Basic Guide to Shipping Your Car to California

Basic Guide to Shipping Your Car to California

California nicknamed the Golden state in 1968 is known for tourist attractions such as the Hollywood Sign and the Golden Gate Bridge. Not only is it a great state for vacation, it is also known for its private sector business growth which has offered many employment opportunities to residents. 

You may want to visit https://www.ppic.org/ for full details of California businesses. 

Based on the above statistics, it goes without saying entrepreneurs who are looking for an environment that is suitable for SMEs are quite attracted to the state. For this reason, people are always moving into the state and when people move, they move with their worldly possessions which often include a car or two. 

Moving a car from one location to the other can be quite stressful. However, a competent and reliable auto transport company can take the stress off you. In this article therefore, we will share some tips that will help you ship your car to California without stress. 

Different Options for Shipping a Car 

There are different ways of moving a vehicle from one location to the other. We will discuss these methods and how to choose the best one for you. 

DIY 

This means that you drive your car to your new location by yourself. This method works and is the cheapest option if you are moving from a nearby location and you have to move only one car. But if the distance extends beyond state lines, the cost of movement increases significantly and may not be worth it at the end of the day. 

Hire a Driver

This is another ‘cheap’ option but its cost effectiveness hinges on different factors. These factors include the following:-

The distance 

A trustworthy driver 

Difference between cost of paying for shipping and paying for fuel, feeding and other expenses in transit. 

Tow the Vehicle

You can hire a moving truck and hitch your vehicle to it. For those who own a truck, this option is almost a no-brainer especially for experienced drivers. However, you must be comfortable with towing a vehicle and the distance cannot be too far apart. 

Hire an Auto Transport Company 

This can be said to be the most stress free option for moving vehicles from one location to the other. There are a number of companies that can help you ship your car to California and save you the hassle of time, physical stress/strain and even money. You just have to find the best company that will deliver value for your money. 

Other Options 

Other options that you can consider for auto transport include the following:-

A Moving Company – If you are using a moving company to transport your stuff as you relocate, you can ask whether they provide auto transport services as well. If they do, this might make your move more seamless. 

Train – This is a possibility only if the auto transport you choose offers this option. Secondly, some companies require that you travel with the car so this is a factor to consider. Third factor is the train route and the convenience of moving the vehicle from the train terminus to its final destination. 

Boat – This applies to only a couple of states in the country like Alaska and Hawaii. Therefore this is not even on the list of options for auto transport to California. 

Quick Tips for Choosing a Car Shipping Company

Based on our candid opinion that a car shipping company is the best option for shipping your car to California, find below quick tips to help you make an informed decision:-

Consider the Reputation of the Company – It is in your best interest to find out the reputation of the company you are considering. Read reviews from past clients to know what they have to say about the quality of service they received. 

Check for License and Insurance – This is very crucial because you do not want to be left with a liability you can’t handle in the event of an accident in transit or any other issue. Ensure that the company has comprehensive insurance coverage to handle any damages, theft or accident. Additionally, look for a properly licensed company so that you don’t fall into the wrong hands. Click here to get an idea of the kind of license to expect from any auto transport company. 

Compare Prices – While you may want to save a buck or two, it is very important to consider the value you would get for the price you are paying. That being said, narrow down your list of options to the best 3 and then compare their prices using the same parameters. This will help you make the right choice and get the best value for your money. 

Conclusion

Moving your vehicle to California can be as stressful as you desire once you work with the right car shipping company. We have shared tips that will help you make an informed decision. Bear these tips in mind as they will come in handy when/if you have to relocate to another city or state. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *