When transitioning to an international location for either business or a need to make a personal change from your current Washington location, it’s simple enough to donate, sell, recycle personal effects, and only take a few suitcases for the move. What about your beloved car?

A vehicle is a significant investment second only to a house purchase. Most people can’t afford to just leave these behind and buy a new one when they arrive at their new location.

A private sale is not typically a practical choice considering depreciation and the probability of low offers regardless of the condition. Plus, the preference is to bring the vehicle plainly because you like the car.

Fortunately, you can rely on Washington auto transport to guide you through the international shipping process. You can also research guidelines before reaching out to companies to be somewhat informed, so you’re better prepared to discuss the details with an associate.

Let’s review a few tips and tricks to be aware of when calling carriers to ask about services and obtain estimates.

Helpful Hints on International Car Shipping Services

There can be many reasons for traveling overseas from Washington state, whether you need a fresh start or have been transferred for your career or maybe you’re taking an extended holiday. In any case, you can take most of what’s essential in a few suitcases except your auto.

With this sort of investment, the most viable option is enlisting the services of an auto transport company to ship the car. You would first need to research how the process works before reaching out to shippers in your local Washington area. This will make discussing the details easier when calling for a quote.

Consider these suggestions when in the early stages of planning your auto transport.

• Researching car shipping procedures

Before looking for a suitable company, getting a feel for the international auto transport process is important. Learning the ins and outs of what you must do as a car owner, how to prepare the vehicle, what documentation is needed, and insurance concerns.

When you have a general idea of how things work, you can ask specific questions about a particular business when speaking with the companies directly. Each business is different in its procedures and expectations.

• Selecting the most suitable international shipping company

After researching, you must narrow your choice to a few of the most suitable international shipping companies. You’ll want one that offers valuable services with quality carriers for competitive rates and minimal delays in shipping.

Considering each company’s reputation and years in the industry and reading their customer reviews, testimonials, and complaints which will help you ascertain whether your car will arrive at the destination promptly and in the same condition as when it was picked up.

The business needs to be adequately credentialed, which you should be able to confirm. Once you have a couple to pick from, you can see which has the most competitive rate and invest in that car shipping service.

• Insurance

It’s expected that the person transporting the vehicle will have insurance, and the carrier will have access to that insurance to file a claim if damage occurs to the car while in transit.

When consulting with different companies, you need to ask if there is coverage available and request to see proof of insurance. You are also expected, as the owner, to have personal insurance on the vehicle.

If damage occurs outside the control of the person transporting the car, a natural disaster, the carrier’s coverage will likely not cover any damages. It will then fall to your personal plan.

• Preparing your car for travel

The shipping company doesn’t take responsibility for personal effects left in the auto. Everything should be removed from the trunk and interior of the car for your own protection, especially valuable items, customized or personalized pieces, anything loose.

Upon pick up, the car will be inspected by the driver, who will complete a bill of lading describing any preexisting damages. You should already have pictures of these and your own documentation, plus you’ll receive a copy of the bill of lading.

When the car is dropped off, another form will be done, and another inspection. It’s vital to look over the auto to ensure there’s no new damage.

Final Thought

When transferring a car from Washington to a country overseas, the process could prove somewhat complex. Still, it doesn’t need to be if you find an excellent international auto transport company. Typically, these car shipping services will handle much of the process, requesting the details they need from you.

You must have all the necessary documentation, especially paperwork proving the vehicle is yours. The car should be adequately prepared for travel with nothing left in the vehicle, plus you’ll need to be ready to pay customs for each post that the car passes.

Following the straightforward guidelines of a trusted international auto transport company will mean your auto will arrive at its final destination efficiently and as promptly as possible.