Top 5 Car Moving Tips For Winter

If you’re moving interstate, you’ve probably already consider hiring professional removalists. But what about when it comes to your car? Your vehicle is going to have to get from A to B somehow!

While summer may be the favoured time of year to move house, winter can actually be a much better time for shipping your car. As fewer people choose to relocate in winter, there can be less competition for the services of car shipping companies, resulting in cheaper prices and quicker service.

1. Allow more time

While shipping in winter can be used to your advantage, the winter weather can make things slow down a whole lot in the car industry. If your car is going to be transported through an area that has snow, it’s important to remember that those snowy roads can be very dangerous to maneuver, and road visibility is often poor. In some areas, main roads may not be accessible, and drivers may need to take alternate routes. This results in drivers having to take every safety precaution to drive slowly and pause for breaks. This can draw out the transit process and push back your timeline. These are important factors to take into account when planning the relocation of your car.

Typically, domestic delivery can take up to four weeks and international delivery can take up to eight weeks – that’s in good weather. However, in the middle of winter, you should expect this to take a little longer. When planning out your timeline, you should make precautionary preparations, just in case your car doesn’t arrive when you expect it to.

2. Do your research

When it comes to choosing the shipping company to move your car it’s important to do plenty of research. What is meant to be an exciting time moving home can easily turn sour if your car arrives damaged, or if you have to deal with difficult service. Therefore, finding a quality transporter should be at the top of your moving to-do list. The first place to look is to talk to family and friends to see if they have any suggestions. The next best place to research is to scour the internet for companies near your location, and to read testimonials, Google reviews and Facebook reviews from past customers. You’ll also want to make note of reviews that specifically mention moving during winter, as this will give you the best idea of what you can expect. Lastly, request quotes either online or over the phone. This will give you a realistic idea of pricing, and help you factor the cost into your budget.

3. Check your insurance

It’s very likely that the shipping company you choose will have its own insurance included, and it’s important that you are aware of what this entails. Some companies won’t include comprehensive insurance, and you could be liable if any damage occurs to your car. You shouldn’t just rely on the shipping company’s assurance alone. You should also check on your own car insurance to make sure you have the right type of cover for transporting a car across the country.

4. Set aside extra money

While winter can be a cheaper time to send your car across the country, it can also be much more expensive if a significant weather event occurs. If a lot of car accidents have happened recently, some car shipping companies will increase their prices. You also need to be aware that fluctuating petrol prices can impact the price of shipping your car too. As there are so many variables, it’s important to set aside extra money than you think you will need. This will ensure you don’t get any nasty surprises when it comes to shipping time – your bank account will thank you!

5. Request a quote

Most car shipping companies won’t publish a year-round rate on their website, so the best way to find out how much it will cost during winter is to request a quote. As we’ve already mentioned, do your research first, and then request costs. And remember, cost shouldn’t be your only deciding factor. Sometimes the more pricey option will be the one that ensures your car arrives quickly and safely at its destination.