There are options for moving your car cross-country.
Moving across the country from New York to California can be a stressful process, and finding a way to ship your car is just one of the many tasks you will need to carry out. There are a handful of options you can choose to move the car approximately 3,000 miles to your new west coast home.
Drive It
Driving is one option for getting your car to California from New York. On the one hand, driving takes several days and can cost hundreds of dollars in hotel stays, gas and food. On the other hand, it is a great way to see the country. Ensure that your car is in good working order prior to the long trip. You will put several thousands of miles on your car in just a few days.
Another option to drive your car without all the wear and tear is to tow it behind your moving truck. If you are moving yourself in a rented truck, you can rent a truck that includes the ability to tow a car.
Moving or Shipping Company
Most moving companies offer a car moving service, or can connect you with a car shipping company. If you are hiring a moving company to move your belongings to California, ask them what options you have for moving your car. You can let the moving or shipping company do all the work while you relax and fly to California in a matter of hours. Moving your car adds extra expense to your moving costs, so if you are on a tight budget, this may not be the best option. Check out sites like moving.com, shipmyvehicle.com and movecars.com to see a variety of options.
You can choose to ship the car in an enclosed trailer or an open car carrier. Enclosed trailers are more expensive, but also protect your car from weather and road debris. Other options include full service, or door to door delivery, so you do not have to lift a finger; or economy, which is slower than the other options, but less expensive.
Pay Someone
Consider paying a trusted friend or relative to drive the car from New York to California for you. Perhaps you know someone who is already planning to move cross country but does not have a car to drive. You can offer that person your car, which gives the person a means to get to California and gets your car to California. Or, you can offer some money to a friend who has time to drive it for you. Be sure that the person is trustworthy and has a valid driver's license. Also, contact your insurance company in advance to make sure the coverage is still valid if someone else is driving.
Tips
Speak to your auto insurance representative, as well as the moving or shipping company, to determine what is covered in case anything happens to your car and what you are responsible for. Take photos of your car's interior and exterior and make notes or any dents or scratches, in the presence of the shipping company's representative, before you sign over your car. Confirm estimated pick up and delivery dates, as well as the final cost, so there are no hidden or surprise costs when it is time to pay. Ask to see the company's federal license and insurance coverage before you sign that contract.
