5 Best Auto Transport Companies in Delaware For 2024

Once your vehicle has arrived at its new home, it’s completely understandable if you want to jump in and take a tour of Delaware. But not so fast. Be sure you are safe and legal on the roads of the First State by following the crucial steps below:

1. Understand Delaware Residency

This step only applies to those relocating to the state of Delaware from another state who plan to establish their permanent and principal residence here (i.e., this does not apply to college students living here temporarily). Delaware 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 here are several things that indicate you may be a bonafide Delawarean:

• Establish DE domicile (buy a home or sign lease)
• Obtain a Delaware driver license
• Title and register your car here
• Register to vote in the state
• Update mailing address
• Spend over 183 days in Delaware
• Cut ties with the previous state

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

2. Update Your Insurance to Comply with DE Laws

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

• $10,000 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.
• $15,000 personal injury protection per person/$30,000 per accident: PIP coverage pays for you and your passengers' medical expenses if you are in an accident, regardless of the party at-fault.
• $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 at fault.

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

3. Title and Register Your Vehicle

If you bring a car into Delaware from out of state, you must apply for title and registration within 60 days of establishing residency. You will need to visit a local DMV office and provide the following:

• Proof of vehicle inspection
• Delaware auto insurance
• Valid DE driver license
• Out-of-state title
• Completed Certificate of Title application
• Applicable payment

4. Obtain a Valid Delaware Driver License

You must obtain a Delaware license within 60 days of establishing residency. You must apply for your license in-person at a local DMV office. During the application process, you must:

• Establish residency in Delaware
• Provide primary and secondary ID documentation
• Complete driver license application
• Provide proof of legal name change (if applicable)
• Pass knowledge test (if the license is expired)
• Pass vision screening
• Have photo taken
• Pay applicable fees

5. Car Care Tips in DE

Located in the Mid-Atlantic region, Delaware experiences mild to frigid winters depending on your exact location. Whether you’re relocating from a warmer climate or experienced with snowy roads, it’s always a good idea to make sure you prepare for inclement weather in the First State.

According to AAA, there are several ways to keep safe on Delaware roads in the wintertime. These tips include the following:

• Don’t warm up the vehicle in an enclosed area (like a garage)
• Ensure you inflate your tires correctly (also, check for tread wear and replace accordingly)
• Don’t mix different types of tires
• Keep the gas tank at least half-full
• Always wear your seat belt
• Drive slowly & avoid jerky movements
• Keep a good gap between your vehicle and others (particularly snowplows)
• Avoid using cruise control

Another excellent recommendation is to keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle. There are ten essential items to include:

• A flashlight (with extra batteries)
• A blanket
• Jumper cables
• An ice scraper
• Sand or cat litter (for traction if your car gets stuck)
• Paper towels or shop towels
• A smartphone
• A shovel
• De-icer
• Flares or another type of warning device

6. Purchase an E-ZPass

Delaware has three toll plazas – one each in Newark, Dover, and Middletown. If you plan to frequent a route that takes you through one of these plazas, you may want to purchase an E-ZPass. E-ZPass is a prepaid tolling system that provides discounted tolls paired with the convenience of drive-through tolling with no stops. The E-ZPass transponder also works in 17 other states so that you can enjoy seamless tolling across most of the Midwest and Eastern Seaboard. Find out more about signing up for an E-ZPass account here.

Are you looking to ship your vehicle to Delaware 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 Delaware 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 Delaware, 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 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 Delaware or somewhere outside of the First 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 DE.

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.

Military

Delaware is home to one military base. Via Dover Air Force Base in Dover, thousands of military personnel call the First State home. 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 Delaware.

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 the notable University of Delaware to the more intimate Delaware State University, Delaware has no shortage of top-tier colleges and universities for those seeking to further their education. If you have a college student moving to Delaware 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 Delaware. 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.