Any car transporter trailer should be fitted with a hitch that includes an overrun brake mechanisim. Make sure that this mechanism is functioning correctly (Not Seized) and keep it well lubricated.
When choosing a car transport or breakdown recovery service it is important not to assume that the cheapest is best!
There are two main pitfalls that could end up leaving you out of pocket or worse still, without a car.
Firstly you need to be aware of the weight of your vehicle. Many smaller car transporters and recovery trucks are limited to a Gross weight of 3.5 tonnes. If the recovery truck weights 2 tonnes and your car weights 1.6 tonnes that means that the gross weight will be 3.6 tonnes. If the truck is stopped and weighed and found to be overweight your car may be impounded. You may then find yourself with impound charges and the cost of having your car recovered from the impound yard!
Secondly, there are a number of operators offering car recovery and transportation services who do not have all the necessary insurance to fully cover their liabilities in the event of an accident. This does not mean that they are operating illegally but it does mean that in the event of an accident repairs to your car may not be covered. See the Insurance page to get an idea of the different policies available.
Needless to say, most of the big operators such as the AA, GreenFlag, RAC etc and larger regional recovery companies will have all the facilities and insurance in place to ensure that your vehicle is delivered safely and fully insured to its destination. See our Recovery Services and Operators page for links and descriptions of the services they offer.
The following checklist should give you an idea of the questions you should ask any car delivery company prior to agreeing to hand over the keys to your pride and joy.