10 Best Auto Transport Companies in New York For 2024

Once your vehicle arrives, it’s tempting to jump in and explore. But before you do, you’ll want first to get acquainted with a few things about driving in New York.

1. Understand New York Residency

If you’re relocating to the state of New York from another state and plan to establish permanent residence here, you’ll need to take the necessary steps when it comes to vehicle registration, car insurance, and more. It can be challenging to establish a precise date of residency, but NY recognizes residency when any of the following happen:

• You establish a place of residence for at least 90 days
• You register to vote in New York
• You obtain a driver license or ID
• You pay state taxes

2. Update Insurance to Comply with NY Laws

Each state sets its own laws regarding auto insurance minimums. New York laws mandate that you purchase an insurance policy from a licensed NY insurance agent with the following coverage:

• $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.
• $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.
• $50,000 liability for death per person/$100,000 per accident: This type of coverage covers expenses in a fatal accident for which you are at fault.
• $25,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person/$50,000 per accident: This coverage helps pay for injuries if the other at-fault driver has insufficient insurance to cover expenses.
• $50,000 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.

You may want to consider purchasing additional coverage, such as collision coverage and comprehensive coverage, to further reduce your risk.

3. Title and Register Your Vehicle

If you bring a vehicle into New York from out of state, you must apply for title and registration within 30 days of establishing residency.

• Title: A title shows your proof of ownership of the vehicle in the state of New York. To obtain a certificate of title, you must provide proof of identity, ownership, and required insurance coverage, complete the application form along with a VIN verification, and pay any applicable fees and taxes. For more information on titling your car, click here.
• Registration: Along with the title, the state requires you to register your vehicle. This process includes obtaining a license plate, registration title, and registration sticker. You can complete the initial registration at the time of titling (NY uses the same form for title and registration). For more info on motor vehicle registration in NY, click here.

4. Obtain a Valid New York Driver License

You must obtain a New York license within 30 days of becoming a NY residency. You must exchange your out-of-state driver license or apply for a new one at a local DMV office (find a location here). During the application process:

• Pass a vision screening (and, in some cases, take a written or road test)
• Surrender your out-of-state license
• Bring proof of ID (see a complete list of proof of identification here)
• Pay $65 or $75 fee for a standard driver license (class D, DJ, and N)

5. Purchase an EZ Pass

New York State has 500 miles of toll roads. There are three major toll roads: New England Thruway (travels through the Bronx and Westchester), New York State Thruway (goes through Albany and Buffalo), and Niagara Thruway (connects from Buffalo to near Niagara Falls). To get around the state a lot easier, we suggest getting your hands on an EZ Pass. Mounted on your windshield, this pass allows you to move freely without having to stop at toll booths. It’s quickly scanned and charges the proper amount. That easy! Learn more about setting up an EZ Pass account here.

Looking to ship your vehicle to New York 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 New York 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 it 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 Florida, 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 faster.

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 big NYC living to the awe-inspiring natural views at Whiteface Mountain Steps, there are endless reasons you might be interested in shipping a car to New York or to somewhere outside of the Empire 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 NY.

Moving and Relocation

When relocating cross-country or out-of-state, many people choose to ship their vehicles rather than add a long road trip to an already stressful and exhausting moving experience. Leave the logistics of moving your car in the hands of professionals with either open or enclosed vehicle shipping services.

City Dreams and Mountain Fun

Are you dreaming of big-city life in NYC? The natural splendor of the Adirondacks? Begin enjoying your new adventures in the Northeast that much sooner by shipping your car and rejoining with it at your NY destination – whether you’re roaming around Manhattan, Syracuse, Buffalo, or Niagara Falls.

Military

New York State is home to 5 military bases (the Marines, Coast Guard, and Air Force don’t have NY bases). From Fort Army Base in Jefferson to the US Military Academy Army Base in West Point, thousands of military personnel are stationed in the Empire State. If you are one of the brave members serving our country, we’re happy to serve you with top-tier auto transportation to or from New York.

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 world-renowned Columbia University to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, New York has no shortage of acclaimed colleges and universities for those seeking to further their education. If you have a college student moving to New York 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 New York. 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.