Moving a car between states looks simple on paper — until a hidden fee, an uninsured scratch or a missed pickup window turns it into an expensive headache. These are the mistakes Australian drivers make when transporting vehicles interstate, and exactly how to avoid them.
The cheapest quote is often cheap for a reason: no insurance, and a truck that 'might' arrive this fortnight. A quote hundreds of dollars below the market usually means your car is being on-sold to a subcontractor you never vetted. Compare inclusions — insurance options, collection method, estimated transit time — not just the bottom-line number.
Many people assume every transport company carries full transit insurance. Plenty don't — or their policy only covers fire and theft, not loading damage. Ask for the insurance details in writing before you book. A reputable carrier should provide them on request.
Items left in the car are almost never covered by transit insurance, they add weight, and they can move around and damage the interior. Empty the car completely — including toll tags, which can rack up charges as the truck passes gantries.
Without dated photos of every panel, you have no evidence if a dispute arises. Photograph the car from all angles, in good light, on the day of pickup — and make sure the driver’s condition report matches what you see before you sign it.
A car that won't start or hold air in a tyre needs special equipment, and telling the carrier on pickup day means delays and extra fees. Declare non-runners up front, leave about a quarter tank of fuel, and disable aftermarket alarms.
Interstate carriers run on schedules and load allocations. Booking two days before you fly out means paying premium rates — or missing out entirely. Book at least one to two weeks ahead for capital city routes, and longer for regional pickups.
A 'bargain' depot-to-depot rate can cost you more once you add taxis, time off work and depot storage fees when you can't collect immediately. Door-to-door service often works out cheaper in real terms — and your car spends less time sitting in yards.
'It'll be there next week' is not a commitment. Ask for an estimated transit window in writing before you book. Ask whether you'll receive updates — and what happens if there's a delay.
Once you sign clean at delivery, claiming damage becomes very difficult. Inspect the car in daylight, compare it against your pickup photos, and note any issue on the delivery report before the driver leaves.
Costs vary by route, vehicle size and whether the car runs. As a guide, capital-city-to-capital-city moves typically range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand for long routes like Sydney–Perth. Get an exact quote for your route — reputable carriers quote quickly and for free.
Only if your carrier holds transit insurance — always confirm in writing before booking. Ask your carrier to confirm the cover that applies to your specific move.
Transit times depend on the route and carrier schedule. Ask your carrier for a written estimate when you enquire — longer routes like east–west crossings naturally take longer than short-haul metro runs.
It is strongly discouraged: personal items are not covered by transit insurance and can cause interior damage. Remove everything, including toll tags.
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