Car Transport in Elgin IA

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Do you have questions such as what size auto carrier do I need or how much does this cost? Call us now to get all of your questions answered.

Affordable Prices
Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Elgin, we never charge hidden fees. Our pricing includes everything that you will need to transport your vehicle from point A to point B – all at extremely competitive rates.

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On time delivery and pickup

Don’t settle for slow response or late deliveries. For over 10 years we have shipped vehicles on time, when and where our customers need them. Call today to see why we’re the best budget auto transport company in Elgin, IA.

Are you on the quest for reliable auto transport services in Elgin? Then you’ve come to the right place and we’ll help you understand the transport process every step of the way. A little research will go a long way in having the best auto transport experience possible and make sure your vehicle makes it from one location to another safely. The majority of shippers will provide “door-to-door” service, which means they pick your car up from one location and deliver it to another place of your choosing. When deciding on an auto carrier service, it’s important to first know the distinction between an auto transport brokerage and an auto hauler. In short, a broker will search out the best carrier for your specific auto shipping requirements, while the carrier is the actual person supplying the truck. Some companies act as both a broker and a carrier, but we’ll discuss the two distinctions further in this article.

Elgin Auto Brokers and Their Role in Auto Transport

Odds are if you’ve never used an auto transporter in Elgin, then you may be unaware of the distinction between an auto shipping broker and carrier. Even though both choices will end with the same result of getting your car moved from one place to another, it’s always good to understand the process before selecting a service.

How an Auto Transport Broker Sets Up Car Carrier Solutions

Auto transport brokers don’t have their own transport carriers and usually are not the companies that will transport vehicles. Brokers facilitate auto transportation by hooking up customers, referred to as “shippers”, with the carriers that provide the specific services requested. The advantage of using a broker rather than a carrier is that you have more options because of their existing network of auto carriers. If you work directly with an auto transport carrier, they may not have the necessary equipment when you need it, or may not have licensing in all the states necessary to relocate your vehicle where it needs to go. Essentially, a broker does the leg work of locating a carrier that meets these conditions and can sometimes get a more competitive price by creating competition between carriers on behalf of the shipper.

Deciding on a Qualified Car Carrier

When you work specifically with an auto transport provider that usually means you will be interacting with the actual individual or company that will be moving your motor vehicle. An auto carrier owns the trucks or trailers that are used to ship vehicles all over the country. Virtually all auto transport carriers in Elgin have to be licensed and insured, but a client should still do their homework to verify this. These car carriers will serve a specific number of routes and locations in order to offer effective service and remain successful. Finding a carrier by yourself that travels the route in which you need your motor vehicle transported may be challenging, as many carriers make use of brokers who will connect them with the right customers. Regardless of which option you choose, a broker or carrier, you’ll be having to pay roughly the same price for your auto transport. There ës a fair amount of competition between a variety of auto carriers, so sometimes you can obtain promotions or discounts they’re offering. For this reason, you can take advantage of the circumstance in order to get a great price.

Things to Consider Before Shipping Your Vehicle

Secure your personal items outside your vehicle.

All Elgin auto haulers are banned from transporting what would be deemed “household goods” by the Department of Transportation. This means you should remove anything that would be viewed as a “household good” from your car before it is picked up by an auto transport service. Some common items that should be removed from your vehicle include car seats, umbrellas and clothing.

Don’t ship your vehicle with a full tank of gas.

Ahead of shipping your vehicle with a Elgin car hauler you should make sure to leave at least a quarter of a tank of gas in your tank. Some gasoline is required to start your automobile and drive it so that it can be loaded and unloaded from the auto shipping trailer properly. However, you won’t want to leave more than a quarter of a tank or a full tank of gas in your vehicle because of the added weight it adds.

Document any body damage on your vehicle

It’s a wise course of action to wash your car prior to shipping and make sure there is no dirt or mud stuck on it. This will allow you to plainly see if there are any dents, dings or scratches that are already present on your vehicle’s body, which means you won’t mistakenly believe the damage happened during shipping. It’s very easy to document them by taking photos, which will also prove the condition of your car in the case that damage does occur during the transporting process.

Knowing your Bill of Lading.

When the Elgin auto transport arrives to begin the shipping process, you and the driver of the carrier can do an evaluation of your vehicle’s condition. During this time you can identify any dents, dings or scratches already on your vehicle’s body. Once that process is complete, the client will be given a Bill of Lading. This document simply acknowledges that the auto carrier is taking short-term control of your vehicle. It will also guarantee that both you and the auto transport carrier are in agreement on any existing damage on your car. When the car arrives at its intended destination, the customer will be presented with another Bill of Lading. This will confirm that the vehicle has been delivered and will allow the customer to inspect that vehicle again to determine if any new damage has occurred. This process guarantees that both the customer and auto carrier are in agreement on the condition of the vehicle.

Your vehicle should be insured against damages.

Your insurance company may have protection built into your policy that provides for damages that may take place in the auto hauling process. However, any auto transport Elgin service should already have liability coverage already built into their prices, which generally covers anywhere between ,000 and 0,000 worth of damages. The consumer won’t have to pay extra for this insurance, since it should already be built into the auto hauler’s fees. Generally, this is enough to cover any problems that could occur during the transportation process, but it’s a good idea to verify with your insurance company as well.

Getting the Best Auto Transport Service in Elgin

It’s usually a good idea to do a bit of research on any company that you’re doing business with before making a commitment. There are loads of auto transporters in Elgin to choose from, so how do you know which one is the best? The first thing you’ll want to do is obtain the company’s MC number or USDOT number. You can also look up their services on the Better Business Bureau’s website to find out what people are saying about them. You can also find out about the auto transport service by simply reviewing the terms and conditions that come along with the service. By doing a bit of research you’ll make sure you’re getting the best deal and service around.

Open Car Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Elgin

Generally, shipping a vehicle via open transport will save you the most money. It is the most commonly used and there are more of these carriers around than any other type. The variety of these carriers and their popularity helps contribute to the affordable price tag. In general, this will be the most affordable method of transporting your vehicle. An auto carrier that is going from your area and journeying through to your destination will take that vehicle and add it to a group of up to 10 others heading in that same direction. This decreases the cost of shipping as it is divided by the all the vehicles onboard.

Researching Auto Transport Companies in Elgin

In order to choose the right auto transport method for your vehicle, consider how much security your car will require. The most common cars shipped using an enclosed shipping option are antique or classic vehicles. However, if you’re simply transporting an average motor vehicle that you use every day for typical driving needs, then an open trailer would probably be a good fit for you. As usually, try to get at least three or four quotes for car shipping services so you can be sure you’re being charged an adequate rate. Merely put a little time towards researching the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Elgin that you’re planning to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.