Common Mistakes People Make When Transporting Their Vehicles — And How to Avoid Them

Avoid These Costly Mistakes When Shifting Your Car or Bike

If you’re planning to transport your car or bike across India, it’s important to know the common mistakes people make when relocating vehicles — especially if you’re only moving a single item and not your entire home. Whether you’re sending your two-wheeler to another city for college or relocating a car for work, vehicle transport in India can be tricky if you’re unprepared.

From not inspecting the vehicle before handover to choosing the wrong type of carrier, small oversights can lead to delays, damage, or unnecessary costs. This guide will walk you through the top 5 pitfalls people often fall into when using a car or bike shifting service, and how to avoid them.

By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what to do to ensure your vehicle reaches its destination safely — without stress or surprises.

Mistake 1: Not Inspecting or Documenting the Vehicle Before Handover

Memory fades. Photos don’t.
Many skip the most basic step: documenting their vehicle’s condition before it hits the road.

Here’s what you should photograph:

📸 Area	✅ Why It Matters
Front, back, both sides	Shows existing dents or scratches
Tyres	Notes wear and tear
Dashboard	Odometer + fuel reading
Close-ups	Any pre-existing damage

💡 Pro Tip: Use a timestamped photo app for added credibility.

Avoid it by:

Making a simple pre-move checklist

Asking for a written condition report from your transporter

Mistake 2: Skipping the Research on the Transport Provider

Looks legit. Sounds convincing. Isn’t.

The market is flooded with middlemen and fake listings. They promise low prices. They deliver high regret.

Red Flags to Watch:

No GST number or business license

Vague answers about insurance

No office address or customer support

Avoid it by:

Reading verified reviews

Checking for fleet ownership (not just brokering)

Asking for insurance proof

Relocate Xpress offers documented inspections and a verified fleet network — always worth checking before committing.

Mistake 3: Leaving Loose Items in the Vehicle

It’s tempting. You’re moving anyway. Why not stuff a few boxes in the trunk?

Because those boxes may:

Shift during transport

Crack windshields

Or worse — go missing

And here’s the kicker: Transport insurance rarely covers personal items.

Avoid it by:

Emptying glove boxes and boot space

Removing gadgets, chargers, and accessories

Treating the vehicle like a suitcase on a flight: nothing loose

Mistake 4: Misunderstanding Open vs Enclosed Carrier Options

Would you drive your Bentley through a dust storm?

Yet many owners unknowingly opt for open carriers, exposing their car or bike to:

• • Rain
  • Dust
  • Stone chips
  • Highway grime

Open carriers are cheaper, yes. But they’re not for everyone.

Carrier Comparison:

Type	Protection	Cost	Best For
Open	Low	Budget-friendly	Standard bikes, compact cars
Enclosed	High	Premium	Luxury cars, vintage bikes, long-distance moves

Avoid it by:

Asking about carrier types

Choosing based on weather, value, and road distance

Mistake 5: Ignoring the Importance of Proper Packaging

Imagine your bike being loaded next to another — mirror to mirror, without protection. Now hit a speed bump.

Damage isn’t always from bad driving. It’s often from bad packaging.

Key Vulnerable Parts:

Side mirrors

Handlebars

Antennas

Headlights

Tailpipes

Packaging That Works:

Material	Purpose
Bubble Wrap	Cushions fragile edges
Corrugated Cardboard	Shields contact points
Stretch Film	Seals against dust & rain

Relocate Xpress uses industrial-grade wrapping and precision loading tools — reducing in-transit damage to near zero.

Avoid it by:

Confirming the materials used

Asking how parts are secured and padded

Bonus Mistake: Not Asking for Tracking or Status Updates

“Where is my car?” shouldn’t be a question you have to ask.

Silence breeds anxiety. Especially when your car or bike is invisible somewhere on a highway.

Avoid it by:

Choosing services that offer real-time GPS tracking

Getting a point of contact for regular updates

Setting clear delivery expectations upfront

Quick Recap: The 5 Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Mistake	✅ Solution
Skipping inspection	Photo & checklist
Choosing shady transporters	Do your research
Leaving items inside	Empty everything
Picking the wrong carrier	Know your needs
Ignoring packaging	Ask about materials

The Road is Long. Don’t Let it Be Risky.

Relocating a vehicle doesn’t have to be a gamble. The more you know, the better decisions you’ll make.

And if you want a partner who checks all the boxes — transparent, secure, and nationwide — Relocate Xpress is ready when you are.