How To Avoid Scams When Choosing A Car Shipping Service

Perhaps you’re making move cross-country for a new job or new life, or you’re buying a car out of state. Whatever the reason, you may need the convenience that comes with auto transport services.

But of course you can’t just give the gig to the first person you meet. You’ve got to do your homework before you commit your asset. That being said, how do you separate the wheat from the chaff? This guide comes with some great tips to help you steer clear of the scammer’s path.

Common Scams and Your Way Around Them

Here are a few common scams you may encounter when dealing with auto transport companies:

Fake Companies

One red flag is when a company’s shipping rates looks too good to be true. Scam companies often offer low vehicle shipping costs to lure you in then disappear into thin air without delivering the service.

To avoid these issues, make sure you give a thorough look-over to all the companies you’re looking to work with. Read reviews online to see what others are saying about the businesses. Take it one step further and check out their license number on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website.

At the end of the day, you’re better off going with reputable companies like California RoadRunner Car Shipping or any other professional auto transport service you’ve vetted. These companies with a track record of exceptional service under their belt can guarantee you the best stress-free services that are tailor-made to match your shipping needs.

Bait and Switch

You’re looking to move to a new location. Naturally, you go online looking for an affordable option. In your diligent search, you encounter Company Y. They offer auto shipping services at a few hundred dollars less than the competitors. This can be a good opportunity to save a few bucks.

So, you get in touch with the company and commit. Shortly before the vehicle shipments begins, they start giving excuses like carrier unavailability, sudden fuel costs, etc. Of course, these are problems that can be fixed by paying a little extra shipping cost. Since you’re already in a pickle and may not have last-minute options, you agree to. That’s very likely a bait and switch scam in its full element.

So, how do you make sure you don’t fall victim to this in the first place? Check out the offers and compare them to the industry standard. If they are too low, tread very carefully. Also, research the company before taking your business to them. A good way to do this is to add the company name on the search tab and add the word “scam” at the end.

You should also ask if the price they quote you is guaranteed or may be subject to increase at some point. Often, hidden fee and rate change clauses are what you should keep an eye out for.

Unlicensed or Uninsured Drivers

Some auto transport industry players may assign to you drivers without licenses or cargo insurance. That’s puts you in a difficult position in case your car suffers damages in transit, as you may be the one to carry the cost of of the damage.

Also, in some cases, the unlicensed driver may not have the right experience to transport your car safely. This may expose you and the asset in transit. The wise move here is to ask the auto transport provider about their drivers insurance and licensing. Make sure you only go with fully-qualified drivers.

Deposit Scam

There are two types of auto shipping companies out there. One will not charge you anything until after they’ve assigned a carrier and scheduled the order. Another one will ask for a deposit as soon as you place an order. In both cases, you’ll pay the remainder when the shipping process is over and done with.

Then there’s a third car shipping company that you should look at with wary eyes: the type that wants to charge you way before you even have an actual schedule in place. You may pay these companies but then they end up not showing up to pick the vehicle or not delivering it. Do your search and make sure the company is legit before engaging.

Unclear Delivery Times

You need to know when to expect your vehicle to be shipped. It doesn’t have to be the exact date and hour, but rather a ballpark. This is peace of mind.

Steer clear of companies that cannot give you this date. Because, then, what if something goes wrong and you’re out there waiting for your car? How are you even sure they’ll deliver it in the first place? A little clarity in this side of things can go a long way.

Closing Thoughts

When it comes to shipping your car, you can’t just go for any company out in the wild. Reputation matters. Take your time, research the different options and go for a reliable car shipping provider that’s transparent, has a track record of safe, timely deliveries and experience, and is within your budget.