You’re moving. You have a new job offer from another state and this is going to be an opportunity of a lifetime. However, you have grown accustomed to your car. You love driving it around town so naturally, you don’t want to let it go. You shouldn’t have to. Moving a car interstate is not difficult, albeit for the requirements that you have to comply with once you’re in the new city.
But first, call auto transport carriers and choose a company that you can trust to take care of your vehicle. Go only with legitimate and reputable companies so that you are assured your car will get to the new city in one piece. Shipping a car to a new state will cost between $600 and $1,000 for a four-door sedan and $800 and $1,070 for pickup trucks, SUVs, and small vans. The factors that affect the total cost of moving the car are: size and weight of the vehicle, the distance of the move, make and model of the car, type of transport (enclosed or open-air), and the time of the year you’re moving.
Getting Your Car Ready for Transport
Prep your car before it hits the road. You’re not going to be there so make sure your car is ready for the long drive. The auto transport company will generally work with you. They will give you a list of requirements to get your car ready for the move.
However, it will also do you good to prepare the car in your own way. You have to check the fuel gauge. It shouldn’t be more than one-quarter full. You also have to remove all the items from your car, especially valuables such as standalone GPS devices and documents you might have in the glove compartment.
Other things you have to take note of are the gauge of your car’s tires and its battery. You will have to drive your car after it gets delivered to your new city, so it has to be in good condition. If possible, bring it to a car mechanic before having it moved.
What Documents You Need to Move Your Car
Auto moving companies will demand to see the documentation of your vehicles. That includes the car’s registration and title, your driver’s license, and proof of insurance. You don’t have to transfer your car’s registration yet to your destination’s local DMV. You’ll have to do that after your move. The current registration and title of your car are enough for state lines to allow the move.
Once you and the car arrive in the new city, you usually have 30 days to transfer the registration and title of your car. You also have to apply for a new driver’s license for that state. You have to do this as soon as you completed your move to avoid penalties and violations.
Find a New Car Mechanic
Although you love working with your current car mechanic, you can’t very well take your car across state lines every time it has a problem. Find a car mechanic in your new city. Ask recommendations from friends or you can read reviews on the internet. Remember that this is probably one of the most important things you’ll have to do after a move. You wouldn’t want to only look for a car mechanic once your car stalled on the highway, would you? You need someone you can call immediately.
Update Your Auto Insurance
Ask your current auto insurance carrier until when they will have your car covered since you’re moving to a new state. You should think about getting insurance that’s based in the new city because it’s hard to make claims when you have to talk to a company that’s outside state lines. However, if your current insurance is also licensed to sell in your new state, you can choose to continue with the current policy. Aim to get new insurance before the old one is canceled to avoid lapses in coverage.
Re-double-check the Requirements
Check the DMV website regarding the requirements for moving your car. The checklist should include everything you need to prepare. Usually, you don’t need to go to the DMV office to transfer the title and car registration. But if you will be required to do so, make sure that you have all the necessary requirements needed to make it a fast transaction.
Moving is usually a stressful time for anyone. Researching and planning, however, will alleviate some of the stress you feel about the move. Check all the requirements and hire only a reputable moving company for a hassle-free transition.
