Car Shipping Costs Within the UK: What You Need to Know
Car transportation between two different parts of the UK is not as rare as one may assume. Cars shipping services have proven to be a viable solution to a host of individuals whether they are relocating their homes, buying a vehicle with a seller who is miles away or even sending a car to a family member in a different city. The cost is one of the first things that a person who thinks about this service would like to know. Knowing how much it would cost you to deliver a car in UK is needed to determine your budget allocation but it will also ensure that you become aware of what factors to consider when setting prices and how to select the most suitable mode of transport. Ship Cars Ltd can guide you through each and every step, starting with having your vehicle shipped and ending with having it insured.
What Does Car Shipping in the UK Involve?
It is always good to know what car shipping entails before disaggregating the costs. In the UK, the process of transporting a car is often characterized by the fact that a professional company is engaged to retrieve a car and deliver it to a new address. This may be performed in two principal forms namely; through open car transporter which transports more than one vehicle in a single large lorry or through enclosed carrier which is a little costlier but offers more protection. Other individuals even choose to have the car delivered by a professional driver, which may cause the car to be in a bad condition because it may have traveled some miles.The service aims at sparing owners of the hassle and time of having to drive long distances in and out, and provides vehicles with a secure insured form of transportation.
You may also like to read 10 Mistakes People Make While Shipping Car International.
How Much Does It Typically Cost to Ship a Car Within the UK?
Average cost of transporting a car within the UK is normally between 200 and 600 pounds depending on a number of factors. Shorter trips within the same area will be at the lower end of the scale, whereas long travel, like moving a car between London and Aberdeen, will of course be more expensive.
Enclosed transport is also another factor that elevates the cost because it offers high quality security to valuable, vintage, or luxury vehicles. Although the price is more expensive, most owners believe it is worth the money since it provides security to their cars during the transit.
It should be mentioned that these are average numbers. Most transport companies will offer a quote that is specific to your situation in order to have an accurate cost.
You may also get benefit from reading How To Choose Right Car Shipping Method.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Car Shipping?
Shipment of automobile in the UK is dependent on a mixture of factors. The distance is the most apparent, since longer trips attract more fuel, time and at times accommodation to drivers.
The nature of the vehicle that is being transported is also a consideration. A small hatchback occupies less space on a transporter than does a large SUV or a van. Large-sized cars can be expensive since they will decrease the capacity of the cars to be transported simultaneously.
Another significant factor is the level of service that will be taken. Open transport tends to be cheaper, though, enclosed transport will provide extra assurance to the people who ensure that their vehicles are withheld by the weather conditions and road materials. The cost may also be affected by timing. The company might charge priority service more, in case you require a vehicle to be moved at a high speed or within a very time-sensitive date.
For more details you can read Essential UK Car Shipping Rules You Need to Know.
Is Open Transport Cheaper Than Enclosed Transport?
Open transport is the most cost-effective option to most of the individuals. Cars are loaded on a multi-vehicle carrier and are transported with others and the cost of the trip is distributed among different customers. This renders it the least expensive to use in regular vehicles and ordinary deliveries.
On the other hand, enclosed transport is commonly used by individuals who are transporting valuable, rare and classic cars. Since the car is covered by rain, snow, and other forms of damage, the owners do not hesitate to pay the higher price as a guarantee of the maximum protection.
How Do Companies Calculate Quotes for Car Shipping?
When you seek a quotation of a car transport company in the UK the price is determined based on a number of details. The most evident is the start point and the point of destination since mileages and navigation of route dictate fuel usage and driving time. The make, model and size of the car are taken into consideration since this determines how the car fits in a transporter.
The level of insurance needed is also considered by companies. Basic insurance is typically provided, although increased protection of luxury vehicles may increase the price by a small margin. The nature of the service you demand, be it open, enclosed, or expedited completes the figure you are given.
For more details do read Preparing Your Car for Shipping.
Can Car Shipping Save Money Compared to Driving the Vehicle Yourself?
Whether the cost of using a shipping service is lower than the cost of driving is one of the questions that people tend to ask. Although it might seem that driving will be less expensive, upon factoring fuel, motor way charges, possible accommodation expenditure as well as time lost in the job, the disparity might not be as high as anticipated.
Cargo transportation of a vehicle also minimizes the damage and wear especially when using on long journeys. In the case of valuable cars, it would be more rational to save the extra mileage and potential failure and therefore professional shipping is the way to go at a friendly cost.
What Should You Consider When Choosing a Car Shipping Company?
Other than cost, reliability is important. This is where reviews, coverage of insurance and even the level of customer care always should be checked before committing. An increased cost by a longer-established business might give more comfort than a low price by an unchecked operator.
The UK will have reputable companies that will not be secretive regarding their prices, and will not introduce hidden charges after the car is in transit. Most of them also offer the tracking features, which enable you to determine the location of your car at any one moment in the course.
You may like to read Important Things to Remeber When Shipping a Car.
FAQs
How can you find the most affordable option for shipping a car within the UK?
The approach that is most effective will be to ask at least three companies with good reputations to provide you with a quote and look at the services provided and ensure that you are not compromising on quality in favor of price.
Is it worth paying more for enclosed transport?
In case your car is very expensive or attached, many people are willing to pay the difference knowing that they will have extra protection.
Do prices vary seasonally?
Sometimes, yes. During the summer period or during holiday seasons, there can be increased demand on transport and this can also lead to an increment of prices. Early booking may ensure that one gets a better bargain.
Final Thoughts
Shipment of a car in UK is based on cost depending on the distance covered, type of service, car size and type of protection. Although the average costs are between 200 and 600 pounds, convenience, peace of mind and safety are the things that matter. Professional car shipping to many people is not merely a case of transporting a car to another location, they are about transporting a car to another location in a safe and secure manner and also without any undue stress.With the knowledge on how cost is determined and the right questions, you can make a wise decision that will not cause you to spend more than you can afford but which will still ensure your car receives the service it rightfully deserves.
