There is something about the auto transportation industry that attracts scams. Because the industry is complicated, it pays to get educated as to avoid getting ripped off.

Follow these tips and you will increase your odds of having a “worry free” transport and a lot less headaches as well.

1. Do not “Bargain Shop” when choosing an auto transport company. This will ensure that your car will not be loaded on any carrier without a salesman calling you the day your supposed to have your car scheduled only to raise your quote price.

Don’t forget there are certain minimum costs to shipping a vehicle, such as gas. A company that comes in far cheaper than other companies, isn’t doing the shipping under costs. They have generally has found some unethical or abusive way to make their money.

2. Both liability and cargo insurance, are required by law to ship a vehicle. Make sure that the company you are dealing with actually has them, the first mark of a scam is an uninsured vehicle.

3. Do not pay a deposit up front to anyone. It’s ok to provide your credit card information at the moment you place your order because you are making a reservation similar to booking a hotel room. Ask when they will charge the credit card.

You should not be charged unless you have been given pickup and delivery dates, the information for the actual truck who will have your vehicle in its possession, and everything has been confirmed.

4. Plan Ahead. Shipping takes time (usually around 3-5 for scheduling and 5-9 days for shipping), forgetting that will drastically increase your costs. Save yourself some money by understanding the shipping time frames.

If you follow these steps you will experience a painless auto transport. Happy Travels.