10 Best Auto Transport Companies in Alabama For 2024

Ready to fill up, hop in, and explore Alabama? Not so fast. Before you head out, make sure you have all your legal and safety bases covered by going over the following steps:

1. Understand Alabama Residency

This step only applies to those relocating to the state of Alabama from another state who plan to establish their permanent and principal residence here (i.e., this does not apply to snowbirds or college students living here temporarily). Alabama legally requires new residents to take specific steps regarding insurance, car registration, and more based upon the date of residency. It may be challenging to establish an exact date of residence, but the state requires that you satisfy the following:

• Establish permanent domicile (buy a home or sign a long-term lease)
• Spend over seven months of the taxable year in Alabama

Note: Keep the date you establish residency in mind as you review the remaining steps.

2. Update Your Insurance to Comply with AL Laws

Each state sets its own laws regarding auto insurance minimums. In Alabama, you must purchase an insurance policy from a licensed AL insurance agent with the following coverage amounts:

• $25,000 property damage liability per accident: Property liability coverage pays for any damage done to another car or property in an accident in which you are the at-fault driver.
• $25,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person/$50,000 per accident: Bodily injury liability coverage helps to cover another person’s injuries for which you are at fault.

Note: You must have proof of liability insurance coverage to title and register your vehicle in AL.

3. Title and Register Your Vehicle

If you bring a car into Alabama from out of state, you must apply for title and registration within 30 days of establishing residency. You’ll need to provide the following:

• The original title
• Current tag registration
• Valid driver license
• Bring out-of-state vehicle for inspection
• Valid proof of insurance coverage
• All owners of vehicle must be present (or provide notarized power of attorney)
• Applicable fees

4. Obtain a Valid Alabama Driver License

You must obtain an Alabama license within 30 days of establishing residency. You must apply for your license in person at an Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Driver License office. During the application process, you must:

• Present proof: valid out-of-state drive license, primary ID (passport, birth certificate), social security card, school enrollment, or evidence of graduation (if under 19 years of age)
• Pass vision screening
• Pass required tests (if the license is expired)
• Have photo taken
• Pay applicable fees

5. Car Care Tips in AL

If you’re coming from a state with frigid winters, you’ll love the virtual snowless nature of the Cotton State! Of course, there are always tradeoffs, and it comes in the form of sweltering summers here in Alabama. When it comes to vehicle maintenance, you want to keep up on routine tune-ups and the like. In particular, you’ll want to be sure your cooling system is in tiptop shape. Have your system flushed and changed every 30,000 miles or two years (whichever comes first). Also, frequently check your oil and change it every 3,500 miles or so. A great way to keep on top of all this is to create a monthly checklist that includes everything from air filters to belts.

Are you looking to ship your vehicle to Alabama from another part of the country? Caravan Auto Transport’s network of vetted, licensed, and insured auto transporters offers safe, efficient transport of your automobile to its destination without running up the miles on the odometer. These reputable Alabama car shipping companies provide the following services:

Open Car Transport

The most common method of car transportation, open transport carriers are ideal if you’re looking for an affordable shipping option with speedy delivery. As the name suggests, your car is loaded onto an open-air trailer along with several other vehicles headed to the same destination.

Enclosed Auto Transport

If you desire enhanced security or protection for your vehicle, you may wish to arrange enclosed carrier shipping. Inside a covered trailer, your car has protection from harsh weather conditions and road hazards like dust and dirt. Shipping your vehicle in a closed carrier also enhances its safety during transit by keeping the car concealed.

Door-to-Door Car Shipping

With a door-to-door car shipping service, you choose the desired pick-up and drop-off locations rather than having to arrange getting your vehicle to or from a transport terminal. Door-to-door shipping is the most convenient choice for shipping your car to or from Alabama, saving you time and effort.

Expedited Shipping

In a hurry to get your car from one location to the next? Upgrading to expedited shipping ensures a seamless pick-up and drop-off of your vehicle on your schedule. As a priority customer, you receive fast, timely service, so you can get back to driving that much quicker.

Classic and Antique Car Transport

When it comes to transporting a classic car, you want an auto transport company that can deliver your vehicle without a single dent or scratch. From vintage Mustangs to antique DeVaux Sports Coupes, our network of classic auto transporters has the expertise and equipment to transport your classic car safely, so it arrives in pristine condition.

High End and Luxury Auto Shipping

Exotic car transporters use specialty equipment, like hydraulic lifts and sophisticated tie-downs, along with enclosed trucks, to keep your valuable car safe during every mile of transit. An enclosed car hauler ensures the ultimate protection for your high-end or luxury vehicle, protecting it from dirt, dust, and debris along the way.

From moving off to college to building your career, there are numerous reasons you may be interested in shipping a car to Alabama or somewhere outside of the Cotton State. Caravan Auto Transport’s network of auto shippers streamlines the car hauling process no matter your reason for transporting your vehicle to or from AL.

Moving and Relocation

When moving cross-country or out-of-state, many people choose to ship their cars rather than add a long road trip to an already stressful and exhausting relocation experience. Leave the logistics of moving your vehicle in the hands of professionals with either open or enclosed vehicle shipping services.

Snowbirds

Do you fly South for the winter? Given Alabama’s hot summers and mild winter temps, and gorgeous beaches, it’s not hard to understand why. Start enjoying your escape from frigid North that much sooner by shipping your car and meeting it at your Alabama destination -- whether you’re wintering in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Auburn, or another sunny spot.

Military

Alabama is home to five military bases. From Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base in Montgomery to Fort Rucker Army Base in Dale, thousands of military personnel are stationed in the Cotton State. If you are one of the brave men and women serving our country, we’re happy to serve you with top-notch car transportation to or from Alabama.

Online Car Buyers

Whether you’ve found the perfect vehicle on Craigslist, eBay, or AutoTrader, you may need some assistance getting it home, especially if it’s sitting on the other side of the country. Instead of flying out to pick it up and putting hundreds or thousands of miles on the odometer just to get it to your driveway, arrange for a hauler to transport your new car for you.

College Students

From notable Auburn University to the more intimate Samford University, Alabama has no shortage of top-tier colleges and universities for those seeking to further their education. If you have a college student moving to Alabama from out-of-state (or vice versa), have their vehicle shipped straight to campus with a fast, affordable auto transport service.

On average, it costs between $500-$1500 to ship a car to Alabama. Anticipate paying around $1 per mile for the first 1-500 miles, then approximately $.75 for every mile after that. Several factors influence the final cost of shipping your vehicle, including the origin and destination zip codes, the method of transport (open vs. enclosed), the speed of shipment, the type of vehicle, and the time of year. The best way to get an accurate estimate of car shipping costs is by requesting free quotes from our network of auto transport companies.