How to Ship Your Car to Another State
Why Planning Ahead is Essential
Moving out of state adds another level of detail and dealing with transporting your car to a new state can be complicated. We say this a lot, but you must begin with a plan.
Taking time to develop a plan early will make your life a lot less stressful. According to Forbes.com, “The amount you’ll pay depends on several factors, including the distance, vehicle type, and shipping method. That said, enclosed shipping costs range from $1,000 to $2,450, while open shipping costs anywhere from $550 to $1,600.”
Different Ways to Ship Your Car
Whether you choose to drive the car yourself, ask a family member to help, or hire a professional auto transport company to get you there is your choice. But here are a few tips that you will need to know to successfully ship a car across state lines.
- Begin by gaining the knowledge you need from a state’s point of view. How and when do you register your car, and are there any additional costs? How long do you have to let everyone, like your insurance company and motor vehicle office, know that you have changed your state of residence?
- Transport your car with your moving company. Most people who move to a new state hire professional movers. In the long run, it is an easier choice. In the very beginning, ask your relocation team if they can assist you in getting your car to your new home. This means that when you receive a quote for your interstate move, ask if they offer vehicle transportation services. Chances are, even if they don’t, they will know exactly what you need to do and who you need to contact.
- Hire a professional driver. There are professional companies that will drive your car for you from point A to point B—your new home. They are called concierge transportation companies or professional driving companies. Honestly, this can be an expensive option, but it may be what you need to do. If it is, talk to everyone involved, even your professional moving team representative. Usually, a concierge transportation company will “vet” their drivers. They should be covered by insurance, but ask about their level of coverage and any other details you may need to know.
- Drive your car yourself. This is a cheap option that allows you to have total control over moving your car from one location to another. It can be a time-consuming choice if you are moving a long distance, but if you are moving a short distance, it could be an easy decision and certainly the cheapest.
- Ask a friend to drive your car This may seem the most affordable option. Just make sure this person is reliable and is covered by your insurance.
- Ship Your car by train. Believe it or not, Amtrak’s trains are capable of transporting everything from sedans and vans to SUVs and motorcycles. Moving.com writes, “Those moving along the East Coast between Washington, D.C., and Orlando, Florida, can load their car onto the Amtrak Auto Train to be transported to their destination.”
Get Your Car Ready for Transport
Before you leave your home to head out to your new location, there are some things that you can do to ensure your transport goes well. You will want to prepare your car before you close its doors and hit the road.
A professional auto transport company will go over the details with you before they pick it up. Or if you are driving it, you will want to do the following.
Change Your Car’s Oil. You will want your car to be road-worthy, so get it serviced before you leave. Even if you are moving a couple of hundred miles away, doing its maintenance before you go will save time once you are in your new location.
Rotate Your Tires. This is something you can do when you are having your oil changed. Just take the extra few minutes and get this done. People often forget this one step and end up putting extra wear on their tires.
Check Your Fuel Gauge Make sure that you have a full tank of gas so you can get where you are going without having to immediately stop.
Make Sure to Remove Valuables Cars that are full of visible items are targets for break-ins. Keep valuables out of sight, and try not to leave your car unattended for a long period of time. Back windows on SUVs are easily broken. This is why it is best to keep any important documents in a locked glove compartment. Usually, thieves are looking for an easy purse to grab but there are times when it really does pay to be safe and follow your instincts.
Empty all Items from Your Car. If you do decide to go with a company to drive your car for you, they probably will ask you to empty your car. Read the details of your agreement and also ask questions! The more information you have,e the better your outcome will be.
Check Your Car’s Battery and Tires. You will want to get to the other end of your move and have a car that is ready to be used. Therefore, make sure your battery is in good condition.
Finally, do what your dad always suggested before you leave on a trip: check the air in your tires. Make sure they are properly inflated and in good condition. Look at each tire for things that could be suspicious, like a nail in the tread that could cause you to lose air.
Just like you photograph items in your house, you may want to take photos of your car, especially if you are using a relocation company that moves cars. If anything happens along the way to your new home, you will have proof of any bumps or scrapes that weren’t there before the car left your driveway. Most insurance companies will ask you for these as you submit a claim.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship Your Car?
“If you’re not driving a car yourself, you can use a professional auto shipping company to move it for you either in an open-air or enclosed carrier.” (Moving.com) “A lot of factors make up the total cost to ship a car to another state, though average car shipping costs are about $600-$1,000 for a four-door sedan and $800-$1,070 for a small van, pickup, or SUV (based on a New York to California move).”
According to Moving.com, there are some factors that will affect the total cost of shipping a car to another state:
- The time of year you move. Moving in the off-season, like winter months, can be more economical. Likewise, expect to spend more in the summer or before schools are back in session.
- The size and weight of your car. The bigger and heavier your car is, the more it’s going to cost to move.
- The distance of your move. As you would probably expect, long-distance moves cost more due to increased labor charges, fuel charges, and tolls.
- The make and model of your car. The type of vehicle and specifics of your car do factor in when it comes to the total cost. Expect to spend more to transport a luxury or classic car. Those types of cars will require more individualized attention from the shipping service.
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