completed the cleaning process, walk around the car to see if there are any paint chips, discolouration, scratches or dents. When you notice any damage on the exterior, you should note it down (taking a supporting photo is also a great idea). This makes it easy to clearly identify any damage that may occur during the transportation process. A specific list of pre-existing damage can be beneficial in the event that you need to make a claim for compensation from the insurer or transportation company. 1800 Move Cars performs our own survey of your vehicle but it is always best to keep your own photographic records of your vehicle before transport.
Prepare the Interior of Your Car
Some swaying of the car is unavoidable during vehicle transit – after all, it’s being driven a considerable distance on the back of a truck. This kind of movement can toss around any unsecured items in the car, potentially causing damage to the interior. To prevent this from happening, you should ensure that the interior of your car is clean and that there are no unsecured items in the car. This could include loose coins, air fresheners, cables or electronics. These items should be removed or else properly secured. If you do need to keep items in your vehicle, we can accommodate you but there is a small charge and you will need to sign a waiver form.
Get Insurance Coverage
As an experienced transportation company we will implement the right measures to protect your car during transit. Having the right insurance cover will give you peace of mind, in the unlikely event that your vehicle is damaged during transit. Before you start searching for an insurance policy, find out what type of insurance coverage your chosen transportation company has. If the company’s insurance policy can pay for damages during transit, then you don’t need to take out an extra insurance policy.
Even the best transit insurance policies have some gaps, so it is always recommended that you hold your own comprehensive policy during transit. You can organise this required cover quickly with a phone call for a selected time period in order to cover your transport booking.
Hire an Efficient Vehicle Transport Service
Transporting a car on long distances requires the use of special trucks. Consequently, you should choose an experienced company that can provide reliable vehicle transportation services. You may need to conduct some extra research to identify a transportation service that offers low prices and has a good reputation. Some of the things that you should look out for include:
- If they will transport the car in an uncovered or covered carrier
- If the car will be delivered to your door or at a terminal
- How fast the company can complete the transport
Final Thoughts
When you move from one state to another, taking all your personal belongings with you can be a great idea. Since you don’t want to drive your vehicle all the way, you need to find alternative transportation methods. As indicated above, one of the best methods is to find a reliable company to efficiently transport your vehicle interstate. At 1800 Move Cars, we specialise in local and interstate car transport. We move cars between Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, and we can deliver non-runner and classic vehicles. We will also accept transportation of vehicles with secured items still inside. If you have any questions, we have a simple online chat process, or you can call 1800 668 322 to talk to one of our friendly staff.
