If you have ever had a package arrive at your door completely bruised and battered then you might be weary about shipping your vehicle. After all, your vehicle is one of your most valuable possessions and you certainly don’t want to risk damaging it. Better yet, you don’t want to worry about your vehicle depreciating in value because you chose to ship it. This is an understandable concern and this is exactly the reason why it’s important to do your research to find the right auto transport company. The reality is that car shipping is safe, assuming you are working with a reputable company that takes appropriate measures to ship your car correctly. With a reputable auto transport company, you should have no trouble and you can rest easy knowing that your car will not lose its value. Here are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure your car won’t lose its value and remains safe throughout the shipping process.

Find the Right Shipping Company

When you are placing your vehicle in the hands of a stranger, you want to be sure you find the car shipping company that is right for your needs. To find the best company, do plenty of research to find a reputable company. Make sure the company has an MC and DOT number, read customer reviews, make sure they are licensed, bonded, and insured, ask about their insurance policy, and compare their prices with other companies. If a company’s prices seem “too good to be true,” chances are it’s not a reputable company. Be wise about choosing an auto transport company and take your time to avoid being scammed.

Ask About Their Shipping Process

Any reputable company should be upfront with you about the shipping process. There are certain guidelines and restrictions that auto carriers must adhere to so you want to be sure the company is taking the proper precautions.

Prepare Your Car for Safe Transport

While it’s important to choose a shipping company with a safe shipping history, it’s also important for you to take the necessary steps to ensure your car ships safely. You should wash your car prior to shipment and inspect it for any scratches, dents, or dings. It’s also a good idea to take pictures of your car so you have proof of its condition. You also want to check your tire pressure, disable any alarms, and remove any custom accessories. Finally, remove all personal belongings and lock your vehicle.

In most cases, it is perfectly safe to ship your vehicle and your vehicle will not lose any value. However, while damage during transport is not typical, accidents do happen so you want to make sure your vehicle is properly insured. Whether you are shipping your car across the state or across the country, do your homework to make sure you are working with a reputable auto transport company.