Media post: What to Check Before Hiring a Car Exporter in the UK
Considering the UK is home to some of the best luxury and sports car manufacturers around the world, it comes as little to no shock to us that many car enthusiasts across the globe are tying up with car exporters in the UK for assistance with getting their hands on their favorite Rolls-Royce, McLaren, Jaguar, etc. If you’re looking to do the same but are unsure about whom to do business with, here’s a breakdown of what you must look for in a luxury car exporter in the UK.
Things to Check Before Hiring a UK Car Exporter
1. Is the Car Exporter Legitimate?
The very first thing to check is whether the exporter is completely legitimate. Some lack the same level of professionalism as others. So, before you make any commitments, verify that the company is registered and compliant with UK export regulations. A reliable luxury car exporter should have:
– A registered company number (check with Companies House).
– A valid EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number is required if they handle customs processes.
– VAT registration which is essential for dealing with overseas transactions.
– Membership in professional organisations like the British International Freight Association (BIFA) or the Institute of Export & International Trade.
2. Check Their Experience with Luxury Cars
Not all exporters are equipped to handle high-end vehicles, which should automatically disqualify them from your list. We’re working under the assumption that you’re looking to export high-end vehicles here. Look for those that:
– Specialise in dealing with luxury and supercar exports with a proven track record of success.
– Have familiarity with the special paperwork and transport requirements some cars need.
– Have reliable customer feedback—check reviews on Google, Trustpilot, or other forums to learn about the company.
Red Flag: An exporter who mainly deals with budget cars may not understand the nuances of luxury vehicle shipping.
3. Transparency in Pricing and Fees
In the car export business, hidden costs are often slapped on later at a point of no return. Again, a major red flag. Before signing anything, ask for a detailed breakdown of all fees, including but not limited to:
– Shipping costs
– Customs duties and VAT
– Storage and handling fees
– Insurance coverage
All reputable companies are straightforward and transparent about the fees their clients are liable to pay, so do not settle for less.
4. Shipping and Handling Methods
A true luxury car exporter like GVE London won’t just offer a single mode of transportation because they understand different vehicles require different types of shipping. Tie-up with the ones that let you choose between RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off), container shipping, and air freight. All shipping methods should be available, though container shipping is most commonly used.
5. Customs Clearance and Documentation
One of the things that makes car exportation so complicated is the sheer amount of paperwork involved. Messing these up can result in delays, fines, or worse—vehicle seizure. A car exporter in the UK worth their salt should be able to handle:
– The Bill of Lading (proof of shipment).
– The Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is required by the destination country.
– The Export Certificate (V5C/4) issued by the DVLA.
– Customs declarations and import duty payments for the destination country.
6. After-Sales Support and Tracking
A reliable exporter won’t vanish into thin air just because your car is now on the ship. They’ll stick around till the end. Proactive exporters provide shipment tracking as well as updates on customs clearance. So, before signing and getting into a deal with an exporter, ask if they offer:
– Live tracking or updates throughout the export process.
– Assistance with import registration in the destination country.
– A dedicated contact person for post-sale queries.
7. Insurance and Risk Protection
Remember, insurance matters a lot more than you think here. Some shipping companies by default ask you to opt for insurance during transit, but these plans aren’t always the best. Make sure to get the comprehensive package so everything is covered, including total loss, damage, or theft. It is your decision whether you want the comprehensive coverage package or not, but your exporter should give you the option to opt for it. If an exporter downplays the importance of insurance, consider it a red flag.
Conclusion
Hiring the right car exporter in the UK can be a taxing decision, considering the product here—the luxury or supercar—is quite expensive. So, one must do everything they can, from verifying credentials to understanding shipping methods and fees. Every detail matters before selecting an exporter. Go with one that is experienced and transparent. That way, your car will arrive safely, legally, and without unnecessary stress.
