How to Send a Car After You Buy It Online

More folks are buying cars online now. With sites like eBay Motors, Carvana, and dealer pages, you can look at lots of cars without going to a store. But a big issue is this: how do you send the car to your place once you buy it?

This guide will help you learn how to ship a car you bought online. We’ll talk about picking the right cars transporteur, getting ready for the car to arrive, and your insurance choices. We will go through each step to make sure it all goes smoothly.

Why Car Shoppers Online Need Car Shipping

If you buy a car online, you might not be able to pick it up. The car could be far away or in another state. So, working with a pro shipping service is often the best move.

Some good things about shipping your car:

• Ease: It saves time and cuts out long drives.
• Safety: Pros drive your car.
• Protection: Cars can go in closed trailers for more safety.
• Choice: You can choose from drop-off at your door or at a terminal.

No matter if your car is fancy or cheap, shipping gets it to you safely and quickly.

Step 1: Find Good Car Shipping Firms

The first big step is to pick a trusty transporter. Not all shipping firms are alike, and the wrong choice could cause delays, hidden fees, or scams.

Here’s what to look for:

• License and signup: Check if the firm is listed with the Department of Transport.
• Insurance: Make sure your car is covered during the trip.
• Reviews: Look at Google, Yelp, or Better Business Bureau reviews.
• Clear prices: Watch out for very low prices.

A good car shipper will talk clearly, price fairly, and handle all the paperwork.

Step 2: Pick the Best Shipping Method

Once you pick a transport firm, decide how to ship your car. The main choices are:

Open Carrier Shipping

• The cheaper option.
• Cars sit on an open trailer, open to the weather and road dirt.
• Good for normal cars or if you need to save money.

Enclosed Carrier Shipping

• Gives the most protection from weather, dirt, and harm.
• Suggested for fancy, classic, or very valuable cars.
• Costs more but gives you more peace of mind.
• Your choice depends on what kind of car you bought and your budget.

Step 3: Get Your Car Ready for Shipping

After picking a shipping way, get your car ready. This step helps make sure delivery goes well and cuts the risk of problems later.

• Look and record: Take photos or videos of the car’s state now.
• Clean the car: A clean car is easier to check for harm.
• Take out your stuff: Shipping firms usually don’t let stuff inside.
• Check liquids and battery: Check if the car works if it doesn’t run.
• Keep a little gas: A quarter tank is best.

If the car doesn’t run, services like express towing can move it to the shipping spot.

Step 4: Know Costs and Factors

Shipping costs change based on several things:

• Distance: The longer the way, the more it costs.
• Car size and weight: Bigger cars cost more to send.
• Carrier type: Closed shipping costs more than open shipping.
• Time and demand: Prices may go up in busy times like summer or high travel times.

Always get quotes from many firms and compare not just price but also service.

Step 5: Plan Pickup and Delivery

Most shipping firms offer two main ways:

Door-to-Door Service

• The easiest choice.
• The transporter picks up and sends the car right to your home or close by.

Terminal-to-Terminal Service

• Cheaper but not as easy.
• Needs you to drop off and pick up the car at specific spots.

Talk about these ways with your transporter and pick what fits your time and money.

Step 6: Check Insurance Cover

Insurance is key in car shipping. Most carriers offer damage and goods cover, but it varies.

Ask the company:

• What does the cover include?
• What’s left out?
• How does the claim process work if there’s harm?

Recording your car’s state before shipping gives you proof if you need to claim.

Is Shipping Always Best?

Shipping is easy, but some online buyers wonder if it’s always worth the money. Say, if you bought an older or cheap car, you might think that sending it is the best money move. You could:

Drive it yourself if it’s not too far.

Sell it locally if moving it isn’t smart.

Look into places where can I sell my car for good money to balance costs.

Weighing your car’s worth against shipping costs helps you pick well.

Common Errors to Skip

When sending a car after buying online, avoid these slip-ups:

• Waiting till the last moment: Book early to get better prices.
• Not checking papers: Always check the firm’s license and insurance.
• Picking the lowest price: Low prices might mean bad service or hidden fees.
• Not doing checks: Always document the car before and after shipping.

Skipping these mistakes keeps things smooth.

Final Words

Buying a car online gives you ease, many choices, and good prices. But after you find the perfect car, you need a good plan to get it home. Working with a skilled car shipper makes sure your car gets to you safely, no matter if it’s across the state or country.

If your new car isn’t working, services like quick towing help it get to the shipper in time. On the other hand, if shipping costs more than the car’s worth, it might be better to think about where can I sell my car for good money.