Avoid these Auto Transport mistakes

Do not rely on any verbal promises from your auto transport company. What ever is promised, make sure it is written on paper for reference. After you sign your contract, your transport company will always refer you to the contract for any complaints you may have, including cost to cancel your shipment.
Verify company’s license. You've got to find out if the company you are going to deal with is licensed or not. Ask them a question: "Are you licensed?" Let them quote the license number for you and then you double check.
Ask for references and call them. Ask the company to give you names or contacts of their clients. A company with a great record is always proud to refer you to satisfied customers. If they are hesitant, that's a signal that they might be hiding their poor service.
Ask their insurance certificate because every vehicle transport company must have one. It's your right to know anyhow before you commit your vehicle into the auto transport company.
Call your insurance company or agent for a brief such that you know all the details of what is really covered during transit. Double check to make sure that you have the necessary policy in place. If anything happens to your car which is not covered by the car shipping company, then you will be in trouble.
Remove any personal items from your car. It will not be covered by insurance. In case of anything, be it vandalism, theft or damage of such items, you lose out.
Check your vehicle status before pickup. Normally auto transport company will inspect your vehicle before loading. Make sure you are there to ensure that the correct status of your vehicle is recorded. Take pictures if you can because this would prove even more authoritative.
Never accept your vehicle at night or at a location that does not permit you easy access to inspect all parts of your car. Without being viewed and signed by the driver, you have little recourse if damage had occurred during transit.
In case of any damage, make sure it is recorded on the condition report (bill of lading) and get the driver to sign it. Once this is done, then you can contact the car transport company for reimbursement or compensation.