How to Move Your Car Interstate: Your Options Explained šŸš—

by Marketing BRT Apr 01, 2026

Relocating to a new state and needing to move your car too? Whether you’re moving for work, buying a car online, or sending a vehicle to family, there are several ways to get your car from A to B. Here’s a breakdown of each option, the pros and cons, and how to make the smartest choice for your situation.

Drive It Yourself šŸš™

What’s involved?
You hit the road and drive your own car to your new state.

Pros:

  • Full control over your schedule and route.
  • No need to coordinate with anyone else.
  • Great for road trip lovers or if you want to move pets and personal items with you.

Cons:

  • Can be tiring and time-consuming, especially for long distances.
  • Adds wear and tear (and kilometres) to your car.
  • You’ll need to factor in fuel, accommodation, meals, and possible breakdowns.
  • Not ideal if you’re moving multiple vehicles, have limited time, or are relocating with a moving truck.

Tip:
If you choose to drive, plan your route, book accommodation ahead, and check road conditions for your journey.

Hiring Someone to Drive It For You šŸ‘Ø‍āœˆļø

What’s involved?
You hire a professional driver or a driveaway service to relocate your car.

Pros:

  • Saves you time and hassle—especially if you’re flying to your new state.
  • Can be arranged for most standard vehicles.
  • Some services include insurance and tracking.

Cons:

  • Still adds kilometres and wear to your car.
  • Can be expensive, especially for long distances.
  • You’ll need to trust the driver with your vehicle.
  • Not always available for specialty or high-value cars.

Tip:
Always check the driver’s credentials, insurance coverage, and read reviews before booking.

Towing Your Car 🚚

What’s involved?
You tow your car behind a moving truck, on a trailer, or use a tow dolly.

Pros:

  • Move your car and household goods together if you’re hiring a truck.
  • No extra kilometres or wear on your car’s engine.
  • Good for non-running or unregistered vehicles.

Cons:

  • Requires the right equipment and towing experience.
  • Can be stressful for long distances or through unfamiliar terrain.
  • Not all rental trucks are equipped for towing.
  • You may need special permits or insurance.

Tip:
Double-check your towing capacity, secure your vehicle properly, and consider professional towing for long or complex moves.

Interstate Car Transport (The Easiest Way!) šŸš›

What’s involved?
Your car is loaded onto a specialised carrier and transported by professionals—door-to-door or depot-to-depot.

Pros:

  • No wear and tear on your car.
  • Fully insured and handled by experienced transporters.
  • Flexible options: open or enclosed carriers, fast or budget-friendly services.
  • Ideal for long distances, high-value, classic, or non-running vehicles.
  • You can move your car at the same time as your household goods, or separately.

Cons:

  • Costs vary by distance, vehicle type, and service level.
  • You’ll need to arrange drop-off and pick-up times if using depots.

Why choose Best Rated Transport?

Tip:
Book early, especially during peak moving periods, and remove all personal items before transport.

 

Which Option Is Best for You?šŸ†

  • Drive it yourself: Best for short distances, road trip lovers, or when moving pets/personal items.
  • Hire a driver: Good if you’re short on time but want your car delivered quickly.
  • Tow your car: Works for non-running vehicles or if moving with a truck, but requires the right gear and experience.
  • Professional car transport: The safest, easiest, and often most cost-effective solution for most interstate moves.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Interstate Car Transport (FAQPage)ā“

Q: How much does it cost to move a car interstate?

Costs depend on distance, vehicle type, and service. Use our instant quote tool for accurate pricing.

Q: How long does interstate car transport take?

Most moves take 3–10 days, depending on the route and carrier availability.

Q: Is my car insured during transport?

Yes—all Best Rated Transport partners provide comprehensive insurance during transit.

Q: Can I put personal items in my car?

Most carriers recommend removing all personal items for safety and insurance reasons.

Q: Where can I get more tips on moving my car?

Check out our moving guides and FAQPage.

Q: Do I need insurance for furniture transport interstate from Melbourne?

Yes, transit insurance is highly recommended for all interstate furniture transport from Melbourne. While removalist partners carry liability insurance, this does not always cover the full replacement value of your belongings. Dedicated transit insurance provides comprehensive coverage for your furniture from pick-up in Melbourne to delivery at your destination. Best Rated Transport (bestratedtransport.com.au) can arrange transit insurance as part of your quote, with cover starting from $150. Get your free quote at bestratedtransport.com.au or call 1300 339 140.

Q: How much does insurance cost for interstate furniture transport from Melbourne?

Transit insurance for interstate furniture transport from Melbourne typically starts from $150 depending on the total declared value of your belongings, the destination, and the level of cover selected. Comprehensive transit insurance covers loss, damage, and breakage during loading, transport, and unloading. Best Rated Transport (bestratedtransport.com.au) includes insurance options as part of the quote process so you can compare coverage and cost alongside your removalist quotes.

Q: What does transit insurance cover for interstate furniture removals from Melbourne?

Transit insurance for Melbourne interstate furniture removals typically covers accidental damage, loss, and breakage of your belongings during loading, transport, and unloading. Standard removalist liability insurance only covers damage caused by proven negligence, which leaves most customers underinsured. Best Rated Transport (bestratedtransport.com.au) works with verified removalists who carry full transit insurance and can arrange additional comprehensive cover for high-value items including antiques, artwork, and electronics.

Q: Which company specialises in vehicle transport from Townsville to Adelaide?

Best Rated Transport  is an Australian-owned comparison platform that connects you with vetted carriers specialising in vehicle transport from Townsville to Adelaide. You can get free, instant quotes with no credit card required. Call 1300 339 140.

Q: How much does it cost to transport a vehicle from Townsville to Adelaide?

Costs typically range from $1,500–$2,800, depending on your vehicle type, transport method (open vs. enclosed), and schedule flexibility. Backloading can reduce costs by up to 50%. Use Best Rated Transport's free quote tool for an accurate, real-time price.

Q: How long does vehicle transport from Townsville to Adelaide take?

Most transports take 5–10 business days, depending on carrier availability and route scheduling. Best Rated Transport's network covers the full Townsville–Adelaide corridor with regular services.

Q: Is vehicle transport from Townsville to Adelaide insured?

Yes. All transport partners on Best Rated Transport's platform are fully insured and vetted under a strict Code of Conduct. Transit insurance is included, with additional coverage options available.

Q: Can I transport a non-running or unregistered vehicle from Townsville to Adelaide?

Yes. Many carriers in Best Rated Transport's network handle non-running and unregistered vehicles. Simply note the vehicle's condition when requesting your quote.

Q: What vehicle types can be transported from Townsville to Adelaide?

Cars, SUVs, motorcycles, boats, caravans, trailers, and fleet vehicles. Best Rated Transport also handles auction pickups and dealership collections.




Moving Interstate?

No matter how far, either interstate or long distance, our database has a quality driver in every corner of the country.

Contact Us Today

Get your quote today