Your vehicle is a valuable asset, and shipping it may be stressful. If you’ve chosen to entrust your vehicle with Safe Auto, be confident that our process is simple and worry-free. The Safe Auto Experience means outstanding customer service and regular communication, as shown in the customer experiences shared on Google. You can also read Our Testimonials to find out why Safe Auto is trusted to safely transport cars, trucks and motorcycles. To ensure that you have peace of mind throughout the entire process of vehicle shipment, we’ve put together some tips on how to prepare your vehicle for transport!
Make Sure Your Vehicle is Clean
The first step in how to prepare your vehicle for transport is giving your vehicle a thorough cleaning inside and out. During pickup, a driver will do a full walk-around of the vehicle, and you might notice that they are snapping photos as they go. This is so that they can complete a vehicle condition report. This report will document the condition of the vehicle, including any existing damage. A clean vehicle makes it easier to clearly see and document any scratches, dents, paint chips, dings or any other damage.
Cleaning the inside of the vehicle should include removing any loose items such as air fresheners, transponders, cell phone holders and the like. Even inside the trailer, your car will be going over bumpy roads and will likely be jostled. It is best to ensure any items that may damage the interior during transport are removed.
Take Photos of Your Vehicle
Once your vehicle is nice and clean, make sure to take your own photos. Don’t just focus on areas with damage, but take lots of pictures at every angle, exterior, interior and of the odometer. Dated, high-resolution photos are best for your own records and to protect you in the event of any accidental damage.
Remove Any Accessories
In learning how to prepare your vehicle for transport, many first-time users find out that accessory items such as spoilers, front lips, extended antennas, or roof racks should be removed. The condition of these items cannot be guaranteed during transport if they impede the loading and unloading of the vehicle!
Make Sure the Vehicle is Mechanically Sound
Check the tires are properly inflated, radiator is full of antifreeze, battery is fully charged and engine is free of any issues that may affect the driver’s ability to drive the vehicle safely onto the trailer. Check for fluid leaks and notify us if anything is dripping! If need be schedule a visit to the mechanic before transport. The driver may refuse to pick up the vehicle if it presents a hazard to other cars in the trailer, and special equipment is required if the vehicle doesn’t run and will result in additional charges. So do your best to make sure everything is working before pick up!
Make Sure the Gas Tank is at Least 1/8 Full
Your vehicle needs enough fuel to be driven on and off the trailer. More fuel is more weight, and keeping weight off helps the transporter!
Make Sure to Provide a Set of Keys
A set of keys, including any remotes, will be required to move the vehicle. If your vehicle is an older model, please have a door and ignition key ready for pickup!
Make Sure There is a Valid Insurance Policy on the Vehicle
We require that you have a valid insurance policy in place at the time your vehicle is being transported.
Your vehicle will be covered by the cargo insurance policy if there is any damage caused by the transporter, but if there is damage caused by fire, theft, or by natural causes, or “Acts of God,” such as hail, flooding, lightning, tornadoes, etc., your insurance will be responsible for the repairs. Check with your insurance company to verify whether your car insurance is valid during transport!
Following these simple tips will ensure that you have a safe and worry-free transport!
