Classic cars are beautiful and often rare to find and very valuable. When it is time to relocate a classic car to a new area of the country many car owners wonder whether it is safe to ship a classic car or how they can locate a company that can be trusted with the car when it needs to go far from the original destination. On top of choosing a reliable auto transport company, car owners need to make sure they prepare the car in a way that will help prevent the possibility of damage during auto transport. Keep the following in mind when you need to have a classic car shipped to a new location:

Choosing a Reliable Company

Above all else, choosing an auto transport company that you can trust is one of the most important factors in shipping a classic car. You need a company that has experience with classic car shipping, a good reputation with customers and outstanding customer service. You also want a company that is affordable but be sure to never choose a company based solely on the price. Safe and secure auto transport and the quality of services offered should be taken into consideration before the rate is considered. Top Rank Auto Transport takes pride in having the best customer service and years of experience with classic car shipping as well as all vehicle shipping.

Check Your Auto Insurance

Your classic car will be covered by the auto transport company insurance and you really need to read all details of the insurance coverage before the car is loaded onto the transport carrier. Since many classic cars are of great value, it is always advisable to check with your personal auto insurance company to make sure your private policy is up to date and will be in effect during the transport of your car. There is no such thing as having too much insurance and no matter how great the auto transport company insurance may be, having extra coverage is always recommended.

Enclosed Auto Transport

Enclosed auto transport is the best way to ship a classic car. Whether the car is operable, in mint condition, fully restored or even inoperable, enclosed transport provides a secure environment for automobile delivery. Enclosed auto transport is not as common as open auto transport and it will generally cost more than shipping on an open trailer or car carrier, but the overall benefits are overwhelmingly best for classic and vintage cars. An enclosed carrier will not only protect your car from all of the elements that can cause damage including inclement weather, thieves and road debris, but knowing your classic car is safely sealed inside of the carrier can really help with peace of mind during the time you will be separated from the car during shipment.

Delivery Options

Many people drop their cars off and pick them up at shipping terminals. This works great for thousands of motor vehicle owners each year and is a common way to ship a car, especially if the vehicle owner is out of town or unable to be at the pickup or delivery location in person. When you are shipping a classic car, however, you really should forego the shipping terminal altogether for the overall safety of your car. A classic car is an investment and needs to be handled with care to ensure the car stays in good condition and that you will not need to worry about locations that may not be quite as safe as you need for your car. Many terminals are located in areas that are outside of the city and have dimly lit, or completely unlit, parking areas where cars must be parked to wait on the carrier. While some terminals are watched by security, the majority are not secured and are often the targets of vandals and thieves. To reduce the risk of theft or vandalism, it is best to request door to door auto transport when possible. Even if you are not going to be able to meet the driver in person, you can have another trusted adult remain with the car and make sure it is loaded safely on the scheduled date.

Vehicle Inspection

Just before the car is loaded onto the carrier it will be thoroughly inspected by the driver. When it is delivered, it will be inspected again. During these inspections, you need to be present and make sure everything is well noted for the bill of lading. If you see any signs of damage when the car is delivered it needs to be brought to the driver’s attention and noted on the report sheet. You will also want to contact your auto transport agent and make sure you file a damage claim immediately. Once the driver leaves, if damage was not noted, it is very difficult to file a claim and have repair work taken care of. Don’t worry too much about damage during auto transport however as it happens in less than 2-3 percent of all transport worldwide.

Professional auto transport is much safer for your classic car than driving it or even hauling it on your own across the country. Top Rank Auto Transport agents are standing by to give you a quote, answer your auto transport questions and get your classic beauty scheduled for safe and reliable classic car shipping.