Manage car transport pickup, delivery, and cancellation dates

Besides the quote, the heart of your contract with an auto transport company is all dates. Most contracts have built-in penalties for your failure to drop off at the allotted time, but not for the auto shipper's late pickup and/or delivery. After negotiating pickup and delivery dates, ask to add to the contract a clause protecting you if the car is not picked up on time (say, a waiver of the cancellation fee if the car is picked up more than one week late) and if the car is not delivered within the promised time frame (a discount, a free rental car until the car shows up, etc.).

I recommend: Before negotiating dates, learn what constitutes a reasonable delivery timeframe for car transport from FAQs like the one at AutoShippers.com and 123Movers.com, or the delivery time information listed on the web sites of most auto transport services (watch closely for fine print).

Check the insurance of your auto transport company

The law requires the car transport carrier to fully insure your vehicle (at book value) against damage or theft while it is in the carrier's possession, so you're typically pretty safe--but read your contract carefully for any mention of a deductible or exclusions. Although your vehicle and its original equipment are usually insured, other stuff that may be in the car -- your CDs, luggage, jewelry in the glove compartment, etc. -- may not be covered, so avoid sending any items along for the ride. Your own insurance may cover such items, but many auto shippers will refuse to accept your vehicle until it's empty. And if your car is damaged thanks to heavy items in its trunk, the auto transport company's insurance may not cover that damage.

I recommend: Some auto transport companies, such as American Auto Moving, post their insurance certificate right on their websites. On the Website of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), you can look up insurance information for auto shippers, along with their safety record. (You may need a carrier's D.O.T. number, usually listed on its website, to look up its FMCSA record.) Some multi-carrier search engines, like AutoShipping.com, certify that all of the auto transport companies they represent are fully bonded and insured.

Check references and reviews for auto shippers

Many auto shippers post testimonials on their Websites, but of course, they exclude complaints. You may find the complaints filed with the local Better Business Bureau in the auto transport company's HQ city.

I recommend: A-1 Auto Transport posts customer testimonials on its Website, as does Dependable Auto Shippers. Check out consumer reviews of auto shippers at Auto Transport Reviews or Epinions.

Inspect your car thoroughly before releasing it to an auto transport company (and at delivery)

Before accepting your car at the pickup location, the auto transport company will inspect the vehicle and note any damage--including dents, dings, scratches, and so on--on an inspection report or bill of lading, present it to you for your signature, and leave you a copy. Check it carefully for accuracy before signing. When you car is delivered, you'll want to inspect it again for any damage; if you find any damage not already listed on the report, file a damage claim with the auto transport company.

I recommend: ShipMyVehicle.com offers a handy checklist of items to consider when preparing your car for inspection, as does Road Trip Transport.