GET QUOTES FROM CAR MOVERS
Get several bids from reliable car shippers who will transport a car from state to state. Make sure they can move your vehicle from the origin state to the destination state. When you ask for the quote, you must provide details about your car and tell them where the car originates and its destination point.
EVALUATE AND HIRE A RELIABLE VEHICLE TRANSPORT SERVICE
Take into account the vehicle transport cost when you choose a car transporter, but don't think just about the price. Assess how long the car shipping company has been in business and their reputation with the BBB.
Find out how they transport a car...by driving or as cargo. Will they deliver to the exact address (door-to-door shipping)? Or just terminal-to-terminal or port-to-port, where you're responsible for arranging for drop-off and pick-up of your car yourself?
Choose optional perks, such as enclosed transport, a guaranteed delivery time (usually there's a window of a few days), or extra insurance.
GET INFORMED
Find out from the car transport company whether there are any special provisions needed for the move. You may need certain special documentation if you're not the current owner of the car, don't have the original title, etc. And there may be certain restrictions when moving to or from Hawaii or Alaska or a U.S. Territory.
GET THE CAR READY FOR TRANSPORT
Clean up your vehicle to get it ready for the move. Clear it of any trash, tools, media items and any personal items--in fact, anything that's not a permanent fixture. Remove bicycle racks. Depending on the policy of the auto transport company, you may leave in secured items such as the spare tire, jack, and child safety seat.
Turn off your alarm system. Retract the antenna. Follow the instructions of the car transport service as to what condition to leave your gas tank in--their policy may say it needs to have some gas but not more than a quarter of a tank.
Also, get the car in shape for the expected destination weather (for example, with snow tires, transmission oil, antifreeze, coolant).
RELEASE THE CAR AT THE ORIGIN POINT
Sign the bill of lading and condition report to release the car into the hands of the car movers only after you've inspected your vehicle and made sure the bill of lading records accurately its condition. You will usually need to pay up front to transport a car from state to state...another reason to be sure you're dealing with a reputable company.
RECEIVE YOUR VEHICLE AT THE DESTINATION POINT
Inspect the car, or have the car inspected by the person who receives the car, as soon as it is delivered. Make sure there is no damage, and note if there is on the Bill of Lading before the delivery driver leaves.
