10 Best Auto Transport Companies in Iowa For 2024

Ready to hop in and explore the state of Iowa? Hold up just one sec. Before heading out, be sure to have the following steps covered, so you’re legal and safe on the road:

1. Understand Iowa Residency

This step only applies to those relocating to Iowa 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). Iowa 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 there are several ways to establish intent:

• You obtain an Iowa driver license
• You title and register your vehicle
• You register to vote in the state
• You establish an IA mailing address
• You buy a home or sign a long-term lease
• You open a bank account here
• You file state taxes in Iowa
• You are employed in the state
• You have a child that attends an IA school

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

2. Update Your Insurance to Comply with IA Laws

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

• $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.
• $20,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person/$40,000 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 IA.

3. Title and Register Your Vehicle

If you bring a car into Iowa from out of state, you must apply for title and registration within 30 days of establishing residency. You’ll need to visit your local county treasurer’s office and provide the following:

• The ownership document (certificate of title)
• Completed application for title and registration (signed by all owners)
• Lienholder info (if applicable)
• Title and registration fees

4. Obtain a Valid Iowa Driver License

You must obtain an Iowa license within 30 days of establishing residency. During the application process, you must:

• Present proof: valid out-of-state drive license (or other acceptable proof of identity), Iowa residency, social security number
• Pass vision test
• Pass written and driving tests (if applicable)
• Have photo taken
• Pay applicable fees

5. Winter Driving Recommendations in IA

The state of Iowa sees about 35 inches of rainfall and 30 inches of snowfall each year. If you’re coming from a more temperate area, you’ll want to get familiar with the best practices for safely operating a vehicle during the wintertime in the Hawkeye State.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, there are several measures you can take to ensure safe travel in the snow. These tips include the following:

• Keep the windshield clear (scrape ice and snow)
• Maintain good following gap (especially when it comes to snowplows)
• Don’t rush
• Continually pay attention to traffic flow
• Give yourself more than enough braking time on highways
• Refrain from using cruise control
• Use headlights
• Pack a winter driving kit (including jumper cables, flares, ice scraper, extra clothes, flashlight, and so on)

Are you looking to ship your vehicle to Iowa 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 Iowa 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 Iowa, 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 Iowa or somewhere outside of the Hawkeye 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 IA.

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

Iowa is home to three military bases. From Camp Dodge Army Base in Johnston to Iowa Army Plant Army Base in Des Moines County, many military personnel call the Hawkeye 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 Iowa.

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