You might need to ship a car into or out of Florida for many reasons. Buying or selling a vehicle online is very common, but you might be moving and want to keep your vehicle with you. It could be as simple as giving a relative your car. In all these cases, knowing how to ship a car to or from Florida is essential to getting it done.
Three Steps
If you buy or sell a car online, you must have it shipped in or out of the Sunshine State. That starts with choosing an auto transport company. Getting quotes from service providers is really the only way to determine the costs involved, as many different factors go into pricing. However, these quotes and consultations are a chance to see how the customer service is with each shipping business.
One thing you should know about Florida, though, is the distance. The further south you get into the state, the more it costs to get a vehicle across the state line. Also, being in the country’s southeastern corner can mean more costs if you are shipping to or from places like New England or the West Coast.
You’ll have to choose a shipping method. That’s going to mean either an open transport or an enclosed truck. An enclosed truck typically costs more, but it protects your vehicle from weather and road debris. This might be a way to go if you are shipping something exotic or deluxe. Open transports are cheaper and often has many more available routes, but they will expose the vehicles to the elements.
The next step is coordinating with the other party involved. That might be who is selling you a vehicle, but it could also be someone buying from you. If you’re just moving, you might be the shipper and the recipient. In all cases, you must ensure the vehicle is available for pickup when a truck can get it. You’ll also need to ensure someone is around to receive the vehicle. If you’re moving, you must be ready to go without your vehicle for a little while.
Shipping Through Florida
Florida car shipping is big business. The state is one of the nation’s most populous, so plenty of buyers and sellers are in the market. The state is also a popular place to move, and that’s only sometimes for retirees. If you live in Florida, remember that the weather isn’t always so nice in the rest of the country. Car shipping in or out of the state might get delayed in the winter months based on what is happening elsewhere in the country.
You should also know that professional carriers are going to have more delivery and pickup options closer to major cities. Rural service is usually possible, but it might open up options if you’re willing to meet a truck near a major interstate or one of the urban centers.
Shipping Considerations
Keep in mind that shipping times are always going to be estimated. Auto transport companies always need leeway if a shipment has problems en route. Trucks might break down, the shipper might get hit with more requests, the weather can close or slow down roads, and drivers might need to take downtime.
Make sure that your vehicle has insurance coverage while in transit. The carrier should provide coverage, and many do in the range of $50,000 up to $100,000. Your personal insurance policy might also have coverage for accidents during shipping.
Your shipping carrier will likely do a detailed walk-around of your car before loading it. You should do the same, looking for dents or scratches and noting them. Take plenty of pictures for comparison after the vehicle is delivered. They might be necessary for damage claims.
Shipping your car in or out of Florida has several advantages that apply based on your situation. For starters, shipping a vehicle is safer for both you and the car. It also takes less time, and you avoid unnecessary mileage on the vehicle.