Owning certain cars is a labor of love. Classic cars are more than cherished antiques. They are an extension of who you are because you probably take time to keep it looking beautiful and in tip-top condition. Classic cars are a source of pride for many, too. When considering a cross-country move, you want to make sure your antique car has the best protection as it goes to its final destination. That means shipping instead of driving it yourself.
A Lot Can Happen
The moment you sit behind the wheel of your gorgeous, customized 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, it is more than driving to the grocery store for errands. Sitting behind the wheel of a piece of history is almost like being transported in time, and if you have been in the driver’s seat, you know exactly what that means.
With that said, just a drive around town can result in an accident because someone ran a red light, or it might have been raining, and another car lost control. Every time you take a drive, you run that risk. When you increase that drive to crossing the country, you have no idea what you might encounter, from bad weather to lousy drivers. Any of those things could cause unwanted issues. It is better to avoid them. Instead, choose to ship your classic car to ensure it arrives safely at its destination.
When you ship a classic car, it is a process that might make you bite your nails the whole time until you receive it. For all that your car is worth to you, you want to know that your vehicle is being shipped safely across the country.
Shipping Is Cheaper
Believe it or not, shipping your car will be less expensive than driving it across the country, especially when talking about the classics. This vehicle type is a notorious gas guzzler, so you are going to spend a small fortune driving it across the country, not to mention the extra wear and tear, road snacks, and any lodging you might need.
Something else to think about is insurance coverage. Unless your classic is a daily driver, you may need extra insurance to make the drive. Classic car insurance companies often have a limited mileage for your car, so you need to call them and verify.
When you compare how much it will cost to have someone else ship your car, you are going to realize that it will be considerably less than it would be for you to drive it. Besides the added protection of being professionally transported, the whole process is better on your wallet, too.
Classic Car Transportation Is Easy
Transporting a antique car across the country is not as hard as you might believe. The first thing to remember is always to select a closed transport for your prized possession. You do not want open transport because that leaves your car open to the elements. Closed is the way to go to keep your beloved 1969 Dodge Charger looking pristine.
Before your classic car ships, do not forget to take pictures. These pictures should be time-stamped as they may need to prove the condition of your car before it leaves your sight. On the off chance that anything happens during shipping, you are going to want those pictures.
Look for the right transport company because you do not want to leave your antique car in just anyone’s hands. Ask questions about how the mover will secure the vehicle during transport, too. They should be using nylon straps and not chains because chains could cause damage to your car. Do not forget to ask about their loading and unloading process as well.
Vehicle Prep Is a Good Thing
Every car needs a good clean-out now and then. Detailing the inside to know it looks good is often a point of pride for classic muscle car owners. You can indulge and show your car some extra love before you ship it by doing proper vehicle preparation, too.
All carriers have policies about what is or is not allowed in your car. They may require that the vehicle be entirely empty for safety purposes. You might also need to put a specific amount of fuel in the tank. The bottom line is that you can take some extra time to make the inside look fabulous before you ship it off. When it arrives, you can then drive it, knowing that it is clean the next time you see it.
Do not forget to take more pictures here, too, because it is helpful to document in the event of damages. Remember, you might not be the only person behind the wheel because the carrier may need someone to drive it on and off the transport. While rare, damages can happen, so it is an excellent idea to get some good pictures of the inside when it looks its best.
