Moving a Car Across the Country: A Week-by-Week Plan

A cross-country car move goes smoothly when the small things happen at the right time. Here’s the plan we’d give a friend, counting down from six weeks before the move to the day the car rolls off the truck. For prices and routes, see the cost of shipping cross country and shipping a car across the country.

Six Weeks Out: Decide What You Need

• Open or enclosed? Open is right for most cars. Enclosed is worth it for classics, exotics and cars with fresh paint. See is enclosed worth it?
• Look up your new state’s rules. Deadlines to register a car run from right away to 90 days. Our state-to-state paperwork guide and our state pages list the ones we’ve checked.
• Call your insurer. Your policy needs to follow the car, and your rate may change in the new state.

Four Weeks Out: Get Quotes and Book

• Get two or three quotes with the same details: route, vehicle, running condition, open or enclosed, and dates.
• Be wary of the lowest one. A price carriers won’t accept means your car sits. See the bait and switch.
• Get the price and the terms in writing, including what happens if your dates change.

Two Weeks Out: Sort Out the Addresses

• Check both streets. If a 75-foot truck can’t get down your road, pick a nearby lot to meet in. Tell us about HOA rules, gates and low trees.
• Line up the people. If you can’t be at pickup or delivery, name someone 18 or older to hand over or receive the car.
• Fix what needs fixing. A leak, a weak battery or a slow tire is easier to deal with now than on the trailer.

The Week Before: Prep the Car

• Wash it so the inspection is accurate, and take dated photos of every side.
• Take out personal items, toll tags and parking passes. Carriers aren’t insured for belongings.
• Leave about a quarter tank of fuel.
• Turn off the alarm or leave instructions, and fold in the mirrors.
• Keep one key for yourself and hand over the other.

Pickup Day

The driver calls ahead with a window. Walk around the car together, make sure every existing mark is on the inspection report, sign it and keep your copy. Write down the driver’s name and number.

While It’s on the Road

A cross-country trip takes days, and the carrier stops for other cars along the way. Plan a rental or a ride for your first few days in the new city. If you have a question, call us; you don’t have to chase the driver.

Delivery Day

Inspect the car before you sign, in daylight if you can. Compare it with your photos, note anything new on the report, and pay any balance as stated in your booking confirmation.

The Week After

Register the car, update your insurance and swap your toll tag. If your new state needs an inspection or an emissions test, schedule it early, since some states don’t give you long.

Questions