Shipping a luxury vehicle can often feel like risky business. But with 75% of all cars sold on eBay in 2009 going across state borders to reach their buyer, this need is becoming increasingly common. Luxury car owners invest a great deal of time and money in the care and maintenance of their cars; the process of luxury auto shipping should be no different.

While many are tempted to personally transport their car, choosing auto shipping will save you a great deal of money and time, as well as provide the safety precautions necessary to keep your luxury car safe during the long and arduous journey.

If you’re a luxury car owner that is seeking to safely transport your vehicle, consider these enclosed transport tips that will help to keep your vehicle in the pristine condition that it was in originally.

Tip No. I: Enclosed Shipping is the Way to Go
For luxury car transport, you will most likely want to choose a company that offers enclosed shipment options. This means that your car will be completely enclosed for the entirety of the journey, protecting it from the elements and other outdoor dangers. Regardless of the weather, enclosed transport will ensure that your car is protected from debris, snow, rain, extreme heat, and all of the other unexpected factors that unenclosed shipping may offer.

Tip No. II: Find an Auto Shipping Company That You Can Trust:
In the United States alone, the car transport industry is worth a little over $10 billion. That being said, there is an auto transport company out there that is right for you. The right prospect should be transparent about shipping policies, and should answer all of your questions clearly and honestly. Look for a high volume car shipping company that has a great deal of experience with all types of vehicles. For references and reviews, ask the shipping company directly for one positive review, one negative review, and one review where they accommodated to a client’s needs.

Tip No. III: Prepare Your Vehicle Accordingly
Although some companies allow you to keep up to 100 pounds of personal items in your vehicle, the majority of auto transport companies do not allow it, and for good reason. Before shipping your car, read the transport company’s preparation checklist, and be sure to clear the interior of your car of any and all items. Not only are they liable to getting lost, but one short stop could send a harmless item flying into your windshield. As far as fuel goes, check the company’s expectations, but the fuel level should be a little under half full.