Shipping Your Car to Another State: A Comprehensive Guide

Moving or taking an extended stay outside your home state often requires shipping your car to ensure you have reliable transportation at your new location. While shipping a car can save you time and hassle, it's essential to understand the process, insurance requirements, and costs involved. This guide provides a detailed overview of what you need to know to ship your car effectively and efficiently.

Key Takeaways

Before diving into the specifics, here are the key takeaways for shipping your car to another state:

• Decide between various shipping methods and carriers.
• Ensure you have adequate insurance coverage.
• Understand the difference between open and enclosed transport.
• Be aware of the costs associated with car shipping.

What Do I Need To Ship My Car to Another State?

Research Shipping Methods

Choosing the right shipping method is crucial for ensuring your car arrives safely and cost-effectively. The most common methods include open auto transport, enclosed auto transport, rail, boat, and plane. Open auto transport is the most common and affordable option but exposes your car to the elements. Enclosed auto transport offers better protection but at a higher cost. Other methods, such as shipping by rail or plane, may be suitable for specific situations or locations.

Choose a Shipping Company

Once you’ve decided on a shipping method, the next step is selecting a reputable car shipping company. Research various companies and read reviews to ensure reliability. Working with a broker can also be beneficial as they can help you find a trustworthy carrier. Always request a copy of the company's certificate of liability insurance to verify their coverage.

Verify Insurance Coverage

It’s crucial to confirm whether your car insurance will cover your vehicle while it's being transported. Typically, comprehensive insurance covers damages during transit, but you should check with your insurer to ensure adequate coverage. Additionally, understand the insurance provided by the shipping company. While most carriers have insurance, it may not cover the full value of your car in case of total loss or extensive damage.

Document the Car’s Condition

Before shipping, thoroughly document your car’s condition. Take detailed photos and notes to create a record of its state. This documentation will be crucial if any damage occurs during transport, as it helps prove whether the damage happened before or after the car was picked up.

Prepare the Car

Preparing your car for transport involves several steps:

• Fuel Level: Keep the gas tank at about half-full to avoid added weight, which can increase transport costs.
• Personal Belongings: Remove all personal items from the car. While some companies allow a small amount of personal belongings, they are not responsible for any loss or damage.
• Loose Items: Secure or remove any loose items, such as antenna decorations, to prevent them from getting damaged or lost.

Do I Need Special Insurance To Ship My Car From State to State?

Standard Insurance Coverage

Most standard car insurance policies cover vehicles while they are being shipped. Comprehensive insurance can protect against damage caused by vandalism, fire, theft, falling objects, or hail during transit. However, if you’re moving permanently, you’ll need to update your insurance within 30 to 90 days, depending on your insurer’s requirements. It’s wise to check with your insurance provider ahead of time to ensure you have the necessary coverage for your new location.

Car Shipping Company’s Insurance

Auto transport companies are required to have insurance coverage. Typically, their cargo insurance limits range from $150,000 to $350,000, with liability insurance of $1,000,000 or more. However, this coverage is divided among all the cars being transported, so it may not cover the full value of your vehicle in case of a total loss. For high-value vehicles, such as antiques or luxury cars, you may need additional coverage to ensure complete protection. Some carriers offer supplemental insurance for an extra fee, so consider this option if your car requires more extensive protection.

Supplemental Insurance

If you need additional coverage, check if the carrier or broker offers supplemental insurance. This extra protection can help bridge the gap between the carrier’s insurance and your car’s value. Always clarify the details of this insurance and confirm what it covers before finalizing the shipping arrangements.

What Ways Are Available To Ship Cars Across the Country?

Open Auto Transport Trucks

Open auto transport is the most common and cost-effective method. It involves transporting multiple cars on an open trailer. While it’s cheaper—often 50% to 60% less than enclosed transport—your car is exposed to weather conditions and road debris, which can potentially cause damage.

Enclosed Auto Transport Trucks

Enclosed auto transport provides superior protection by storing your car inside a fully enclosed trailer. This method is ideal for high-value or classic cars as it shields them from the elements and road hazards. Although more expensive, the added protection may be worth the cost for valuable vehicles.

Amtrak Railway

For certain routes, such as between Orlando and Washington, DC, Amtrak offers car transport services. This method can be faster than shipping by truck and might be more affordable. However, it requires a passenger ticket for the train and you must travel with your car.

DIY Drive or Tow

Renting a car transport trailer or tow dolly from companies like U-Haul allows you to move your car yourself. This option can be economical if you or someone you know can drive or tow the vehicle. Ensure you’re comfortable with the towing equipment and driving long distances.

Boat Transport

Boat transport is typically used for shipping cars to remote locations, such as Alaska or Hawaii. While less common, it’s a viable option for reaching ports that are not easily accessible by land.

Plane Transport

Shipping a car by plane is the fastest method but is usually the most expensive. This option is best for high-value cars where time is of the essence and the cost is justified by the need for rapid delivery.

How Much Does It Cost To Ship a Car to Another State?

The cost of shipping a car varies based on distance, vehicle type, and transport method. On average, shipping a car costs about $2.92 per mile for distances under 200 miles. For longer distances, such as over 1,000 miles, the cost can drop to around $0.78 per mile. Factors such as vehicle size, type, and the difficulty of the delivery location can influence the final price.

For example, shipping a Toyota RAV4 from Boston to New York might cost $475, while the same vehicle shipped to Los Angeles could be as much as $1,525. Exotic or classic cars can incur higher costs due to additional insurance and care requirements. Using Amtrak can offer savings, with costs ranging from $599 to $1,709, depending on the route.

FAQs

1. What are the most common methods for shipping a car to another state?

The most common methods for shipping a car include open auto transport, enclosed auto transport, rail transport via Amtrak, boat transport, and plane transport. Each method offers different benefits and costs, depending on your needs.

2. Do I need special insurance for shipping my car?

You don’t necessarily need special insurance, as most standard car insurance policies cover vehicles during transit. However, it’s crucial to confirm with your insurer and consider additional coverage if the shipping company’s insurance is insufficient, especially for high-value vehicles.

3. Will my standard car insurance cover the cost of shipping my car?

Typically, standard comprehensive insurance will cover damage during shipping. However, you should verify with your insurance provider to ensure adequate coverage and update it if you’re moving to a new state.

4. How does the insurance provided by the car shipping company work?

Car shipping companies provide insurance that covers damage during transit, but it is divided among all vehicles being transported. This may not cover the full value of your car, so additional insurance may be necessary for high-value vehicles.

5. What should I do if my car is damaged while being shipped?

Document the condition of your car before shipping and immediately report any damage to the carrier. They will handle damage claims, and thorough pre-shipping documentation will help support your claim.

6. How can I choose the best shipping method for my car?

Choose the best shipping method based on factors like cost, level of protection, and the value of your vehicle. Open auto transport is cheaper but less protective, while enclosed transport offers better protection at a higher cost. Other options include rail, boat, and plane transport.

7. What factors affect the cost of shipping a car?

Cost factors include the distance of the shipment, the type and size of the vehicle, the chosen shipping method, and the delivery location. Longer distances and larger or higher-value vehicles generally increase the shipping cost.

8. Are there affordable options for shipping a car over long distances?

Yes, using rail transport via Amtrak or DIY options like towing can be more affordable for long distances. Comparing various shipping methods and rates can help you find a cost-effective solution for your needs.