Natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and earthquakes can devastate communities, including causing damage to property and infrastructure. These disasters are challenging for car owners looking forward to moving their vehicles from one location to the next. The majority of the people are forced to relocate their vehicles to safety or transport them elsewhere. However, shipping a vehicle after a natural disaster requires careful planning and preparation to ensure the process is smooth and fast. Here, we will provide the proper steps for shipping a car after a natural disaster to ensure it gets to you in one piece.
If you are shipping your vehicle during a natural disaster, these are some general steps to follow:
Before you ship your vehicle, you need to assess the situation and determine the level of risk involved. Check weather reports and local news sources to see if evacuation orders or road closures are in effect. Look at the weather and the status of evacuation orders and road closures. Be ready to adjust your plans in case the situation changes.
Shipping your vehicle during a natural disaster can be slow and unpredictable. Be patient and understand that delays may occur due to weather conditions, road closures, or other factors beyond your control.
If your vehicle is damaged during transport, ensure that you have insurance coverage and understand the process for filing a claim.
When shipping your car, finding a reliable auto shipping company is the ideal way to ensure your vehicle arrives at its destination safely and on time. Many options are available, so choosing the right company for your needs can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are a couple of factors you can consider to help you find a trustworthy and dependable car shipping company.
- Check the company’s credentials and read the reviews: That way, you can make informed decisions and ensure your vehicle is in good hands. Here are ways to filter out different companies:
- Conduct your research: Find out how reputable the car shipping companies are by looking at the reviews online and asking for references from friends and family who have used car shipping services.
- Licenses and insurance cover: Finding a licensed and insured company ensures there is someone to hold responsible for any damages or losses incurred during shipping.
- Experience: An experienced company will better understand the shipping process and can handle any challenges that may arise along the way.
- Customer Service: An experienced person should be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have throughout the shipping process.
Preparing your car for shipping during a disaster can be challenging, but with the right tips, you can ensure your vehicle is safe and secure during transit. Below are six tips to help you prepare your car for shipping during a disaster:
- Secure all loose items: Remove them from the car and secure them properly. Loose items can become hazardous during a disaster and can cause damage to the car or other items during transit.
- Take a look at the tires: Ensure your car tires are properly inflated, and check for any damages. Tires are crucial for safely transporting your vehicle and must be in good condition.
- Check your car’s fuel level: Keep your fuel tank at least a quarter full to ensure your vehicle can be moved in an emergency. You should avoid filling the tank as it adds unnecessary weight to the car, affecting fuel efficiency.
- Remove all your valuables: Do not ship your vehicle when there are still valuable items in your car. That includes GPS systems, audio systems, and personal belongings. If possible, leave your car empty to prevent theft or damage.
- Document any damage: Take pictures of any pre-existing damage before shipping the vehicle. It helps to prove any damages during transit and makes the insurance claim process more comfortable.
- Inspect the vehicle: Inspect the car thoroughly before shipping it. Ensure all doors, windows, and other car parts are working correctly.
Shipping your vehicle after a natural disaster can be a challenging and stressful experience. However, following the appropriate steps and precautions will allow your vehicle to be safely transported on time. Find a reliable auto shipping company, assess the extent of the damage to the car, and ensure that all necessary paperwork is in order before scheduling a pick-up. While natural disasters can be unexpected and disruptive, taking the proper steps to recover and restore normalcy can make all the difference in moving forward.
If you’re looking for a company to handle the shipping of any and all vehicles, Ship A Car, Inc. is well-equipped of assisting you with the process. Simply reach out to our company at (866) 821-4555 and ask a transport coordinator how to start the auto shipping quote and transport process.
