What you need to move a car
Moving a car to another location means getting it from one place to another without driving it yourself — usually because it is broken down, you are relocating and do not want to drive it, or you need it transported across a long distance. The most common methods are hiring a tow truck for short distances, using a car transport service for long distances, or arranging a ride-along tow if the car runs but you cannot drive it.
The method you choose depends on three things: how far the car needs to go, whether it runs, and your budget. A broken-down car five miles away calls for a local tow truck. A working car moving across three states calls for an auto transport company. A car that runs but you cannot drive calls for a ride-along service where the driver operates the vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- Local tow trucks handle short distances (typically under 100 miles) and cost between $75 and $150 for the first few miles, then a per-mile charge after that.
- Auto transport companies move cars across states and charge by the mile or as a flat rate, usually $0.50 to $1.50 per mile depending on distance and vehicle size.
- You need the car title or proof of ownership, keys, and insurance information before any service arrives to move the vehicle.
- Ride-along tow services let a driver operate your working car to move it, costing roughly the same as a standard tow but requiring you to follow in another vehicle.
Towing for short distances
A local tow truck is the fastest option for moving a car within your city or nearby areas. Call a towing company directly or use your roadside information plan if you have one through your auto insurance or a membership like AAA. Most tow trucks charge a base fee (typically $75 to $150) plus a per-mile charge once they reach your vehicle, which ranges from $2 to $5 per mile depending on the distance and your location.
When you call, tell the dispatcher exactly where the car is now and where it needs to go. Have your keys ready and be present when the truck arrives so you can hand over the vehicle and sign the paperwork. The driver will load the car onto the flatbed or use a wheel-lift to tow it. Ask whether the company charges extra for long-distance tows or if there is a mileage cap on the base fee — some companies charge differently if you are moving the car more than 50 miles.
If your car runs but you cannot drive it yourself, ask the tow company whether they offer ride-along service. This means their driver operates the car while you follow behind in another vehicle, which costs about the same as a standard tow but gets your car moved without a flatbed.
Auto transport for long-distance moves
Auto transport companies specialize in moving vehicles across states and long distances. They use large trailers that carry multiple cars at once, which spreads the cost across many vehicles and makes long-distance moves more affordable than hiring a local tow truck for 500 miles. Prices typically range from $0.50 to $1.50 per mile, so a 1,000-mile move might cost $500 to $1,500 depending on the vehicle size and current fuel prices.
To book a transport company, search online for "auto transport" or "car shipping" and get quotes from at least three companies. You will need to provide the car's year, make, model, current location, and destination. The company will give you a quote and a pickup window — usually a range of three to seven days when the driver will arrive. Some companies offer may provide pickup dates for an extra fee, but most operate on a flexible schedule.
Before the transport arrives, take photos of the car from all angles and note any existing damage. The driver will do the same and create a condition report you both sign. This protects you if the car arrives with new damage. Make sure the car has a quarter tank of fuel or less (most companies require this for safety), the battery is charged, and you have the keys ready. Do not leave personal items inside the vehicle.
What documents and information you need
Regardless of which moving method you choose, have these items ready before the service arrives. You need the car's title or a document proving you own it — this can be the registration, a bill of sale, or a loan document if the bank holds the title. You also need the keys and your insurance information, including your policy number and the insurer's name.
If someone else is picking up the car on your behalf, write a straightforward letter authorizing them to do so and sign it. Include the car's make, model, year, and license plate number. Some tow companies and transport services require this before they will release the vehicle to anyone but the owner.
If the car is financed, check your loan documents to see whether the lender has restrictions on moving the vehicle. Some lenders require written permission or notification before the car leaves the state. A quick call to your lender takes five minutes and prevents problems later.
Insurance and liability during the move
Your auto insurance typically covers the car while it is being towed or transported, but read your policy or call your insurer to confirm. Some policies have gaps in coverage during transport, especially if the car is not being driven on public roads. If you are moving the car across state lines or internationally, your coverage may change.
The towing or transport company carries their own liability insurance, which covers damage they cause to other vehicles or property during the move. This does not cover damage to your car unless you purchase additional coverage from them. Ask the company what their liability limits are and whether they offer optional coverage for your vehicle. Many companies include basic coverage in their quote, but you can pay extra for full-value protection.
Preparing the car before pickup
A few hours before the service arrives, do a quick walkthrough of the vehicle. Remove or find any loose items inside — the car will be jostled during transport and things can shift or break. Empty the trunk and glove box. If the car has a roof rack or any aftermarket parts, ask the transport company whether these need to be removed; some cannot fit on the trailer with these attachments.
Check the fuel level. Most tow trucks and transport companies want a quarter tank or less for safety reasons. If the battery is dead, let the company know when you call — some can still tow it, but others may need you to charge it first. Make sure the steering wheel is not locked and the parking brake is not engaged, as these can damage the car during loading.
If the car has not run in a while, do not try to start it just before pickup. Tell the driver it has been sitting and let them decide whether it is safe to move. A car that has been parked for months may have flat spots on the tires or a weak battery, but the transport company is equipped to handle this.
What happens after the car arrives
When the car reaches its destination, the driver will contact you to arrange a delivery time. You or someone you authorize must be present to receive it. The driver will unload the car and have you sign a delivery receipt confirming the vehicle arrived in the condition noted on the pickup report. Take photos of the car again and compare them to the pickup photos. If you notice new damage, document it and report it to the company within 24 hours — most companies have strict important date for damage claims.
Once you have signed off, the car is yours to drive. If you are moving to a new state, you will need to register it there within the timeframe that state requires, usually 30 to 60 days. Check your new state's DMV website for registration requirements and any inspections the car may need before you can register it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move a car that does not run?
Yes. Tow trucks and auto transport companies move non-running cars regularly. Tell the company when you book that the car does not start so they know to use a flatbed instead of a wheel-lift. There is usually no extra charge, but confirm this when you get your quote.
How long does it take to move a car across the country?
Auto transport typically takes 5 to 10 days for a cross-country move, depending on the route and how many other cars are on the trailer. Local tow trucks can move a car within hours. Ask the company for an estimated delivery window when you book.
What if the car gets damaged during the move?
Report damage to the transport company within 24 hours of delivery with photos. The company's insurance will investigate and may cover repairs if the damage occurred during their transport. Keep all documentation and photos from pickup and delivery to support your claim.
Do I need to be present when the car is picked up?
Yes, you or an authorized person must be there to hand over the keys and sign the pickup paperwork. The driver will not load the car without the owner or someone with written permission present.
Can I move a financed car?
Usually yes, but check your loan agreement first. Some lenders require written permission before the car leaves the state. A quick call to your lender confirms whether you need approval before booking the transport.