Relocation can be a stressful experience, and the thought of transporting your vehicle across town or to another country can add to the anxiety. However, you can eliminate this hassle by hiring a car relocation services provider.
Wondering what it is and how it works? This guide covers it all. In this blog post, we will also discuss a few factors to look for when selecting a relevant company so your vehicle is delivered to its destination safely and timely. Let’s begin.
What is Meant by a Car Relocation Service
As the name suggests, a car relocation service is a specialized facility through which vehicles are transported from one location to another, usually over long distances. It’s used when the owner of the car needs to move a vehicle from one destination to another without driving it, such as:
- During a move, either permanent or seasonal
- After a vehicle purchase
- When sending the car to another place for a short time
How Car Relocation Services Work - 5 Steps
Let’s have a look at how this service moves vehicles across various distances while ensuring an efficient and secure process:
Initial Consultation and Quote
Firstly, you need to shortlist a few authentic car relocation companies by going through their testimonials. The next step involves gathering estimated quotes from them. Usually, the companies have a cost calculator through which you can know the expected price to pay by factoring in information like:
- Distance
- Vehicle type
- Special services
- Car carrier type
Compare the obtained quotes and choose the car relocation service that strikes a perfect balance between affordability and quality services.
Scheduling and Contracting
Once the offer is finalized, you and the service provider have to agree on a schedule to pick up the vehicle. It’s recommended to do so during non-peak times to get discounted rates. Moving further, a contract is signed between both the parties which outline the terms of the service like costs, pickup and delivery dates, insurance coverage, etc.
Vehicle Preparation
After finalizing the deal, prepare your car for relocation before the pickup date. This step typically involves cleaning it, removing personal items and disconnecting the alarm system. Ideally, the gas tank should be quarter full; this helps reduce weight of the car while still allowing for driving it on and off the transporter.
Pickup
Finally, the car relocation company sends a carrier to your location to pick up the car. It’s accompanied by a trained driver, who conducts thorough inspection of the vehicle. During this, they document any pre-existing damages on the car.
Then, the car is finally on its way to your destination. Most service providers offer a tracking system through which you can stay informed about the real-time location of your vehicle.
Delivery and Inspection
Upon arrival, the vehicle is offloaded and you must conduct a final inspection at this stage. This helps ensure that the car was delivered in the same condition as it was picked up.
If everything is proper, you or your representative can receive the vehicle by signing a condition report. In case any damages are present, you should promptly get in touch with the company to offer coverage for it.
5 Common Types of Car Relocation Services
Here are some common types of car relocation services:
- Open transport: It’s the most common and cost-effective type in which almost 4 to 10 vehicles are transported at a time in an open trailer. However, it exposes the cars to external elements and road debris.
- Enclosed transport: For higher-value vehicles, it is the best as it is covered with a solid roof and walls. However, extra levels of protection add to the overall cost of enclosed auto transport, making it an expensive option.
- Door-to-door service: Door-to-door delivery offers higher convenience, as the company picks up and delivers vehicles at your specified locations. However, it’s usually not available in areas with restricted access for large carriers.
- Terminal-to-terminal delivery: It’s an economical option where your car will be picked up and delivered to designated terminals. You will have to drive it to and from there. The wait times are slightly longer with this type.
- Personal driver service: Some companies offer a service where a professional driver will drive your car to the desired location. This can be a good option for shorter distances or when moving a vehicle that needs to be driven rather than transported on a carrier.
5 Factors to Look For in a Car Relocation Service
When choosing a car relocation company, look for the following things to ensure safe and timely delivery of your vehicle:
- Reputation and experience: The provider that you finalize must have a solid track record of reliability and customer satisfaction. For your peace of mind, read testimonials to know the quality of its services. Besides that, it’s advisable to go for companies that have years of experience in the industry.
- Service options: If you want to transport a luxury vehicle, make sure the company offers enclosed auto transport. Furthermore, assessing options like door-to-door delivery and expedited shipping are also essential to match your specific needs.
- Cost and payment terms: It’s important to choose a car shipping company that offers detailed quotes without any hidden fees. In addition, their payment terms should also match your needs. For instance, some providers may ask for a deposit before delivery to secure your booking. However, never pay in full in advance.
- Licensing and insurance coverage: Make sure the service provider has obtained the license from relevant authorities, such as the Department of Transportation (DOT) in the US. Furthermore, it should also offer insurance coverage for your car during transit. It’s crucial to understand what is covered and any possible deductibles.
- Customer service: Lastly, the car relocation service provider must be responsive to your queries, not only before the delivery but also after it. Good communication is important to address any issues that might arise during the process.
Nexus Auto Transport - Relocate Your Vehicle Safely and Timely
Planning a move but worried about how you will get your car to the new place that’s far away? Nexus Auto Transport has got you covered. Being in the business for more than nine years, we have successfully delivered 150K vehicles till now. Our drivers are professionally trained to ensure the safety of your vehicle.
Furthermore, our services are available 24/7 irrespective of bad weather or other potential obstacles. We also feature a cost calculator which tells you the accurate amount you’ll have to pay before even booking the deal.
