Bugatti, Ferrari, Lamborghini. All amazing luxury vehicles that require special expertise when it comes to handling. But what about when it comes to shipping?
In today’s article, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about properly shipping a luxury vehicle and ensuring it gets to its destination in one piece.
Read below if you’re ready to learn more about shipping luxury vehicles.
How to Ship a Luxury Vehicle
1. Choose an enclosed trailer over open trailers
When you think of “vehicle shipping”, you’ll likely recall seeing big rigs hauling 10-12 vehicles down the interstate in an open trailer. These trailers are economical and allow consumers to save a ton on their bills.
However, there are risks when it comes to open trailers. The biggest risk is having an expensive vehicle out in the open, and being at risk of theft. While it is rare that cars are stolen from shippers, it is still a risk.
Another risk is that the vehicle will be out in the open and susceptible to potentially dangerous weather, like hailstorms. That’s why if you’re shipping a luxury vehicle, you should opt to go with an enclosed trailer over an open trailer.
Another reason to go for enclosed trailers is that many luxury vehicles are low profile, and driving them onto an open trailer is going to lead to expensive damages. Do keep in mind that the price will be higher, but well worth it when your luxury vehicle is tucked away from any possible theft or damages.
2. Do your research when choosing a transportation company
Transportation companies are just like other businesses, there are good and bad companies out there. What’s most important is that you work with a company that offers luxury car shipping, like luxury car shipping services.
A great way to tell if a transportation company is legitimate is by checking the FMCSA website and checking if the company you are considering working with is listed on their site. You can also call your local Department of Transportation and inquire into the legitimacy of said company.
Another way to verify if the transportation company is legitimate or not is to check its online presence. Google Reviews, Yelp, Facebook, and even the Better Business Bureau. By vetting the transport company beforehand, you won’t fall into handing over your luxury vehicle to the wrong company.
3. Prepare your luxury vehicle beforehand
As you are dealing with an expensive vehicle, it’s of the utmost importance that you take all the necessary precautions before you hand over your vehicle. Before you drop off your vehicle, there will be an inspection to check for any damages, so you must ensure that your vehicle is clean beforehand.
One of the best ways to prepare and check your vehicle is to arrange for a luxury car detailing service to clean every inch of your vehicle's interior and exterior. You'll know if there is any pre-existing damage, and you'll be able to verify the condition easily once it is shipped.
You want to also take pictures before handing off your vehicle with the current date so that if there is any damage along the transportation, you have evidence that your vehicle was not damaged beforehand.
You’ll want to reduce the gas tank to 1/4th capacity or however much your transport company requires. If you cannot remove the gas yourself, your transporter should be able to help you remove the gas within the tank.
Take out any valuable belongings, and make sure any accessories are taken out of the vehicle. You do not want to leave anything loose within the vehicle. Your personal belongings will NOT be covered under insurance, so do not leave anything inside, even in the glovebox or trunk.
4. Verify the insurance covers the entirety of your vehicle
Many transport companies only insure vehicles up to a certain amount, usually $50,000. As luxury vehicles can well exceed hundreds of thousands, you’ll want to verify with your transport company what insurance comes with your vehicle.
Some insurance only is active when the vehicle is loaded on the truck, and not in between. If you want to be 100% sure your vehicle is never at risk, you’ll have to inquire with your transport company how much more you’ll have to pay to fully insure your luxury vehicle during delivery.
You do not want to take any chances, as damage to a luxury vehicle can be pricey as the parts are often custom-made and take time to build. Taking the time to properly insure your vehicle can potentially save you thousands of dollars and a huge headache.
Conclusion
Shipping a luxury vehicle is not unlike shipping a regular vehicle, however, certain nuances are involved when shipping luxury cars. You want to work with the right transport company that understands luxury shipping.
It’s also vital that you properly insure the vehicle so that if any damage occurs, the entirety of the vehicle will be under the coverage provided. Take the necessary steps to prepare your luxury vehicle before handing it off, and it should arrive at your destination safe and sound.
