A luxury car is one that is above average in terms of performance, comfort, features and equipment. These cars are usually a status symbol for their owners and are usually priced above the regular premium or mid-range vehicles. It therefore goes without saying that the owner of a luxury, exotic or high end automobile will go to great lengths to protect it from damage whether in transit or stationary.
That being said however, some people do no appreciate the fact that moving a luxury vehicle across long distance or abroad is does not entail the same logistics as moving a regular vehicle. Exotic vehicles require utmost care and expertise in shipping to prevent them from getting damaged in transit.
In this article, we will give you a basic guide to help you understand what shipping a luxury car entails so stay with us. Meanwhile, you can visit https://www.quora.com/ for tips on how to take care of a vintage automobile.
Different Methods of Luxury Car Shipping
Most luxury or classic car enthusiasts insist on shipping their vehicle with enclosed transport trailers in order to prevent damage from road debris and the elements. Some open carriers however, can be used to transport modern exotic cars if they can adequately protect the shipment. But it is not advisable to ship vintage cars of 50 years and above in open trailers.
The following are the 2 methods that you can choose from based on the type of automobile that you want to transport:-
Enclosed Car Shipping
This is actually the recommended method for moving high value vehicles. Enclosed trailers protect the exterior of their cargos from exposure to bad weather and other road hazards. They usually have interior tie-downs and softer ride suspensions that prevent the cargo from moving while in transit.
Due to this additional protection the cost of using this type of auto transport is usually higher than the regular ones. This however, does not deter luxury car owners who understand the importance of this additional protection from using this method.
Multi-Car Carriers
This is an alternative way of shipping luxury vehicles with enclosed transport trailers that cuts cost for owners. This entails that the trailer will carry more than one vintage vehicle per shipment. These carriers are usually custom made to accommodate as many as 4 cars in separate compartments but all in one enclosed trailer.
Tips for Shipping a Luxury Car
If you own a luxury car, we want to believe that you know how to care for and maintain the car. However shipping a luxury car is not too different from shipping a regular premium vehicle. The difference however, lies in the fact that, you have to be extra careful when planning to ship a luxury car because of the value of the car (this includes sentimental and financial value). This is in contrast to a regular car that can be shipped by any auto transport company.
In this segment, we will share some quick tips on how to ship your exotic vehicle:-
Choose the Right Auto Transport Company
It is important that you choose a company that is well known for transporting vintage vehicles. You can check their track record by reading customer review or if possible get testimonials from past clients. Also ensure that the transporter is well experienced in the industry; this means that you have to find out how long they have been in business. You’ll be safer with a shipping company that has been in business for at least 5 years than a new company.
In addition to the above, look out for their certifications from authority/regulatory bodies in the industry.
Choose the Right Carrier
We have already discussed the two types of transport carrier to be used. Do not be tempted by cost to choose an open transport trailer. An enclosed carrier guarantees that your vehicle is adequately protected in transit.
Look for Appropriate Insurance Coverage
Verify that the insurance cover held by the auto transport company can adequately cover the value of your vehicle in the event of any accident or mishap. If the company does not have adequate cover, it might be best to get additional coverage for the safety of your precious investment.
Prepare your Car for Shipping and Document Existing Conditions
First start out by cleaning the vehicle thoroughly then document the existing condition of the vehicle. This would help you to clearly see any dent or scratch that may be on the body of the car or the pristine condition of the exterior.
The best way to document the existing condition of the vehicle is to take pictures or even walk-around video. This documentation would save you a lot of stress in the event of any dispute after shipping. Read this article to understand the importance of pictorial evidence in legal cases.
Ensure that you remove every personal belonging from the vehicle and also any loose component in the car. If you do not want to remove the loose items, you can fasten them securely to avoid damage in transit.
Conclusion
Shipping a luxury automobile is not something that should be taken lightly so as not to cause irreparable damage to the vehicle. We have shared important tips that we believe will help you get it right. Bear them in mind as you plan to ship your vintage vehicle.