The basics of moving a car

Moving a car means getting it from one location to another, whether across town or across the country. You have two main choices: drive it yourself or hire a professional auto transport company to move it for you. Which option makes sense depends on the distance, the condition of your car, your budget, and how much time you have.

If you're moving locally — say, within your state or a few hours away — driving the car yourself is usually the cheapest option. For longer distances, especially across multiple states, hiring a mover often costs less than the gas, wear, and time of driving yourself. Some people also use auto transport when their car isn't reliable enough for a long drive, or when they need the car at their destination on a specific date.

Key Takeaways

  • For moves under a few hundred miles, driving your car yourself is usually cheaper and faster than hiring a transport company.
  • Professional auto transport costs between $600 and $2,500 depending on distance and vehicle type, and typically takes one to two weeks.
  • Before moving, update your address with your insurance company, and check that your registration and inspection are current.
  • If you hire a mover, get quotes from at least three companies and book several weeks in advance, especially during peak moving season.
  • Document your car's condition with photos before pickup, and inspect it again when it arrives at your destination.

Driving your car yourself

Driving your own car is the most straightforward option for short to medium distances. Before you leave, make sure your car is in good working order: check the oil, tire pressure, brakes, and coolant. Fill up the gas tank and bring a spare tire, jack, jumper cables, and a basic toolkit in case you break down on the road.

Plan your route ahead of time and let someone know where you're going and when you expect to arrive. If you're driving more than six or seven hours, plan to stop overnight rather than driving straight through. Bring your registration, proof of insurance, and your driver's license — you'll need these if you're stopped by police.

Update your car insurance before you move. Call your insurance company and tell them your new address; some companies charge different rates depending on where you live. You should also update your vehicle registration with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles once you arrive, though the timeline varies by state — some give you 10 days, others 30 or more.

Hiring a professional auto transport company

Professional auto transport companies pick up your car at one location and deliver it to another. They typically use open trailers (your car is exposed to the weather but costs less) or enclosed trailers (your car is protected but costs more). Most companies charge by the mile, and the total cost depends on the distance, the size and weight of your vehicle, and current fuel prices.

To get your free guide, search online for "auto transport" or "car shipping" and request quotes from at least three companies. Be specific about your pickup and delivery locations and dates. The company will give you a quote and ask you to choose a pickup window — for example, "between July 10 and July 15." Exact dates are rarely may provide because the company coordinates multiple pickups and deliveries on the same route.

Once you book, the company will contact you a few days before pickup to confirm the time window. On pickup day, the driver will inspect your car for existing damage, take photos, and have you sign a bill of lading — a document that describes the car's condition and lists what's included (for example, a full tank of gas or an empty tank). Keep a copy of this document; you'll need it when the car arrives.

What to do before the move

A few weeks before your move, contact your insurance company and give them your new address. Some insurers will adjust your rate; others won't. Ask whether your policy covers the car while it's in transit if you're using a professional mover — most do, but it's worth confirming.

Check your vehicle registration and inspection sticker. If either expires before or shortly after your move, renew it before you leave. This is especially important if you're moving to a state with different inspection requirements; you don't want to arrive and when ready face a failed inspection or a ticket.

If you're using a professional mover, remove or find any loose items inside the car — the transport company won't move personal belongings, and items can shift during transit and damage the interior. Some companies also ask that you remove custom parts like roof racks or spoilers, or they may charge extra to transport them.

Take photos of your car from multiple angles before pickup. Document any existing scratches, dents, or other damage. This protects you if the transport company disputes a damage claim later.

What happens during and after transport

If you hired a mover, the driver will arrive during your scheduled pickup window, inspect the car again, and load it onto the trailer. You'll sign the bill of lading. The driver will give you a tracking number so you can follow the shipment online — most companies update this daily or every few days.

Delivery typically takes one to two weeks, depending on distance and the company's route. When the car arrives, the driver will contact you to schedule a delivery time. Before you sign off, inspect the car carefully. Check for new damage, make sure all the features work (windows, locks, lights), and verify that the fuel level matches what was documented on the bill of lading.

If you find damage, document it with photos and note it on the delivery paperwork before you sign. Report any damage to the company within a set timeframe — usually 30 days — and file a claim. Keep all documentation, including photos and the bill of lading.

Comparing cost and time

For a local move within 200 miles, driving yourself almost always costs less. You'll spend money on gas, tolls, and possibly a hotel night, but it's usually under $300. A professional mover for the same distance might charge $800 to $1,200.

For a cross-country move of 2,000 miles or more, the math flips. Driving yourself means three or four days of your time, significant wear on the car, and $400 to $600 in gas alone. A professional mover might charge $1,500 to $2,500 for the same distance, but the car arrives in one to two weeks and you don't spend days on the road.

Peak moving season — May through September — is when auto transport companies charge the most and book up fastest. If you're moving during this time, book at least four to six weeks in advance. Off-season moves in winter are cheaper and easier to schedule, but delivery times may be longer.

Red flags and how to avoid them

Be cautious of companies that ask for payment in full upfront or that won't provide a written quote. Legitimate movers typically ask for a deposit (usually 10 to 25 percent) and collect the balance on delivery. Get everything in writing, including the pickup window, delivery window, price, and what's included.

Check the company's rating with the Better Business Bureau and read recent reviews on Google or Yelp. Look for patterns — one bad review might be an outlier, but multiple complaints about damage or missed important date are a warning sign. Verify that the company is licensed and insured by asking for their Department of Transportation number and checking it on the FMCSA website.

Don't choose a mover based on price alone. The cheapest quote often comes with hidden fees, longer delivery times, or less reliable service. A mid-range quote from a company with good reviews is usually a safer bet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move a car that doesn't run?

Yes. Professional auto transport companies move non-running cars regularly. Tell the company upfront that the car doesn't run, and they'll use a flatbed trailer instead of a standard trailer. This usually costs more, and you may need to arrange a tow to get the car to the pickup location.

What if I need the car to arrive by a specific date?

Most transport companies cannot may provide an exact delivery date, only a window of several days. If you need the car on a specific day, discuss this with the company before booking — they may charge extra for expedited service, or they may not be able to accommodate you. For time-sensitive moves, driving yourself gives you more control.

Do I need to be present for pickup and delivery?

You should be present for both. At pickup, you'll sign the bill of lading and confirm the car's condition. At delivery, you'll inspect the car and sign off on any damage. Some companies allow you to authorize someone else to be present, but confirm this in advance.

What if my car gets damaged during transport?

Document the damage with photos and note it on the delivery paperwork before you sign. Contact the transport company within 30 days and file a damage claim. The company's insurance will cover most damage, though you may have a deductible. Keep all documentation to support your claim.

Should I empty my gas tank before the mover picks up my car?

Check the bill of lading or ask the company. Some prefer a full tank, others prefer an empty or nearly empty tank to reduce weight. The company will note the fuel level on the pickup paperwork, and it should match the fuel level at delivery.