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Dare County is one of the most underrated vacation destinations in the United States. Home to two-thirds of North Carolina’s coastline, Dare County is home to the “Outer Banks” — one of the most picturesque vacation and resort areas in the world. It’s a haven for golfers, surfers, retirees, and anybody else looking for some fun in the East Coast sun.

Whether moving to the area for work, a short-term or long-term vacation, or showing off a car at a show, doing your due diligence on enclosed car transport companies in Dare County is essential. Enclosed car transport offers enhanced protection against the elements and road debris, making it a preferred choice for vehicle owners shipping high-value, luxury, classic, and muscle cars. We’re here to help you choose the best transport service for you.

Understanding the Benefits of Enclosed Car Transport

Unlike open car transport, enclosed car shipping shields your car in a fully covered trailer, safeguarding it from inclement weather, dust, debris, and other road hazards. If you have a car valued at $70,000 or more, we recommend enclosed shipping in nearly every circumstance. It’s also the best option for rare vehicles and those with major sentimental value.

Here are some of the key benefits of shipping a car enclosed:

Protection from Weather: Rain, snow, hail, and extreme temperatures can damage your vehicle’s exterior and interior. Enclosed transport is the perfect way to mitigate these concerns.

Protection from Debris: It’s rare, but open car haulers sometimes kick up rocks that crack windshields and dent vehicle exteriors. You can protect your vehicle from such road hazards with the help of an enclosed trailer.

Protection from Theft & Vandalism: Enclosed trailers block your car from sight, enhancing the overall security of your shipment.

Great for Long Distances: Enclosed shipping is a smart option for cross-country car shipments, whether you are moving to another state or buying a collector’s car from across the country.

Great for High-Value Vehicles: 95% of customers use open car transport, and it’s a great option. However, you should consider enclosed if your car is valued at $70,000 or more. Even cars at $50,000+ are often best to ship in a closed trailer.

Key Considerations When Selecting a Car Transport Company

When researching enclosed car transport companies in Dare County, reliability and efficiency should always come first. Let’s look at what you should look for in a transport company:

1. Customer Reviews

Use consumer feedback sites like the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot. Read reviews to get a picture of how the company is perceived by its former and current clients.

2. Enclosed Transport Specialty

Some vehicle shipping companies offer open car shipping only with no means for enclosed services. Be sure to find a company that offers enclosed transport and specializes in the discipline.

3. Licensing and Insurance

Ensure the company is registered with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You run the risk of getting scammed by an unlicensed company.

4. Customer Service Approach

Call multiple enclosed car transport companies or chat with their associates via their websites. Note which companies are trying to push you into a sale and which put you first and listen to your needs.

5. Cost Calculator

Avoid hidden fees by requesting a detailed quote upfront. Use an on-site car transport cost calculator and compare quotes between companies. A customer service rep should inform you about additional fees for expedited shipping, special handling, or oversized vehicles.

Preparing Your Vehicle for a Safe Journey

Clients choose enclosed vehicle shipping for the convenience and protection it provides. You don’t have to do much to ship a car professionally in Dare County, but there are a few things you should do to get your vehicle prepared for transport.

1. Clean Your Vehicle

Clean your vehicle inside and out, paying special attention to areas with preexisting damage. Take multiple photos and compare notes with your driver during your pickup and delivery inspections.

2. Remove Personal Items

Most enclosed car transport companies ask you to remove personal items from inside the vehicle before shipping. This is a liability issue since belongings are usually not covered by a company’s cargo insurance policy.

3. Check Battery Charge

Test your battery and replace it if necessary. If your vehicle is currently in non-operational condition, inform the transport company. Your driver will need special tools like a winch and/or a liftgate to load and offload it.

4. Check Fluid Levels

Top off all essential vehicle fluids and check for any leaks.

5. Disable Alarms and Toll Devices

Turn off your alarms and disable toll devices to prevent unnecessary headaches.

6. Talk to Your Driver

Your driver should contact you around 24 hours before pickup and delivery. Decide on your meeting spots and adjust if your locations are not legally or safely accessible by truck.

Financial Planning for Vehicle Transportation

The cost of enclosed car transport companies isn’t as prohibitive as you might think. Shipping a car isn’t much more expensive than the combined expenditures of driving a car yourself. You don’t have to pay for lodging, food, gas, and associated maintenance.

However, you still need to budget smartly to get the right deal for your enclosed shipping needs. Here’s how:

1. Schedule in Advance

You’ll get a better deal from enclosed car transport companies when you give them time to work with. This helps them survey driver availability and overall demand to find you an affordable, workable shipping solution.

2. Look into Multi-Car Discounts

If you’re shipping multiple cars to Dare County at once, you may be able to get a bundle discount. Ask about multi-vehicle deals and try to coordinate shipping to save money.

3. Pick the Offseason

Dare County is chock full of vacationers in the spring and summer. During that time, consumer demand for car shipping is extremely high and prices often follow. Consider shipping your car to the area outside of peak seasons (including the holidays) to save money.

4. Use Multiple Cost Calculators

Visit multiple websites and look for ones that offer comprehensive on-site quote calculators. Some companies allow you to save quotes for seven days while you shop around.

Navigating the Logistics of Long-Distance Moves

If you’re relocating to Dare County or purchasing a vehicle from another state, the logistics of car transportation may feel daunting. However, it’s much easier to tackle the logistics by knowing the following:

1. Understand Driver Schedules

Truckers can only drive eleven hours at a time with breaks. Most truckers cover around 500 miles per da

2. Delivery Options

You can choose between door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal shipping for enclosed transport. Terminal-to-terminal is cheaper, but door-to-door shipping offers better value with its convenience and customer-first approach.

3. Coordination with Dealers or Sellers

If you’re purchasing a vehicle, ensure the transport company coordinates directly with the seller to facilitate pickup and delivery.

4. Understanding Insurance Coverage

Confirm that the transport company’s insurance covers any potential damages during transit. You may also want to check if your personal auto insurance provides additional coverage.

5. Consider Your Plans

If you need a car delivered to Dare County at a specific time, schedule ahead and build in time for delays. If you have a concrete delivery need, wiggle room is often necessary to ensure you get the car when you need it.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right enclosed car transport companies in Dare County requires careful consideration of reputation, pricing, and overall service quality. There’s so much to see, from the jaw-dropping beaches, to family attractions, to famous landmarks. Enclosed car transport services protect your vehicle on its journey, ensuring it is in its original condition by the time it arrives in North Carolina.