What's the cheapest way to transport a car? If you are buying a car from a distant location in the UK you will want to get it transported to you in good condition. We look at the various delivery options available.
Many options present themselves to a car owner when considering transportation. Do you hire a professional driver or a transportation vehicle? What about international freight liners?
All of these possibilities can get rather difficult to understand, but this article will go over the best method of car transportation and the cheapest way to do so.
UK Car Transportation Companies
Various companies across the UK pride themselves on being the best car shipping and transportation service, yet which type of transportation is best for you?
It comes down to two main choices; a trailer or transporter or having the car driven by a trade plate driver. They both offer pros and cons, and we'll briefly go over both.
Hiring a trade plate driver means that the car is being driven for you by someone else. This means that the car needs to have a legal MOT completed but doesn't need tax or insurance.
Trade plates
New trade plates will be displayed over the existing registration, meaning that other drivers know who is behind the wheel. This can be a preferable option for those who need a car driving a shorter distance, as it can get more expensive the further you go since the vehicle is being driven. However, as opposed to transported, the mileage increases. This brings the risk of scratches and damage being caused.
Enlisting a transporter can prove more expensive but depends on the type of vehicle that is being moved. They need additional safety with a classic car, so it's wiser to invest in a singular car transporter.
Multi-car transporters are also available and can be cheaper to travel long distances. You want peace of mind when moving your car, so choose what feels right with you.
Why Hire Professionals?
You may think that nothing stops you from driving the car yourself, and that can be done, of course. However, it can prove more expensive to drive a vehicle to a destination yourself, especially if you're going several hundred miles. You will need insurance, tax and will be stopping for fuel, all of which quickly add up.
This is all especially true if you're transporting a classic or vintage car, as a professional service can transport it safely and efficiently, all without adding any mileage.
Driving the car yourself also risks any damage being caused and potential theft and crime. A professional can save you this worry, and time and money. It can take hours and sometimes days to drive your car to the destination, which is all time that you're using.
Car Delivery Service Expectations
You can expect a driver to perform thorough checks of your vehicle before and after driving it to the destination. This is to ensure that it arrives in the same condition that it left your house in.
There will be insurance alongside the company you're using, so be sure to check that it matches the value of your car. You don't want it getting all that way and receiving a scratch, only to realise you can't fall back on the insurance.
If you've opted for a transporter, on the other hand, there are similar security levels that any given company should be going through. A given transporter has a max weight that it can carry, which is the combination of the carried cars and the trailer.
If the weight exceeds this, they are liable for a fine, so be sure to check with the particular company you're going with. They need to have sufficient weight limits for your vehicle.
How Much Does It Cost To Transport A Car In The UK?
There are a few factors that go into how much transporting a car can cost. Of course, distance is the main contributing factor. However, you also have to consider the model, the condition, the weight, and the final destination, among other things.
To calculate how much the cost will be, you'll be given a quote that works in price per mile. This way, a company can charge how much they believe the journey is worth, mile by mile. With that in mind, the average cost for a car delivery under 50 miles will cost you around £3 per mile.
When you increase the mileage and look more into 200-300 miles, the average price can come down to even as low as £0.60. However, the overall cost will increase due to the increased distance. Additional shipping costs can arise when taking a unique journey or destination, and some companies will try to hide them.
Be sure to look around at different companies in your area, as differing quotes will be available. Cheap car shipping is achievable while still getting insurance and value.
Should I Drive the vehicle myself?
If you want to transport your car, nothing stops you from hiring a trailer or towing or driving it. You will find yourself spending more time doing so, however. It can also prove more expensive, especially as the distance becomes further and could take multiple days.
Sometimes you have to get yourself to the car first, meaning that some form of transport will be needed. You can find yourself spending money on plane tickets, train rides, and other forms of transportation, all before you even get behind the wheel.
If you're moving over a shorter distance, however, then it's entirely possible and cheaper to drive or tow the car yourself. Hiring a trailer or tow dolly can prove straightforward, but you need to do the driving yourself.
How To Ship Your Car With Your Moving Company
Thankfully, some moving companies also offer a car transportation service. This means you don't need to look elsewhere and find another company to work with. Be sure to talk to your moving company if this is something you're interested in.
When you're moving house, either across the country or internationally, some companies can help ease the process. Moving your vehicles can appear daunting, but it's entirely possible.
You need to ensure that you're working with a respectable and knowledgeable company, though, because you need a lot of paperwork for international freight, and some businesses can complete this paperwork for you.
Is Open Transport The Cheapest Way To Ship A Car?
Generally, open transport is one of the cheapest ways to ship your car. Multi-car transporters can move multiple vehicles at once, and you're able to utilise these much as they're more affordable than a singular transporter.
When looking at transport of 150-200 miles, then you're looking at a nearly £300 difference between open and enclosed transport. This will quickly increase the further the car is being transported.
Of course, it's your car, and you should decide how you want it transported. If you're concerned about the increasing mileage and want protection against wear and tear, then perhaps a singular, enclosed transporter is best for you.
Hire a transport company that you trust, before the damage is caused.
Are you thinking of transporting a car in the UK? If you live in Preston, Lytham, Cleveleys, Blackpool or Fleetwood, you can take advantage of our car collection and delivery service for online purchases throughout Lancashire and the UK.
Call us today on 0759 558 2713 or complete our contact form for more information.
