6 Tips for Shipping Your Car to College

You’re probably buzzing with excitement at the thought of heading back to college after the summer holidays.

But there’s one thing that’s bothering you: Do you come along with your car or not?

It’s an important consideration! If you aren’t living on campus, you’ll likely need your car because you’ll be a commuter student.

Or maybe you plan to work and study at the same time. Or you want to be able to drive home every time you feel like it.

Regardless of the reason, having a car in college comes with a lot of conveniences.

If the distance is an issue because you live far from college, don’t fret. You can ship your car with the help of car shipping companies.

Here are six important tips to ensure the successful shipping of your car:

1. Notify Your Car Insurance Provider

Notifying your insurance provider of the new location where the vehicle will be kept is important to ensure maximum coverage in the likelihood of a mishap or theft.

If the car is already covered, it will stay that way, as long as the student’s permanent address while at campus remains the family residence. This is usually the best course and definitely the simplest.

2. Prepare Your Car

Once you’ve found a reputable car moving company, don’t just hand over your vehicle blindly. You need to prepare.

First, undertake the following important steps:

Note down the existing condition of your car. You can have it written down or take photos. Also, note down the mileage on your car’s odometer as well as the fluid levels. The car mover should add their signature to this at pick-up.
Do not leave any of your belongings inside the car. You don’t want anything getting lost or stolen. The only thing you should leave in the car is copies of the car registration plus insurance papers. Ideally, place them in the glove compartment.
Disable your car alarm system.
Don’t leave a full gas tank on your car. Remember, the heavier the car, the higher the overall shipping cost. So, have about ¼ tank of gas left. This will ultimately make your car lighter.

3. Delivery Date

Ascertain the day you have to report to campus. Then, add a day or two for delivery of your car. You don’t want to meet the car mover on the same day you’re reporting back to school.

The first day will get chaotic, so don’t give yourself more stress.

4. Student Discounts

There are several price breaks that benefit student drivers. In fact, most major carriers offer discounts to full-time college students under the age of 25 or 23.

However, you must show proof of your academic status and accomplishments.

Based on the shipping company, that might mean attaining a GPA of 3.0 or grade B and a letter signed by your college’s administrator corroborating your grades.

Savings may range between 10% and 20%. You may also benefit if you become a member of particular organizations, sororities, or societies in school.

5. Door-to-Door Shipping or Nearest Terminal?

Ideally, you want your car shipped right to your college parking lot. However, your campus might not allow a 60-foot truck pulling up at the parking lot to drop off your vehicle.

So, make the necessary confirmation with the college before drop-off. The other alternative would be locating the nearest terminal for drop-off, which could also save you money.

6. Use Open Carrier Car Transport

As a full-time college student, chances are your budget is stretched to the limit with your student loans being utilized through semester tuition and books. And you might not have the time to do a side job.

So, the most economical alternative for shipping your vehicle is open carrier service.

Though this may leave your car vulnerable to the elements, any damage may be covered by insurance, and it will be worth the savings.