10 Best Auto Transport Companies in Missouri For 2024

That time has come – you’re reuniting with your car! Once the hauler has successfully dropped it off, it can be tempting to get in and take off. But make sure you’re ready to hit the open road legally and safely. Here are a few critical steps to cover all your bases:

1. Understand Missouri Residency

This step only applies to those relocating to Missouri 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). Missouri 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 some general qualifications:

• Show proof of presence in Missouri (homeownership or lease)
• Show proof of living in the state for 12 consecutive months
• Show proof of earnings ($2,000 or more) in a 12-month period
• Obtain a Missouri driver license or ID card
• Show proof of MO voter registration
• Provide a copy of vehicle registration
• Provide a copy of Missouri income tax filing

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

2. Update Your Insurance to Comply with MO Laws

Each state sets its own laws regarding auto insurance minimums. In Missouri, you must purchase an insurance policy from a licensed MO 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.
• $25,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person/$50,000 per accident: Covers your medical bills and cost of repair/replacement of your vehicle when hit by an uninsured driver.

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

3. Title and Register Your Vehicle

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

• Current out-of-state title
• Current registration
• Current insurance coverage or proof of financial responsibility
• Proof of ownership (if applicable)
• Completed Application for Missouri Title and License
• MO safety inspection (no older than 60 days)
• Emissions inspection (if applicable)
• Statement of non-assessment (if applicable)
• Odometer inspection

4. Obtain a Valid Missouri Driver License

You must obtain a Missouri license within 30 days of establishing residency. You must apply for your license in-person at a Missouri License Office. During the application process, you must:

• Establish residency in Missouri
• Provide proof: ID, social security number, lawful status, Missouri residential address
• Pass vision test
• Pass road signs test
• Pass written and driving exams (if the license is expired)
• Pay applicable license fees

5. Winter Driving Tips in MO

Depending on where you find yourself in the state – the top third of Missouri experiences a humid subtropical climate, while the rest of the state has a humid continental climate – the state of Missouri generally sees cold winters with an average of 13 inches of snowfall. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT), there are several things you can do to keep safe on winter roads. Whether you’re new to snowy winters or a seasoned veteran, it’s wise to look at the following recommendations:

• Check road conditions (and weather forecast)
• Winterize your vehicle (antifreeze, wiper blades, tires, and so on)
• Check car (tires, brakes, windshield wipers)
• Drive slowly, postpone driving until roads are plowed (if possible)
• Give other vehicles & snowplows enough space
• Wear your seatbelt
• Clear mirrors and lights
• Keep the gas tank half-full
• Don’t pass on bridges

Are you looking to ship your vehicle to Missouri 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 Missouri 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 Missouri, 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 Missouri or somewhere outside of the Show-Me 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 MO.

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

Missouri is home to three military bases. From Whiteman Air Force Base in Johnson to Fort Leonard Wood Army Base in Pulaski, thousands of military personnel call the Show-Me 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 Missouri.

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