There are many considerations when transporting your car: distance, cost, time and potential wear on the vehicle, just to name a few. The biggest question, however, is what method to use. Should you just drive it yourself? Hire someone else to drive it? Tow it? Hire a professional?
These are all valid questions, but the answer really depends on your budget, time and comfort level. Below, well take a deeper look at the benefits and drawbacks of each auto moving option, from the do-it-yourself method to hiring a professional.
Do It Yourself Options For Auto Transport
Drive It
Driving it yourself is often the first option that occurs to those who need a car relocated. After all, its what we do with cars and, as long as its in working condition, why wouldnt you drive it? Depending on how far youre going, it might not be advisable. Consider this information from AAA about the true cost of driving, which indicates that it costs around 80 cents per mile to drive an average sized sedan (think Honda Accord or Toyota Camry). It may seem like that 500 mile trip just requires a day of your time and the cost of a tank of gas, but the true cost is closer to your time plus $400.
Pros: Less planning required, youre in control of the process
Cons: Future repair costs, your own time, wear and tear on vehicle
Tow It
Another popular choice is to rent a trailer and tow your car. Assuming you have a vehicle that can properly tow a trailer, this can be an affordable method since you only have to pay for gas and the trailer rental. Towing also prevents mileage from racking up like it would if you drove it yourself. The disadvantage to towing as an auto transport option is that its time consuming and has plenty of potential for damage when not done by a professional. Additionally, your auto insurance may not cover your vehicle while its being privately towed.
Pros: Typically lower cost than a pro, less demanding on your vehicle
Cons: Still requires your time & potential risk of damage/malfunction
Hiring A Professional To Move Your Car
Ship it
Hiring a transport company to move your car does cost more up front, but it comes with the benefit of a trained professional, insurance coverage, storage options and saves you the time and potential wear of driving it yourself. Most car moving companies have several service options, including open and enclosed transport, and offer free quotes to any customers interested in their services. (For an example, see www.a1autotransport.com, a popular national auto shipper.)
Pros: Options, insurance, professional experience, convenient, no miles
Cons: Higher out of pocket cost than do-it-yourself methods
Drive Away Service
Drive away service entails hiring someone to drive your car for you. This can be affordable since these services match up people that are headed that way to drive your car for your. The downside is that they are not experienced professionals and there is little oversight or accountability from companies that operate these services.
Pros: Affordability and convenience
Cons: Not always reliable, no professional oversight, mileage still adds up
