10 Best Auto Transport Companies in South Carolina For 2024

Excited to hop in your car and go on your first road trip in South Carolina? Be sure to cover all bases, from liability to safety, by taking a look at the following essential steps:

1. Understand South Carolina Residency

This step only applies to those relocating to the state of South Carolina from another state who plan to establish their permanent and principal residence in the state (i.e., this does not apply to snowbirds or college students living here temporarily). South Carolina legally requires new residents to take specific steps regarding insurance, car registration, and more based upon the date of residency. It can sometimes be challenging to establish an exact date of residence, but the state accepts the following as proof:

• You obtain an SC driver license or ID
• You title and register your vehicle here
• You can prove full-time employment in the state
• You establish domicile in South Carolina
• You have a professional license to practice in SC
• You pay South Carolina state taxes
• You own a residence here

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

2. Update Your Insurance to Comply with SC Laws

Each state sets its own laws regarding auto insurance minimums. In South Carolina, you must purchase an insurance policy from a licensed SC 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.
• $20,000 uninsured motorist property damage coverage per accident: UMPD covers damage to your vehicle if an uninsured driver hits it.
• $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.

3. Title and Register Your Vehicle

If you bring a car into South Carolina from out of state, you must apply for title and registration within 45 days of establishing residency. You’ll need to visit an SCDMV branch and provide the following:

• Completed Title Application (SCDMV Form 400)
• Valid out-of-state driver license
• Liability insurance information
• A paid property tax receipt
• Title and registration fees

4. Obtain a Valid South Carolina Driver License

You must obtain a South Carolina license within 90 days of establishing residency. You must apply for your license in person at an SCDMV branch. During the application process, you must:

• Provide proof: ID, proof of US citizenship, birthdate, current SC address, social security number, a legal name change (if applicable)
• Pass vision screening
• Pass knowledge and road tests (if driver license is expired)
• Pay applicable fees

5. Purchase a Palmetto Pass

South Carolina is currently home to two toll roads: the Cross Island Parkway and the Southern Connector. Opened in 1998, the Cross Island Parkway (CIP) is situated in the Hilton Head area. The Southern Connector serves Upstate South Carolina around Greenville. It was built to relieve congestion and has continued to help in the revitalization of the local region. To make travel a lot easier, it’s a great idea to pick up a Palmetto Pass. Also known as a Pal Pass, you can use this electronic toll-collection system for all toll roads in the state. Learn more about signing up for an E-ZPass account here.

Are you looking to ship your vehicle to South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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 enjoys shelter 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 South Carolina, 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 South Carolina or somewhere outside of the Palmetto 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 SC.

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.

Snowbirds

Do you fly South for the winter? Given South Carolina’s year-round sunshine, mild winter temps (zero snow or ice!), and gorgeous beaches, it’s not hard to understand why. Start enjoying your escape from frigid North that much sooner by shipping your car and meeting it at your South Carolina destination -- whether you’re wintering in Charleston or magical Myrtle Beach.

Military

South Carolina is home to eight military bases. From Joint Base Charleston Air Force in Charleston to Naval Hospital Charleston Navy Base in North Charleston, thousands of military personnel are stationed in the Palmetto 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 South Carolina.

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