HAVE YOUR ACCIDENTED CAR TRANSPORTED

What are the possible solutions when you need to have your damaged car transported?

Many Italian drivers are registered members of the ACI (Automobil Club Italia). The roadside assistance service for cars, motorcycles, campers that takes place both on ordinary roads and motorways in Italy and in Europe 24/24h. This service implies, for the members, that, in the event of a road accident or vehicle breakdown, the towing or transport service of the vehicle is provided free of charge within a radius of 20 to 50 km at the nearest ACI center or a garage within the range described. Each kilometer in excess of the identified radius will be quoted according to the rates reserved for members.

Many others enter into insurance contracts on their cars that provide for the provision of similar services already included in the insurance premium. This is because insurance companies have for some time activated agreements with medium-large companies specialized in roadside assistance. Obviously, the advisability of taking out a roadside assistance policy must be assessed on the basis of the real danger of your car being broken down (so it is not always the most convenient solution).

In any case, after the end of the rescue operations, the vehicle is transferred to a safe area. If the accident / damage occurred near a motorway, most likely, the car will be taken to a depot near motorway exits. Or, at best, in the nearest repair shop.

At that point it will be necessary to decide whether to repair the car at the estimated cost (often very high) or whether to transfer the car at your own expense to the trusted body shop hoping to cover the cost of the transfer with the savings ensured by the clientelist relationship (also in this eventuality it will be necessary to contact a transport company enabled for this type of transport and certified).

In reality, there are other opportunities as well. Let's see which ones.

ACCIDENTED OR NON-RUNNING CAR. DIFFERENT INCIDENCE OF QUOTATIONS

First of all, it is necessary to clarify whether it is an accidented or non-running car.

There are several cases in which we could find ourselves with a broken down car. From simple car malfunctions to a myriad of other mechanical problems. The dashboard warning lights often warn of the existence of generic problems and do not provide a valid diagnostic aid.

And then, at the first signs of:

• Leaks of liquids that could have a coolant function, or be used to keep the engine within operating temperatures;
• Suspicious noises that could concern small pieces worn by time or by the many kilometers traveled;
• Loss of lubricants which have the function of guaranteeing the correct functioning of the engine or brakes or, again, of the steering;
• Gearbox/clutch problems, naturally subject to wear;

It is advisable to stop the car and book an intervention in the mechanical workshop.

When you do not notice the signals, or ignore them and, simply, the intervention is delayed, breakage or damage to one or more mechanical or electromechanical systems can be generated, even in a short time.

Here, without even realizing it, you can find yourself in the middle of traffic on your way to work or, even worse, during your holidays at the forced stop of the vehicle, without having incurred in any accident.

In these cases, we speak of vehicles that are no longer running.

Even for non-marching vehicles, even if with appropriate distinctions from those affected by accidents, the transport procedure assumes different connotations, both quantitative and qualitative, because special lifting, positioning and safety equipment must be used for transport on car transporters.

Accident car transport. When should it be repaired?

In 2021 in Italy, the data on road accidents are unfortunately increasing compared to the previous two years. The data is obviously influenced by the fact that in the years affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, the circulation of vehicles in Italy, as in the rest of the world, for obvious reasons of containment of infections has significantly reduced.

In any case, according to Istat data, the trend is progressing. There are fewer and fewer accidents and there are fewer and fewer casualties and injuries.

However, not all accidents are the same and the cost of repairs can vary depending on the mechanical and/or bodywork component involved.

Therefore, it will not be convenient to proceed with the repair in the following cases:

• The repair cost to be faced is higher than the value of the vehicle. If a lot of time has passed since the year of registration, the car has considerably lost value and it will not be convenient to incur high costs for a vehicle that is now not in demand. Furthermore, if the car is dated, it would be more expensive to find spare parts for repair;
• Repair does not guarantee an optimal recovery. Damages affecting the chassis or mechanical parts are the most serious and no one can guarantee the restoration of perfect vehicle efficiency both in terms of performance, stability and safety;
• The car is very worn. An aspect that should not be underestimated is the level of wear of the vehicle, if by now you have exceeded 150.000/200.000 kilometers or has already undergone previous repairs, following other accidents, it is advisable to replace it with a used car but in a better condition.

In these cases, it happens that you find yourself with a car with which you really don't know what to do. But the ideal solution is not always to scrap it because it is still possible to earn something.

On the web there is a parallel market for crashed cars where vehicles that are no longer worth repairing are sold. Until a few years ago, the destiny of these cars was scrapping (with full cost coverage) or exchange at the dealership in the form of a "discount" on the purchase of a new car.

In practice, to take advantage of the state benefits on the purchase of a new car, one would collect one's car for the purpose of scrapping. In reality, the amount of the “scrapping discount” almost always ended up equivalent to the discount that the Dealer would have applied on purchases of new cars in any case.

Today, however, there are numerous companies that buy cars in this state to resell them abroad, to repair them or to disassemble them and resell the parts of the engine and bodywork that are still in good condition.

Having found an agreement with the buyer, the problem that remains to be solved is the transfer of the car to its destination. Cost, the latter, which could also be incorporated in the terms of the agreement.

If the contract/agreement with the company purchasing the car does not provide for the transfer of the vehicle, it will be necessary to contact a company that carries out the transport of damaged cars.

Transport with a car transporter, even for the transport of a damaged or non-driving car, arises precisely from this need. And today it is the simplest and most affordable solution for both professionals and individuals. In addition to being more comfortable, flexible and convenient for transporting your vehicle for both national and international routes.

But how much will the transport cost? What will be the procedure to be followed? And, above all, who to contact?

ACCIDENTED CAR WITHDRAWAL: PROCEDURE AND FEATURES OF THE SERVICE

In the case of a simple engine failure or other mechanical malfunctions that do not cause damage to the bodywork and that are more or less easily repairable, facing economically sustainable costs, it will be advisable to think about who to contact for transport to your trusted garage.

What is the procedure for the Transport Order?

Let's immediately clarify that transporting a non-running car requires specialized professionals and a specific truck for the transport of motor vehicles. The car transporter is one of these, when the transporters are in compliance with all the necessary authorizations and insurance.

To request a transport quote and consequently determine the amount that will have to be spent for the transport to be completed, it will be necessary to provide the Company contacted with some basic information.

In general, you will be asked for information on:

• Brand, Model and Type of the accident vehicle
• Extent of damage
• Place of the accident and therefore of collection of the vehicle
• Delivery address
• Personal informations
• Considerations on service constraints and desired delivery times.

In fact, the price can significantly vary, based on various factors. In general, we can say that the main factors that influence the cost of car transport are:

• Distance to be covered and chosen route
• City of collection and delivery
• Type and size of the car
• National or international transport
• Flexibility in delivery dates.

Moreover, when it is necessary to estimate the cost of transporting non-running cars, the price is subject to a further increase to cover the rental or depreciation costs of the machinery necessary to lift the car both during loading and unloading.

Therefore, the only way to reduce cost increases, and save money, will be to grant greater flexibility in the dates of collection but, above all, of delivery.

Accidented car transport. Methods and characteristics of the service

At the outset, it remains of fundamental importance to drive carefully, avoid using the phone while driving or take a trip if you are particularly tired or under the influence of alcohol.

As it remains essential to know who to contact for the collection of a damaged car.

The crashed car collection service is not a type of transport that all bisarchists carry out, because on the one hand, a crashed car is a fragile car. For this reason, if it is transported in precarious conditions, the damage already present could worsen considerably during movement.

On the other hand, a crashed car is a potential source of danger. Its transport must be carried out respecting a precise procedure. This is particularly true for the preparation phase of the car for transport. During this phase, the crashed vehicle must be deprived of all dangerous elements: batteries, fuel, etc.

This type of transport also requires the use of tools for loading and unloading. That is why in these conditions, the transport company must have:

• High-performance vehicles, machinery and equipment, even more so when the vehicle's engine is out of order or if the impact of the accident caused major damage;
• Human and professional resources of experience capable of intervening in critical situations;
• Guarantee systems. Because it will have to operate in full compliance with the insurance conditions, according to a specific schedule and carrying out well-disciplined procedures for recovery.

The precautions to be taken in case of transport of an accidented car

From the transporter's point of view, in the collection and delivery of damaged or non-running vehicles, it is necessary that all necessary precautions and suitable measures are taken to avoid damage to vehicles and, above all, to third parties. Should they occur, the carrier remains solely responsible, unless he proves that he has adopted all the measures and legal obligations provided for.

From the user's point of view, it is certain that, after an accident or in the event of a car no longer running, the driver of the vehicle must ascertain the actual situation of the car and remember to detail the general condition of the vehicle before carrying out the 'transport order. He can, if necessary, also resort to photographic surveys that unequivocally certify the consistency of the damage and give rise to a reliable estimate of the possibilities of loading on the transporter.

The reason for the importance of the detection is that, where it is not possible to normally load the car on the car transporter, or on other suitable means, it will be necessary to have equipment for lifting, for the safety of the vehicle. In addition to suitable personnel, even in number, for the use of slings, chains and steel ropes for dragging to the most suitable position of the vehicle on the car transporter, and the same thing must happen at the time of unloading.

In addition, if the car was left, partially or completely, without windows, windshield or rear window, or even without the roof, before the withdrawal, it will be necessary to cover it with water-repellent sheets to prevent further damage to the passenger compartment during transport. Anticipating these conditions, during the booking phase, will facilitate the staff to equip themselves with the appropriate tools for the best intervention and the staff in charge of budgeting not to make calculation errors on the variables involved.

In case of omission of the real conditions, accepted the service, the subsequent organization of the same will involve greater times and costs that are difficult to estimate.

This is why, for the best transport planning, it is essential that the transporter is made aware of the real conditions of the vehicle to be transported, already in the quote request phase.

TRANSPORT OF AN ACCIDENTED CAR WITH TRASAUTO LOGISTICA

Trasauto Logistica has been dealing with the transport of damaged and non-running cars for over 40 years, customizing the service according to the different needs and with ad hoc designed solutions.

This is why it is already necessary to understand, with the maximum degree of detail, the actual state of the car even by means of photographic surveys during the request for a quote. In order to better adapt the transport both in terms of the professionalism of the human resources employed and in terms of safety and guarantees.

Often, to avoid the costs of transport with car transporters, we end up relying on improvised organizations that promise cheaper solutions for the lack of commitment of professionals. But this is highly inadvisable, as it not only risks causing greater damage to the condition of the cars but also endangering third parties during transport.

For years, our service has allowed us to transport non-runningg cars throughout Italy and abroad with very short delivery times and with highly qualified administrative support.

If you need to transport your accidented car, just fill out our contact form. The staff will quickly draw up a detailed quotation to determine the amount that you will spend so that the transport is completed safely and with maximum efficiency.

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Or, for personalized assistance, you can call the offices in Italy at: +39 (0)828 1818161

Or request more information also by e-mail: info@trasauto.com