Always get your auto transport agreement in writing. While it's nice to do business on a handshake, you shouldn't rely on any verbal agreement you may have with a transport company or its representatives. The contract is there to protect both them and you.

Make sure that any auto transport agreement you sign has a cancellation clause. Some services won't charge you anything if you cancel before your move day -- they get this all the time -- but some may charge a minimal fee, on the order of $50 to $250.

It can be difficult for an auto transport company to guarantee a delivery date. However, some companies will write a guarantee paying for a rental car into your contract, especially if the delivery date is particularly uncertain. Just ask; all they can say is no.