How to Protect Yourself from Auto TransportScams?

Shipping your car, whether locally or internationally, is a highly stressful task. There are a number of reliable auto transport companies out there but there are also fraudsters who are only out to get their ill-gotten gains from innocent customers. 

To avoid being a victim of auto transport scams, it is essential to follow certain steps. Now let us look at critical pointers to help you avoid falling prey to con artists.

Do Research 

One of the ways of protecting yourself from auto transport scams is to research well. First, pick at least several possible companies and collect any information about them. Search for reviews in different websites and applications. While evaluating testimonials, focus not only on the average rating but also on the specific reviews given by other users. Some specific remarks can give a better understanding of the firm’s trustworthiness and the level of service they offer.

Also, check for consumer complaints in consumer protection agencies such as the BBB. One or two negative remarks among several positive comments are to be expected but a litany of complaints is alarming. Also, the credibility of the company should also be checked. Find out more here https://www.thecut.com/article/scam-fraud-how-to-protect-yourself.html. 

Compare Quotes 

It’s also essential to secure quotes from a number of different companies. This not only assists you in obtaining an understanding of the market rate, but also aids in the process of flagging suspicious offers. Always be wary of low quotes from various companies that you come across. 

While people like to pinch their pennies to get better deals, quotes that are too low should be considered as smoke and mirrors ploy. They set unreasonably low prices to capture customers and then inflate prices when the car is to be dropped off.

It is important to note that insurance is a compulsory part of auto transport. As it is seen with many companies, although they state that they have a perfect insurance policy, the situation in the actual case may not be all that perfect. 

When choosing a business, ask for a copy of the insurance and check its content with the insurance company. Make sure that the coverage is sufficient to cover the value of your car and that it covers both the physical damages as well as theft. Read more here. 

Avoid Large Upfront Costs

All auto transport companies ask for a deposit, but be cautious if the company demands full payment before transportation. These fraudsters usually request for big sums of money to be paid in advance and then vanish, leaving you with nothing or your car. A reputable company will usually request a reasonable deposit and the balance on delivery of the items.

In case of paying for a product or a service, it is preferable to make the payment using a credit card. Credit cards are a safer option than debit cards or wire transfers. In case of any disagreement, credit card firms are usually in a position to help you reclaim your money.

Read the Contract Carefully

Any reputable auto transport company will give you a contract that outlines all the services to be performed and the time frame. This should cover the pickup and delivery dates, the total cost of the car hire, mode of payment, the cancellation policy and the insurance policy of the car. Always take time to read the contract before signing and make sure that any verbal promises made are in writing.

Watch out for the vagueness or incompleteness of the contracts. These are commonly used by the scammers to bury negative clauses or come up with additional charges at a later date. If there are some points that seem ambiguous or unjust, it is advisable to clarify these issues or demand changes. Before opting for the service, ensure that you agree with all the conditions set.

Check for Hidden Fees 

Extra or hidden charges are another trick that scammers incorporate in their schemes to con people of their hard earned cash. These fees might be hidden in the small print or are only mentioned once you have decided to accept the service. Such extra charges include fuel charges, charges for insurance, any special route or place charges etc.

In order to prevent falling victim to hidden fees, get a quotation that includes all the probable fees. In this case, reputable companies will disclose all the charges, so there will be no surprises. If a company’s representative is unsure or evasive about explaining the hidden fees, then it is best to avoid that company. You need to know what Auto Transport Companies to Avoid in advance. 

A Few Final Words

If you follow these tips, you won’t run into auto transport complications. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so take into account these tips as well as other ones you can find online.