How to Transport A Car From State to State

Get three bids from car shippers recommended by realtors or your employers to compare costs. 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. Heavier cars and trucks, such as SUVs, are more expensive to ship than smaller, compact vehicles.

Decide the transport company to use. While price is important, also check with the Better Business Bureau to see if the company has any complaints registered against it and for how long the transporter has been in business. Check the details of the transport options -- cargo, enclosed transport or individual driver. See if 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 a guaranteed delivery time (usually there's a window of a few days) or extra insurance.

Find out from the car transport company whether any special provisions are needed for the move. You may need permission from the loaning authority documenting their approval of the move if you're not the current owner of the car. You may also need special documentation if you don't have the original title. Certain restrictions apply when moving to or from Hawaii or Alaska or a U.S. Territory, as well, so check the current restrictions with your transport company.

Prepare your car 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 -- 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 how much gas to keep in the tank --their policy may say it needs to have some gas, but not more than a quarter of a tank.

Prepare the car for the expected destination weather (for example, with snow tires, transmission oil, antifreeze, coolant).

Release the car to the shipper. Sign the bill of lading and condition report to release the car only after you've inspected your vehicle and made sure the bill of lading records accurately its condition. You usually pay up front to transport a car from state to state.

Receive your car at the agreed upon location. Inspect the car, or have the car inspected by the person who receives the car, as soon as it is delivered. If there is damage, note it on the Bill of Lading before the delivery driver leaves.