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Vehicle Transportation: Can Someone Drive my Car?
Many domestic vehicle transportation services involve hiring a company to move your car via truck or trailer, train or, rarely, airplane. However, some vehicle shipping rate quote companies offer drive-away services – meaning a professional driver will take your car to its new destination.
If you choose to use a company that offers this option, you need to consider cost, insurance coverage, gas price and, most importantly, the reputation of the company and its drivers. One of the best websites for shipping cars across the country is ShipCarAcrossCountry.com.
Cost
As with any vehicle transportation company, factors that determine car shipping rates can include:
Type of car
Driving distance
Scheduled departure/arrival
Insurance
Also ask whether the gas estimate is a set figure or if you are responsible to reimburse fuel costs at the end of the trip. Since gas rates differ throughout the country, paying the actual cost per fill-up may increase or decrease your total price.
Insurance
All auto transport and moving companies are required to have insurance coverage, but may not be completely liable for all possible damages that may occur to your car during transport. Always ask for specific details in writing before handing over your keys, aware of items such as:
- Parts and damages covered
- Limits and/or deductibles
- Compensation – is it based on blue book value or the actual cost to fix the car?
You have the right to ask to review the company’s insurance certificate, speak to a representative if the coverage details are unclear and inquire about added coverage; if you are not satisfied, either call your personal insurance company or simply look for another vehicle transportation service.
Broker Beware
Even though some well-reviewed companies broker out services, many consumers prefer to deal with a company that hires and monitors its own drivers. This affords you the ability to ask driver-related questions such as:
How long have they worked for the company?
Do they have a clean driving record?
When did they get his/her license?
Have they had any accidents?
Upon request, you should be able to speak with or meet the driver. Also inquire whether the driver has attended any specialty classes such as a defensive driving or road safety course. These are all good questions to ask before getting your interstate moving estimates.
Advantages
Advantages to having a personal driver include:
Door-to-door service
Flexible scheduling to accommodate vehicle drop-off/pick-up
No risk of damage from hitches or hydraulic systems that secure cars to a trailer
Ability to keep personal belongings in the vehicle, including items to move and, in certain circumstances, pets
In addition, drive-away services are able to easily accommodate almost any type of vehicle, including larger vehicles such as SUVs and trucks, and require little or no preparation beforehand.
Regardless, you should still have your car inspected; repair any issues and make necessary adjustments related to climate such as adding snow tires or coolant.
Disadvantages
With these types of car transportation services, you need to trust the company and driver they have chosen for you. In addition, you may have non-refundable cancellation or rescheduling fees – especially if the driver has already paid expenses to arrive at a destination; you may also incur fees if you need to change the date, time or location of the starting or final destination.
Drive Away Services
The cost, company and/or driver reputation, scheduling availability, liability and car preparation are all important factors in choosing the right vehicle transportation service to meet your needs. Whether your car or truck is secured to a trailer or you have a personal driver, make sure you have confidence in the company and a detailed contract.
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