Auto Transport

A Guide to Hawaii Auto Transportation

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While shipping a car with a Hawaii auto transportation company, it may cost more than if you went the DIY route—but you’ll save the energy, time and frustration involved in getting your car to your new island home. The type of service you choose will determine the price you save, and you should keep your options open as you read the tips listed below.

Do Your Research

Whenever you ship your car or move your belongings, research is one of the most important steps you’ll take. The Better Business Bureau is a great source of information; the site will tell you whether the shipper has had any grievances filed and if those complaints were successfully resolved. While a company can’t make every customer happy, they should make an effort to ensure that complaints are resolved satisfactorily. Read the BBB report, and if there are blemishes on a company’s record, ask the company directly about the results. Depending on the nature of the complaint, you may want to look elsewhere for a Hawaii auto transport company.

How Shipping Works

Most shippers give customers an estimate as far as pickup and drop-off are concerned. Times are typically given in three- to five-day windows, and most companies will hold the vehicle for you if the pickup or delivery date isn’t convenient. Before the company takes possession of your vehicle, they should do a detailed inspection and provide you with a written report to sign.

Be sure to inspect the car yourself, and that the written report provides an accurate description of the car’s condition. Your car should arrive in Hawaii in the same condition as when it was picked up; however, if it is damaged in transit, the insurer will refer to the inspection report. Your report should include the vehicle’s fuel level, odometer reading and pickup/delivery dates.

Getting Your Car Ready

Before shipping your car to Hawaii, you should clean it out completely. Most shippers refuse to accept responsibility for belongings that are left in the car, because they can’t be insured. Remove all tools from the trunk, as well as personal items and loose accessories from inside the vehicle.

Taking Delivery

When you take delivery in Hawaii, inspect your car carefully before signing off on paperwork. The post-delivery inspection is the right time to take note of damage; take your time and do the inspection carefully. Compare your findings against the initial inspection report, and if there’s damage, report it to the insurance company.

Any move can be difficult, and moving with a vehicle can be especially complicated if it has to be shipped across the water. By doing some research, learning how the shipping process works, and properly preparing your vehicle, you can get your car to Hawaii with minimal hassle.

The Average Cost of California Auto Shipping

Rates for carriers that move cars can vary widely, depending on a number of factors. Auto transporters are independently owned, and they set their own prices. Rates vary depending on the vehicle’s weight, the distance to be traveled, how quickly the customer needs the car, and the season. If you plan to ship your car cross-country, you should compare rates from a variety of companies to get accurate car shipping quotes.

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Average Rates for California Auto Shipping

As previously stated, shipping rates vary depending on a variety of factors. However, the average cost to ship a car to California from Boston is about $1200. If your car doesn’t run, count on paying another $120. Some companies charge more for larger vehicles such as trucks and SUVs.

Fuel Prices can Affect Shipping Rates

When the price of gas and diesel go up, shipping rates must increase to cover the additional cost. To save money, customers should try to schedule shipping for times when fuel prices are low.

The Destination Matters

Companies only hire a certain number of carriers who travel cross-country. If a route needs to be added to accommodate a customer, the price will increase. However, customers can save if there’s already a transporter in the area. The further you live off of the main highway, the more you’ll pay in fuel surcharges. If the transporter needs to enter a neighborhood, they may need special permits, bought at your expense.

Gather Important Information

To get free estimates on the price to move cars to California, you’ll need some basic information about the vehicle. If you already have the car and you’re sending it to a new home, the process is simple. You’ll need the car’s year, make and model, as well as its mileage. Used cars should get an inspection report, which helps the transporter assess its value before giving you a final cost.

Find Local California Auto Shipping

Using the phone book and the Internet, make a short list of auto shippers with routes in your area. Urban areas usually have several auto transporters, and there are also a few companies that provide service in remote or rural areas.

Call a Shipping Broker

If you can’t find many transporters in your area, you may need to call a transport broker. These agents work between the customer and the carrier. They charge finder’s fees to help you find a car shipper, but they’re a great source of information and tips on finding the best service at the lowest price.

Call the Transporters

Most companies offer free California auto shipping estimates if you call them and provide some basic information about the vehicle you’re shipping. By comparing prices from a range of companies, you’ll get an idea of how much you’ll pay to ship your car to California.

The 3 Biggest Mistakes in Auto Transport

You’ve probably seen car carriers out on the road, but like most people, you’re probably a beginner when it comes to automobile transport. In this article, we will list the three biggest errors—and the most commonly misspoken phrases originating from car shippers.

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“I Know My Car”

Regardless of how well you know your vehicle, the transporter doesn’t know anything about it—so it’ll be your word up against theirs if your car arrives with new scratches or dents. It’s vital that you inspect your car and take photos before and after it’s delivered, to determine whether damage has occurred. Many drivers don’t realize that the few minutes they spend taking pictures can save significant hassle and time. It helps drivers and shippers avoid conflict, and it makes the claims process easier.

“I’ll Fill My Car With Stuff to Save on Moving Expenses”

It may seem smart to cram everything you can into your car when you’re paying for enclosed auto transport, but it’s actually illegal. If the carrier has to make a sudden stop, anything inside the car can become a projectile. Carriers aren’t licensed to move household items, and loading them into your car can leave the carrier open to hefty fines. Moreover, if something is stolen or lost, the carrier isn’t liable—and the loss isn’t covered by insurance.

“I’ll Be Fine. I Don’t Need to Insure My Car During Shipping!”

It’s best (and safest) to pay a little more now to avoid paying a lot down the road. Many people decide to roll the dice, declining the insurance the carrier offers—and they end up paying significantly more in the event of a claim. We advise you to spend a little extra now on shipping insurance, and to ensure that you buy enough coverage to replace your vehicle if a total loss occurs.

The carrier likely has basic coverage, but you may need to purchase supplemental insurance, especially if you’re moving an exotic, rare or classic car. Understanding the carrier’s deductible is important, as is the consideration of cargo insurance from a third party.

There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding the auto shipping industry, and people make many mistaken assumptions about their rights and responsibilities. By learning what’s acceptable (and what’s not), you can move your car across the country safely, securely and relatively inexpensively.