For example, you may prefer enclosed auto transport instead of open transport. In that case, you’d want to make sure you were only considering companies that specifically offered enclosed auto transport. Some other services you might need include terminal-to-terminal service, door-to-door service, or crossing international borders.
Look for negative or critical reviews of each company and compare them to the positive reviews. This is a good way to gauge whether customers of the company tend to be satisfied with their services. Note that BBB verifies all customer reviews before publishing them by contacting the customer and the company to confirm that there was a transaction between the two. Other sites may not verify their reviews, which may not give an accurate picture of customer satisfaction/dissatisfaction.
Note that if a company accepts wire transfers but prefers that you pay with credit card or check, that company is probably legitimate. Your main concern should be those companies that insist on wire transfers.
If a company is legitimate, it will make this number available on its website or will provide it when asked. Fake companies will either hide this number or provide a fake one. To verify a company’s MC Number, go to the Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Electronic Records website.
Nearly every auto transport company will offer open carrier transportation. However, you may need to search a little more if you prefer to use a company that offers enclosed transportation.
Never do business with a company that can’t insure your car while it’s being transported. If anything happens to the car, you may not be able to receive any sort of reimbursement. If the company offers insurance for your car, be sure to ask for proof of this insurance to make sure it’s not a scam. Legitimate companies are legally required to provide proof of insurance upon request.
A typical payment plan may require you to submit regular payments to the company every month over a period of time (e. g. , 6 months). Note that some companies may charge you a fee for paying in installments rather than in one lump sum.
For example, a company may penalize you for canceling a reservation but allow you to reschedule your reservation at no cost. If the company offers you a unique cancellation policy or any other special service, be sure to get the terms of this policy or service in writing.
You can also call the company’s customer service phone number to get a quote. This phone number is also located on the company’s website and its promotional material (e. g. , flyers).
You’ll need to provide the make and model of your car, as well as the shipping locations and dates. Don’t agree to any offers immediately; just get quotes from all of the companies you’re considering so you can compare the offers to one another.
It’s normal to see quotes within $100 of each other. Anything lower could be a bait and switch or have hidden fees. Hidden fees may include the cost of insurance or a service fee.
