Revealing the Truth Behind Car Shipping Myths

In this blog, we’ll debunk some of the most prominent car shipping myths and tell you why working with shipping specialists is always a smart choice. It’s time to get all your shipping doubts cleared and make an educated decision on shipping your vehicle. Let’s get started!

Myth #1: Your Car is Fully Insured by the Carrier's Insurance

Truth: The carrier's insurance only covers what the carrier is responsible for.

This is one of the biggest car shipping myths out there. The carrier’s insurance only covers the damage to your car caused by their negligence. If your car is damaged as a result of negligence on the part of the carrier, such as an accident or failure to secure the vehicle properly, the carrier’s insurance should cover the cost of replacing or repairing the damage.

So, what is not covered?

Anything that the carrier is not directly responsible for will not be covered. Some examples of this can be natural disasters, like a hail storm or tornado, or debris that comes up from the road and hits your vehicle.

GAP insurance can be an added expense, but it is often cheaper and less time-consuming than driving the car to the destination. It will pay towards the deductible on your personal insurance if the carriers’ insurance denies your claim. Check with your shipping company to see if they offer GAP coverage, or ask your personal insurance company if they offer any GAP for vehicle transport. This is one of those car shipping myths that can be overcome with a little bit of knowledge about the industry.

Myth #2: Finding a Carrier is a Better Decision than Working with a Broker

Truth: Working directly with a carrier is nearly impossible.

When shipping a car, working directly with a carrier can be a great option. That is, if you can find a carrier that is going on your route without calling hundreds of carriers to find the right one. Additionally, by working directly with a carrier, you run the risk of paying more than what is actually required to transport your car, and you may end up with a less-than-reputable company. Yikes! This is one of the car shipping myths that can cost you money!

So, why is working with a broker a better choice?

Working with an experienced broker ensures that you get the best service possible at the best price. Brokers know the industry and won’t be tricked by dishonest carriers. They also have the ability to see business-to-business reviews of the carriers to ensure that the carrier meets your standards. A broker will be able to source multiple quotes from carriers and provide you with a wide selection of options. This enables you to choose the best carrier for your transport at the lowest possible price. By working with a broker, you ensure that your car is handled with the utmost care throughout the shipping process. Finally, brokers are better equipped to handle any potential issues or delays that may arise during transport.

Myth #3: In Order to Ship Your Vehicle, it Must be Operable

Truth: It doesn't matter if your vehicle can't even start.

Whether your car or truck is operational or not, transport companies can transport it. It doesn’t matter if your vehicle can’t even start. Of all the car shipping myths, this one seems like it wasn’t thought out very well.

So, how does transporting an inoperable vehicle work?

For the most part, shipping an inoperable vehicle requires that it is able to roll, break, and steer. This means that the car must be operable in some way to transport. But don’t fear if it can’t do any of those things. Some carriers have the equipment necessary to load and unload your vehicle. That piece of equipment will probably be a forklift.

Myth #4: You Should Only Work with a Company that Offers a Price Guarantee

Truth: There are no guaranteed prices in the auto transport industry.

This is another of the car shipping myths that can hit your wallet. And this one can hit it big time! There are no guaranteed prices in the auto shipping industry. If an auto transport company says they have guaranteed pricing, then they are doing one of two things.

First, they are giving you pricing that is above market average to ensure that carriers will want to call on it. This results in you spending more to ship your vehicle than you need to.

Second, the guarantee applies to the price but not to your vehicle actually getting picked up. In other words, they won’t raise your rate, but if a carrier doesn’t call on your vehicle, then it just won’t ship.

Pricing is always shifting in the auto transport industry due to many factors, including the transport company, distance, size and weight of your vehicle, diesel prices, and time of year.

So, how should pricing play a role in choosing a shipping company?

Shipping companies offer a variety of pricing options to fit different budgets. In order to find the best shipping price, customers should compare prices and services and ensure they are getting the best value for their money. Some companies offer discounts for multiple shipments or bulk orders, while others may charge additional fees for special services such as insurance or pick-up and delivery.

It is important for customers to research shipping companies before making a decision, so they can find the one that fits their needs and budget. Of all the car shipping myths, don’t let this one be the one that gets you.

Myth #5: Driving Your Car is Cheaper than Shipping It

Truth: At best, you're likely to break even, but more than likely, you'll end up spending more if you drive yourself.

This is another of the more prominent car shipping myths. Driving a car across the country can be challenging and expensive. But shipping a car with an auto transport company can be easier, more cost-effective, and worry-free.

Car shipping services often cost less than driving your vehicle to its destination. Plus, long drives lead to additional expenses like gas, meals, and overnight accommodation. Not to mention the time it takes. So if you’re planning on driving your car to your new location, consider shipping it instead. It will save you time and money while ensuring your car arrives safely and in good working condition.

So, how do you decide if you should drive or ship?

Estimate how much it will cost to drive yourself. Don’t forget to include gas, food, snacks, hotel stay, the time you could spend doing something else, and the wear and tear on your vehicle. Then get some quotes from reputable auto transport companies and compare.

Auto transport may not be as expensive as you think. We recommend getting quotes from some shipping companies on our site before deciding to drive yourself. Do the math and compare the rates to see why this is one of the car shipping myths on this page.

Myth #6: All Auto Transport Companies are Created Equal

Truth: All auto transport companies are not created equal.

When it comes to car shipping myths, this one can put you in a bad position. All auto transport companies are not created equal. The quality of service and cost vary from company to company. You don’t want to hand over your vehicle to just anyone.

So, how do you find the right company for you?

When looking for a car shipping company, do thorough research and review customer reviews to compare companies and ensure you are getting the best deal possible. But remember, the lowest price isn’t always the best, and you should always look beyond a simple cost comparison to ensure you are getting good service and value. Additionally, verify the credentials of the company to ensure they are registered auto brokers and are in good standing with the industry. Considering all the car shipping myths we’ve gone over, this one just requires a little bit of research to debunk.

Conclusion

There are many car shipping myths. These are only a few. While shipping companies make car shipping seem easy, there are certain things you need to understand to pick the best company for your car shipping needs. It all boils down to comparing auto shipping companies and picking the one that provides the best services at an affordable price. We hope this blog has helped you cut through car shipping myths and find the right car shipping company for your vehicle.