8 Best Auto Transport Companies in Kentucky For 2024

Ready to enjoy the open roads of Kentucky? Be sure you have everything covered first. From residency requirements to insurance coverage, check out the following essential steps:

1. Understand Kentucky Residency

This step only applies to those relocating to Kentucky 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). Kentucky 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:

• Maintain an abode (buy a home or sign a long-term lease)
• Spend more than 183 days of the taxable year in Kentucky

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

2. Update Your Insurance to Comply with KY Laws

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

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

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

3. Title and Register Your Vehicle

If you bring a car into Kentucky from out of state, you must apply for title and registration within 15 days of establishing residency. All vehicles are required to be titled and registered in KY. You’ll need to visit a local county clerk’s office and present the following:

• Proof of liability insurance
• Photo ID
• Social security number
• Title (bill of sale or registration will also suffice)
• Proof of sales tax payment
• Certified inspection
• Title lien statement (if applicable)
• Applicable title and registration fees

4. Obtain a Valid Kentucky Driver License

You must obtain a Kentucky license within 30 days of establishing residency. You must apply for your license in-person at a Circuit Court’s Clerk Office. During the application process, you must:

• Provide proof: valid out-of-state driver license, social security number, residency
• Pass a vision test
• Pass written test (if applicable)
• Pay applicable license fees

5. Heed KY Driving Tips

Though Kentucky doesn’t get anywhere near as much snowfall as other states – it sees an average of approximately 11 inches per year – the state is considered the third most dangerous for driving in the rain, So, it’s advisable to prepare for driving in bad weather. To stay safe on the road during inclement weather, follow these recommendations:

• Avoid driving when it’s not absolutely necessary
• Slow down
• Maintain steady speeds
• Don’t follow other vehicles (particularly snowplows) too closely
• Keep an eye out for black ice
• Also, if you find yourself skidding, lift off the accelerator and don’t brake! Steer your car in the direction you need to go.

6. Purchase a Toll Pass

RiverLink operates tolls in Louisville and Southern Indiana on the following bridges:

• Abraham Lincoln Bridge
• John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge
• Lewis and Clark Bridge

Tolls plazas are cashless, so you can either purchase a toll transponder that links to a prepaid toll account or pay later with a bill by mail. With a RiverLink transponder, you may qualify for the frequent-user discount. Alternatively, you can use an EZPass transponder, which works in 18 states across the Midwest and along the East Coast.

Are you looking to ship your vehicle to Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky, 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 Kentucky or somewhere outside of the Bluegrass 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 KY.

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

Kentucky is home to three military bases (all Army). From Fort Campbell Army Base in Hopkinsville to Fort Knox Army Base in Hardin, thousands of military personnel are stationed in the Bluegrass 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 Kentucky.

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