Auto Transport Payment Options

What are Auto Transport Payment Options?

So you've decided to find an auto transport service to relocate your vehicle. Good choice! But you may be wondering how their payment options work. Since the vast majority of auto transport transactions are done online these days, you will most likely have to arrange payment over the Internet. If you're new to this, you may feel a bit nervous about providing your financial information over the Internet, but don't worry.

Here's some information about the auto transport payment options that are available to you:

Most Common Payment Options

Auto hauling companies try to be as accommodating as possible to customers in terms of the types of payment that they accept. However, you may be surprised to learn that paying by credit or debit card may not be an option at every step of the transaction.

You will be able to pay with a credit or debit card at the initial stage. When you book your auto transport, you will have to pay a deposit in most instances, though some auto transport companies will allow you to pay the full fee upfront. This deposit can be paid by credit or debit card, though other options include a cashier's check or even cash if they have offices that you can physically visit. Bank transfers and personal checks are also possible, depending on the particular auto transport company's policies.

Here's where it gets a bit more complicated. Once your vehicle has been delivered, assuming that you've paid just a deposit up until this point, you will have to pay the rest of the balance. However, unlike at the initial stage, many auto-hauling companies do not allow you to pay with a debit or credit card for the remaining balance. Instead, you will have to pay by cashier's check or cash in most instances.

There are two main reasons for why this is so, which are:

• Auto transport companies want to avoid fraudulent claims about credit cards or debit cards. If a customer were to open a dispute with their bank, the auto transport company could have the payment taken away from them.
• By accepting only cash or cashier's check, auto transport companies are able to avoid the processing fees that they would have to pay by accepting credit or debit cards. These fees can vary, but in most cases, they average between 2% to 4% of the balance. Over time, this adds up to significant amounts for the auto transport company and can have a major impact on their yearly profit.

Be Wary of Scams

Always check the relocating company out on sites such as Better Business Bureau, located at www.bbb.org. Never give up your personal financial information, including your social security number. For the most part, companies are honest, as there is too much exposure for them to commit fraud. Nonetheless, it's smart to err on the side of caution.

A-1 Auto Transport allows for flexible payment options and will happily answer any of your payment-related questions. Contact us today to start the process!