Imagine buying a world-class painting at a prestigious auction. You now belong to a finite number of people who own unparalleled valuables. Since the painting is almost priceless, you don’t want it stuffed inside a bag, dumped into a trunk, and then sent back to your place, right?

That’s what it feels like to ship an exotic car. It’s not easy having one in your possession. Considering the price alone, you know your car is special. Even the tiniest scratch would be enough to make you go crazy. Understandable.

When it comes to shipping your car, learning how auto transport works will come a long way in making sure that your car arrives safely in perfect condition.

Below are eight important facts to know when it comes to transporting exotic vehicles.

1. Carrier Type Makes a Difference

There are many ways to transport a car, but only a few works for exotic vehicles. If you’re on a tight budget (though you’re probably not since you can afford a luxury car), you can opt for an open trailer. Keep in mind that this is the worst possible option for a vehicle of rare quality. Open-air carriers have no roof or walls, offering little to no protection against various weather elements. Not to mention that your auto will most likely be crammed together with other vehicles.

On the other hand, if you’re keen on ensuring your car’s safety, you have two more options:

Single Car Enclosed Carrier

This is the most secure mode of land transport for an exotic car. Of course, it comes at a higher price. Basically, your vehicle will be the only passenger in the carrier. It’s like having a whole restaurant to yourself. What makes this service great is that there’s no risk of your car bumping into other vehicles in the vicinity.

Multi-Car Enclosed Carrier

As the name says, it’s the exact opposite of the option above. Although a shipping company normally takes precautions to make sure the cars don’t ram into each other, you can never be too sure. On top of that, it might take a while for the cargo to arrive. Still, this method works fine, just a bit riskier.

 2. Air Freight for Overseas

When it comes to security, air transport is obviously the king. But to be honest, you’ll only want to use this service when you’re shipping a car from overseas. Other than that, there’s a wide array of reputable auto transport companies that can deliver your vehicle across the country.

 3. Don’t Settle for Less

Keep it real. Cheap usually means subpar or mediocre quality. Not that it’s terrible but more like inadequate. That’s why worrying about the transport cost won’t do you any good. Most of the time, lower rates result in unsatisfactory service or worse, the car ends up damaged. You don’t want that to happen, do you? So you need to understand that top-tier auto transport companies provide premium services that don’t come off cheap. In return, you can rest assured that your auto is in good hands. Besides, if you’ve got enough money to buy a luxury car, then it makes no sense why you won’t go to extreme lengths to protect its value.

4. You’ll Need Special Insurance

Regular car insurance might not be enough to cover your luxury car when things go south. That’s why it’s best to secure multiple indemnities.

Here are some things to consider when getting insurance for an exotic vehicle:

• Equipped with powerful engines, sports cars demand more value for insurances. Plus, being fast means they’re more prone to accidents.
• Foreign cars will cost you more to insure since some parts may not be readily available within your region.
• With their expensive price tags, exotic vehicles attract thieves. You will need to secure theft insurance coverage to protect your car from jacking, pillage, and vandalism.

It’s no surprise that you want the best for your car. One can never tell what might happen down the road. Getting insurances might seem hefty, but it goes a long way in safeguarding your vehicle’s value and integrity.

 5. Car Model Matters

Hierarchy exists even in the higher classes of the automobile world. Some luxury cars are more expensive. Others are extraordinarily rare, while a small number exists as the only one of their kind. Remember that the vehicle model will have an impact on the final price. Rare autos cost more to transport. It never hurts to know what to expect.

 6. Check the Legitimacy of a Company

Fraud comes in many forms and attacks various industries. The car shipping business is no exception to that. It might seem impossible, but shipping scams do happen. Research a potential company beforehand to avoid disastrous situations.

• Check if the company is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA).
• Read customer reviews.
• Do a background check on the driver of your vehicle’s carrier.
• Examine the contract before you sign it.

Damage to an exotic vehicle can be rather expensive to repair. Nonetheless, it’s not only about the price but the value. You want to make sure that the company you hire knows what it’s doing.

 7. Inspect the Trailer

Prior to shipping, it’s wise to examine the condition of the trailer that will haul your car during transit. It’ll get rid of any anxiety that’s nestling at your peace of mind during the process. Check the lift gates to ensure that it won’t come in contact with your car during loading.

8. Hire a Company to Help You

If you’re too busy to do some research on the best companies offering exotic car transport, it’s a great idea to hire a trusted company to find you one. Although it might cost a bit more, it’ll be nothing compared to the time and effort that you’re probably going to save. On top of that, you don’t have to worry about getting scammed as well. What more can you ask for?