How to Move a Car to Another State

Moving your car from state to state may present a challenge, especially if the car isn't running. But there are a variety of ways to move a car to another state that may help you in any situation you are in. If cost is a factor, there are auto clubs and associations that you can join that might be able to help you out with discounts and special services.

Instructions

1. Rent a truck or van with a built-in hitch that will allow you to hook the car up and be towed to the other state. You may also have to have a special hookup added to the front or back of the car for it to be a legal and safe tow. U-Haul rents trucks with the ability to tow other vehicles for long hauls.

2. Sign up for an auto club (such as AAA or Allstate Motor Club) and call in for a road service to have your car towed to another state. Usually, there needs to be something wrong with your car for it to be towed by an emergency service. You will most likely have to pay additional fees (per mile) to transport the car farther than 10 or 15 miles.

3. Hire an auto shipper. These companies are commissioned to pick your car up and transport it to your desired location. Be sure that the auto shipper is fully insured and bonded to transport vehicles cross-country. Plan on spending several hundred dollars into the thousands to ship a car to another state using this method, depending on the length of the trip.

4. Plan a drive to the other state. Plan your trip in advance by printing out clear turn-by-turn driving directions (or enter your destination in your GPS). Call the highway commission of each state that you will pass through to ask about tolls. Book hotels along the way if your trip will last longer than 18-20 hours. If you are moving to the other state to live, have a friend or family member drive the moving van behind you. This is probably not the most inexpensive method because of gas, tolls and hotel bills, but it is the best way to guarantee that your car gets there safely.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have purchased your new car in another state and need to transport it back to your state, your auto dealer should be able to give you a temporary tag that will allow you to drive it legally until you get your registration and official license plate from the DMV.

• You are usually not allowed to pack items or be present in the car when it is being towed or transported by a third-party company because it presents added risks for the auto shipper.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• An Auto Shipper
• U-Haul
• AAA