Transportation of a car involved in an accident or considered a write-off comes with complications.
Whether you are shipping a salvage title car, a car with lots of damage, or a car that won't start, learn all you can about damaged car shipping to make your experience successful.
What is damaged vehicle transport?
Damaged vehicle transport or salvage transport is the transporting of vehicles declared a total loss, wrecked, or damaged by insurance companies.
These vehicles need exceptional management and appropriate tools and equipment for transfer without new harm.
Challenges of shipping damaged vehicles
Transporting damaged vehicles involves several challenges that set it apart from standard car shipping:
- Inoperable condition: Many transported cars are significantly affected and may not be in working condition, so they must be transported using specialist carriers that can handle non-runners.
- Loading and security: Tying a car is always a technical process, especially when wrecked; it needs special equipment to avoid further catastrophe when transporting a carrier.
- Fluid leaks: Some vehicles lend themselves to fluid leaks that must be fixed before and during transportation to minimize making the environment dirty and damaging other transport vehicles.
- Documentation: Heavy or salvage title cars and vehicles declared as a total loss will require paperwork to ferry them, such as auction receipts, bills of sale, and transfer documents.
Also, read Tips to Ship a non-running car
Cost of damaged vehicle transport
Shipping a damaged vehicle typically costs more than transporting a standard car. This is due to several factors:
- Specialized equipment: The need for flatbed carriers or other specialized equipment adds to the cost.
- Labor: Loading and securing a damaged vehicle requires more time and expertise, increasing labor costs.
- Insurance: Unfavorable costs may include higher insurance costs when transporting damaged vehicles since they are likely to be involved in further accidents.
Factors affecting salvage car transport costs
- Distance: It has been ascertained that the longer distances involved in transit, the higher the costs will be.
- Vehicle size and weight: In most cases, more extensive and heavier vehicles require more extended equipment, thus attracting higher haulage charges.
- Vehicle condition: The variability measured impacts the degree of transport and may also affect the price.
- Location: Some things linked with remote or hard-to-reach areas could prove expensive.
Tips for shipping a damaged vehicle
- Choose a specialized carrier: Choose a vehicle shipping company with experience transporting damaged cars or those classified as salvage.
- Provide accurate information: In case of an accident, report to the carrier the degree of damage or special conditions for shipment.
- Prepare the vehicle: Wash the external part of the car, get rid of all the personal items, and repair /check for all sorts of spills before moving the vehicle to the next destination.
- Document the condition: When dropping off and picking up the vehicle, ensure you capture good photos of the vehicle's condition for comparison when claiming damages.
- Understand insurance coverage: Discuss the insurance with the carrier and your insurance company to ensure sufficient coverage is in place for transportation.
Also, read Auto transport insurance requirements
Shipping a salvage car from auction
If you've purchased a salvage car from an auction, transporting it safely is crucial. Here are some critical steps:
- Obtain necessary documentation: Ensure that you have all paperwork that are:
- Auction Invoice
- Proof of purchase
- Title transfer documents.
- Coordinate pickup: Organize pickup with the auction and car shipping companies and give all the vehicle details and conditions.
- Inspect upon delivery: Fortunately, you can quickly identify dents on newly damaged cars compared to older ones by closely examining the vehicle when it is delivered.
Choosing the right salvage car transport company
Selecting a reliable and experienced salvage car transport company is essential. Consider these factors:
- Experience: Select a firm with extensive experience in transporting all types of vehicles, including wrecked salvage cars.
- Equipment: Ensure that the company you will address has equipment, including flatbed trailers and winches for your car.
- Insurance: Before transporting your vehicle, ensure you have enough insurance coverage to cover the transport process.
- Reputation: Customers always explain their experience with the company and products to evaluate their reliability and service.
- Communication: Select a company that frequently communicates and notifies regarding the shipping process situation.
Conclusion
Transporting a non-running or a salvage car involves a lot of planning and involves professional car shipping companies.
Regarding the risks, price, and guidelines, here are tips to help you get the best out of your transport experience for your car.