Buying a car out-of-state is a common practice for car buyers. If you’re moving your ride to a new location, find out here the cost to transport a car.
So you’ve found your dream car online. The problem is it’s halfway across the country. Or maybe you’re relocating to a different state, but don’t want to tow your car along with a moving truck. What now?
Hiring a company to ship your car to your final destination is becoming more and more popular. Not only does it give you peace of mind, but it will save you time and effort in the long run. But what should you consider when you’re determining the cost to transports a car?
What Factors into the Cost to Transport a Car?
Shipping your car might cost a pretty penny, but if you find a reputable shipping company, it’ll be a worthwhile investment. What factors play a part in the total shipping cost to get your car from point A to point B?
Vehicle Model and Weight
The cost for shipping a Ford Focus will differ dramatically from the cost of shipping a Dodge Ram. This is because a truck is bigger and bulkier than a car. This will be one of the biggest determining factors in the overall price of shipping your vehicle.
One way you can decrease the weight of your car is to empty it of any excess personal items you might have stored in there. This includes roadside toolkits and other large items. It’s also recommended that you ship your car with a quarter tank of gas or less. This will play a factor in the overall weight of your car as well.
Time of Year
Believe it or not, the time of year you decide to ship your car will play a part in the total cost. Transporting your car during the summertime will prove to be more costly with the amount of traffic on the roads.
If you want to save some money, aim to ship your car during the winter months. Although it might seem a little risky to transport your car when there’s potential bad weather, if you’re moving from or going to a state with warm weather, it will be worth it!
Distance and Destination
It goes without saying that the total cost of shipping your car will be affected by the total distance it’s traveling. But did you know the destination plays a role in what you pay?
Even if you’re shipping your car 2,000 miles to a big city, it might be less expensive than shipping 1,000 miles to a rural town. This is due to the fact that the transport vehicle carrying your car will have to leave major roads and highways to get to the final destination, therefore adding to the overall travel time.
Shipping Options
So what are your shipping options when it comes time to transport your car? You have a few options to choose from.
Door-to-Door Delivery
Door-to-door delivery is just what it sounds like, an more convenient way to drop off and pick up your car. This is helpful for those who need their car picked up from an area close to them and dropped off at a destination location convenient and close.
Terminal to Terminal Delivery
If you’re looking to save some extra money, consider this delivery option. In this case, the transport company will pick your car up from a consolidated location and drop it off with the other vehicles it’s transported at a terminal near your final destination. This will save you money since it isn’t location specific.
Uncovered vs. Covered
Car carriers will give you the option to leave your car uncovered or they will supply a cover to protect your car from the elements on the road. The uncovered option is the least expensive plan, but also leave your car open to the wear and tear it might receive while on the drive.
On the other hand, while the covered carried provides more protection, you’ll find yourself paying up to 60 percent more.
- Do Your Research
Don’t go with the first price quote you receive. Be sure to research the best auto transport companies to cover all your bases.
Usually, the cheapest option is not the best choice. Even though it will save you money, it might cost you more in the long run. The price of car shipment will reflect the quality of equipment being used to transport your car.
What Are You Waiting For?
The best part of a transport company is the ability to put your mind at ease. With all the stress of moving or buying a car, this will be one less thing on your mind. At the end of the day, make sure you do your research, educate yourself, and don’t’ be afraid to spend a little extra on the cost to transport a car.
Ready to get a move on? Put your best foot forward and brush up on the best insurance for your car prior to your transport.
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