10 Best Auto Transport Companies in Idaho For 2024

Can’t wait to jump in your car and explore your new state? Before you top off the gas (or battery), take the time to go over the following steps.

1. Understand Idaho Residency

If you’re moving to the state of Idaho from another state and plan to establish permanent residence here, you’ll need to take the required steps when it comes to vehicle registration, car insurance, and more. It can be challenging to establish a precise date of residency, but the Gem States defines the following as official residency:

• You establish domicile (have a permanent abode)
• You live here more than 270 days per year

2. Update Insurance to Comply with ID Laws

Each state sets its own laws regarding auto insurance minimums. In Idaho, you are legally required to buy an insurance policy from a licensed ID insurance agent with the following coverage:

• $15,000 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 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 insurance coverage to title and register your vehicle.

To limit your personal financial risk, you may want to consider upping the coverage limits on the above policies or purchasing additional coverage such as collision, comprehensive, personal injury protection, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

3. Title and Register Your Vehicle

If you ship a car into Idaho from out of state and plan to live here permanently, you must apply for title and registration within 90 days of establishing residency.

• Title: A title shows your proof of ownership of the vehicle in the state of Idaho. To obtain a certificate of title, you must provide a completed Application for Certificate of Title (Idaho Transportation Department), bill of sale, odometer disclosure, vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection, and taxes & applicable fees (sales tax and titling fee are currently 6% and $14). Keep in mind that you may need to have your vehicle inspected, too.
• Registration: You must also register your vehicle and obtain new plates and decals. You’ll need to visit an Idaho DMV location and provide the following: Idaho driver license or ID, the car being titled & registered, current title & registration, and payment for applicable fees. For more info on motor vehicle title and registration in Idaho, click here.

4. Obtain a Valid Idaho Driver License

You must obtain an Idaho license within 90 days of establishing residency. You must apply for a new one at a local DMV office. During the application process:

• Provide proof: ID, law presence in US, residential address
• Pass a vision test
• Pass written and driver tests (if applicable)
• Surrender out-of-state driver license
• Pay applicable fees

5. Winter Driving Recommendations

If you reside in the northern portion of Idaho, you’ll need to prepare for winter weather on the open road. According to the Idaho Transportation Department, there are several things you can do to stay safe. These include carrying an emergency kit (flashlight, first aid kit, extra clothes, blanket, jumper cables, etc.), remaining at least two car lengths behind a snowplow, performing routine upkeep on your vehicle (oil, tires, brakes, wipers, coolant, and so on), and using tire chains on slippery roads.

Are you looking to ship your vehicle to Idaho 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 Idaho car shipping companies provide the following services:

Open Car Transport

As the most common car transportation method, 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 Idaho, 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 settling into your golden years in the Pacific Northwest, there are so many reasons you may be interested in shipping a car to Idaho or somewhere outside of the Gem 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 ID.

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.

Unlimited Outdoor Recreation

Are you dreaming of all the activities & destinations in Idaho? The Gem State does not disappoint! From the Great Basin Desert to the glorious Rocky Mountains, there’s an endless list of things to do in the great outdoors: boating, fishing, kayaking, hunting, hiking, and so much more. Begin your adventures that much sooner by shipping your car and meeting it at your Idaho destination – whether you’re home base is in the capital city of Boise or up north in Sandpoint.

Military

Idaho is home to one true military base (Air Force) and several training sites. Thousands of military personnel call the Gem State, from Mountain Home Air Force Base in Elmore to Orchard Range Training Site in Boise 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 Idaho.

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