Everything You Need to Avoid Auto Transport Scams
Did you know that over 92% of American households own at least one vehicle? And with more businesses and homeowners using the services of the auto transport industry, America’s need for reliable car transport companies has never been greater. Luckily, there is more than one reputable company out there – you just have to know how to find them.
Whether you’re moving cross-country, buying a car from out-of-state, or sending your student off to college, you’ll likely need to ship a vehicle at some point. However, just like any industry, auto transportation has its share of car carrier scams that can trap unsuspecting vehicle owners.
This blog aims to equip you with knowledge about these car shipping scams and offer tips on finding a legitimate company that businesses and owners can trust for their auto transport services.
Are Car Shipping Services Safe for Vehicle Owners?
It’s scary to hand your vehicle off to a car shipping broker or carrier. If you’ve been searching a potential car mover, you may have been asking another important question – is having your car shipped safe?
The short answer is yes. While the best car shipping companies provide excellent service and take good care of your vehicle, there are also unscrupulous vehicle shipping companies and car transport scams out there looking to take advantage of unsuspecting customers. Therefore, it’s crucial to do your homework and choose a reliable company with a proven track record.
How Does a Car Shipping Scam Work?
Typically, car shipping scams involve companies that charge upfront fees, often claiming it’s for insurance coverage or other necessary costs. After receiving payment, these companies might not deliver the promised services, or they might disappear entirely. In other cases, they might deliver the car but inflict damage. Most car shipping scams work by stealing your money or adding hidden shipping costs for their car shipping service.
Types of Car Shipping Scams
There are three types of auto transport scam tactics to watch out for in the car shipping industry. Keep an eye out for the red flags of these scams when looking at car shipping brokers and auto transport companies! Common car shipping scams include:
- Bait and Switch: The auto shipping company gives you a low estimate, only to increase the price drastically after they have your car. Incredibly low prices and car shipping quotes are a warning sign that customers have encountered potential vehicle shipping scams.
- Ghost Companies: These companies don’t exist beyond their car shipping website, where the fake seller often requires full or partial payment through credit or debit card (or even a wire transfer). They’ll take your money and then vanish without a trace.
- Phantom Delivery: The car shipping company promises a delivery date that never arrives, while holding your vehicle and money hostage. Often, these auto carriers will ship your car with the intention of taking your money and your car.
Tips for Finding a Reliable Car Transport Company
One of the best ways to avoid auto transport scams is to understand how to find a legitimate auto transport service in the first place!
Research: Look for companies with a positive average customer review rating on platforms like Better Business Bureau and Google. It’s easy to avoid car shipping scams when you check a wide variety of online reviews! It’s also a good sign when you find direct carriers that address customer complaints with excellent customer service.
Transparency: Good companies will provide a clear shipping contract and transparent pricing, with no hidden fees. They’ll also offer traceable payment methods for security.
Insurance: Ensure the company has adequate insurance to cover any potential damage during transit. No insurance or licensing is a huge red flag.
No Upfront Payment: Be wary of companies that require full payment upfront. Most trustworthy companies only require a deposit or will finalize payment when your delivery is confirmed.
TheAutoTransporter.com: America’s #1 Auto Transport Company
While the auto transportation industry isn’t immune to scams, many reliable and honest companies are dedicated to providing excellent service. By understanding how scams work and diligently researching potential transport companies, vehicle owners can safely navigate the road to their car’s destination. Remember, knowledge is your best defense against falling victim to a scam. Happy shipping!
