Tips for transporting your car during a move can make the difference between a smooth relocation and a stressful one. Whether you’re moving out of a Chicago apartment or relocating within Illinois, safely getting your vehicle to your new home is a top priority. The best strategies include thoroughly preparing your car, choosing the right transport method, and ensuring you’re properly insured for the journey. If you have questions or need help with auto coverage for a move, call Insure on the Spot in Chicago at 773-202-5060 for expert guidance.
1. Thoroughly Prepare and Document Your Car Before Transport
Moving can put extra stress on your vehicle, so it’s essential to prepare your car thoroughly before handing it over to a carrier or hitting the road yourself. Chicago’s weather and road conditions can be tough on cars – from hot summers to icy winters – which makes a pre-move inspection even more important. Start by giving your car a good wash and taking clear photos of its condition (including close-ups of any existing dents or scratches). This documentation will be useful for comparison after the move and is often required by car shipping companies.
To get your car move-ready, go through this checklist:
- Perform basic maintenance: Check and top off all fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer). Ensure the tires are properly inflated to the recommended PSI and the battery is fully charged or recently tested.
- Address any mechanical issues: Fix known problems like brake issues, fluid leaks, or engine warning lights before transport. Shipping companies may refuse a car with active leaks, and you don’t want a breakdown if you’re the one driving.
- Adjust the fuel level: Leave only about a quarter tank of gas in the car. This reduces weight for transport (which carriers appreciate) and is sufficient for loading, unloading, or a short drive if needed.
2. Remove Personal Items and Secure Your Vehicle
For safety and insurance reasons, you should never leave personal belongings in your car during a move. Shipping companies are not liable for personal items left in the vehicle, and loose objects can cause damage or invite theft. Additionally, Illinois auto insurance policies generally don’t cover personal possessions inside your car – that coverage typically falls under homeowners or renters insurance. Take the time to empty your car and secure anything that must stay with the vehicle.
Important steps to secure your car for transport:
- Remove all personal belongings: Take out everything from GPS units and phone chargers to garage door openers, parking passes, and any other valuables. Don’t forget to clean out the trunk and glove compartment as well.
- Detach removable accessories: If your car has custom add-ons like bike racks, roof cargo carriers, or removable antennae, detach them before moving. This prevents loss or damage in transit.
- Remove or disable toll tags: Chicago drivers often use an I-PASS or E-ZPass. Be sure to remove or temporarily deactivate these transponders so you don’t get charged as your car passes through toll booths on a carrier.
- Deactivate the car alarm: Turn off any alarm systems or anti-theft devices. An alarm that goes off during shipping can drain the battery and annoy the driver transporting your car.
- Secure loose parts and openings: Fold in side mirrors, retract the radio aerial if possible, and ensure convertible tops or sunroofs are fully closed and latched. Any moving part or opening should be tightened or sealed to withstand wind and vibration during transport.
- Have a spare key ready: You’ll need to give the transport driver a key to operate your car. Provide a spare key (not your only copy) and keep your primary set with you.
3. Choose the Right Transportation Method for Your Chicago Move
One major decision is whether to ship your car or drive it to your new home. The best choice depends on your distance, budget, and personal schedule. For a long cross-country relocation from Chicago (say to California or the East Coast), many people opt for professional auto transport to save time and avoid putting 1,000+ miles on their car. If you’re just moving to a neighboring state or within Illinois, driving the car yourself might be simpler and more affordable. Consider all options and choose what fits your move:
- Professional auto transport: Hiring a car shipping company is convenient and can handle any distance. You schedule a pickup, and your car rides on a truck (often an open carrier) to your destination. This option costs more than driving yourself, but it saves you from a long road trip and keeps wear and tear off your vehicle. Always use a reputable, insured carrier and get a clear delivery timeframe.
- Open vs. enclosed carriers: If you choose professional transport, you’ll need to pick between an open trailer and an enclosed trailer. Open carriers are the ones you commonly see on the highway; they are more affordable and can haul multiple cars, but your vehicle will be exposed to weather and road debris. Enclosed carriers protect your car from the elements and are recommended for classic, luxury, or antique cars – though they cost more. For example, during Chicago’s winter months, an enclosed trailer can shield your car from snow and road salt.
- Driving the car yourself: If the distance is manageable, you might drive your car to your new home. This gives you the flexibility to carry some personal items in the car and control the schedule. Make sure to plan your route and consider the cost of gas, food, and possibly hotels if it’s a multi-day drive. Driving out of Chicago, you’ll also want to time your departure to avoid rush hour on the expressways (like I-90 or I-94) for a smoother start.
- Hiring a professional driver: Another option is to pay someone (or even ask a trusted friend) to drive your car to the destination for you. This personal driver approach adds mileage to your car and can be as costly as using a shipping service when you factor in their travel expenses. However, it might be useful if you are unable to drive or need to move multiple vehicles at once. Always vet anyone you hire to drive your car and ensure they have a good driving record and proper insurance.
Here’s a quick comparison of driving versus shipping your car:
| Factor | Driving Your Car | Shipping Your Car |
| Distance & Time | Best for shorter moves (e.g., Chicago to St. Louis). You handle the road trip on your schedule. | Ideal for long distances (cross-country or out-of-state). Saves you travel time since the car is moved by the transport company. |
| Cost | Pay for gas, food, and possibly hotels, plus wear on the car. Often cheaper for moves within a few states. | Higher upfront fee. It can be cost-effective for very long moves when you factor in time and travel expenses saved. |
| Wear and Tear | Adds mileage and use to your vehicle (tires, oil changes, etc.). | No mileage added; car rides on a carrier with minimal wear (aside from exposure). |
| Convenience | You control the schedule and can bring pets or items in the car. | Hands-off experience. Carrier handles logistics, but you work with their pickup and delivery schedule. |
| Risks | Road accidents, weather, and fatigue are potential concerns during a long drive. | Very low risk to you; car transport is generally safe. Any rare damage would be covered by insurance. |
4. Pack Your Car Safely If You’re Driving to Your New Home
If you choose to drive your car during the move, treat it like a mini moving truck. Especially for a longer drive out of Chicago, packing your car safely will protect your belongings and keep you comfortable on the road. Start by organizing what you need to take in the car versus what movers will handle. Remember that anything in your car could become a projectile during a sudden stop, so secure items well and keep the driver’s view clear.
Here are some packing tips for a safe drive:
- Organize and label items: Sort your belongings so you know what is in each bag or box. Put essential items you’ll need first (like snacks or overnight supplies) in an easy-to-reach spot.
- Use sturdy containers and soft fillers: Pack heavy items in suitcases or solid boxes and place them at the bottom of the trunk or backseat. Fill in gaps with soft items (clothes, blankets, pillows) to cushion fragile pieces and prevent shifting.
- Maintain clear visibility: Do not stack cargo above the level of the rear seat or obstruct your windows and mirrors. In Chicago traffic, you’ll need full visibility on highways and city streets, so safety comes first.
- Distribute weight evenly: Try to balance the load in your car from side to side. For example, don’t put all the heavy boxes on one side of the trunk. Even weight distribution helps your car handle predictably, which is important on long drives or if you face strong winds on open Illinois highways.
- Keep important things with you: Pack a separate bag for crucial items like medications, important documents, phone chargers, a change of clothes, and toiletries. Keep this bag in the front with you or at least on top of other items, so you can grab it easily when you stop.
- Protect against theft: If you’re stopping overnight during your journey, bring valuables and electronics inside with you at the hotel. A car filled with boxes can be a target for break-ins, so park in well-lit, secure areas and consider covering up any items left in the car.
5. Confirm Insurance Coverage and Prepare for Delivery
Before your car leaves, double-check your insurance coverage and the transporter’s insurance. In Illinois, you are required to maintain at least the minimum auto insurance on your vehicle, even if it’s just being shipped on a truck. So do not cancel your policy during the move. Instead, talk to your insurance agent (for example, Insure on the Spot) to let them know about your move and make sure your comprehensive coverage is active. Comprehensive insurance can cover damage to your car during transit (situations like theft, fire, or falling objects) if the transport company’s liability policy doesn’t cover it fully. It’s better to have overlapping protection for peace of mind.
When your car is delivered to your new home, inspect it thoroughly. Use the photos you took before the move to check for any new dents, scratches, or mechanical problems. If you shipped the car and notice damage, document it, take pictures, and inform the transport driver immediately while noting it on the delivery form (Bill of Lading). Then, you can start a claim with the shipping company’s insurance and notify your own insurance company if necessary. If everything looks good, great! Finally, if you’ve moved to a new Illinois address (or out of Illinois), update your registration and insurance policy with the new address as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What’s the minimum auto insurance required in Illinois?
A: Illinois state law requires a minimum of 25/50/20 liability coverage on your auto policy. That means at least $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 property damage coverage. It’s important to keep at least this much coverage at all times, even when your car is being transported.
Q: Does my auto insurance cover my car during shipping?
A: If you have comprehensive coverage, your policy usually protects your vehicle during shipping (for example, against theft or damage from debris). The car transport company’s insurance will also cover damage they are responsible for. To be safe, check with your insurer before the move so you know exactly what is covered.
Q: Is it better to drive or ship my car when moving long-distance from Chicago?
A: For a long-distance move out of Chicago, shipping your car is often safer and more convenient. Driving yourself can work for shorter moves, but a cross-country drive will add a lot of mileage and stress to your vehicle (and to you). Consider the season, too – in a harsh Chicago winter, shipping the car might be the smarter choice.
Q: How do I find a reliable car shipping company in Chicago?
A: Start by researching transport companies that serve the Chicago area and reading online reviews from other customers. Look for shippers that are properly licensed (with a USDOT number) and insured to carry vehicles. Getting quotes from a few companies and asking about their experience with Illinois routes can help you pick a trustworthy one.
Q: Should I maintain insurance on my car if it’s not being driven during the move?
A: Absolutely. Illinois requires you to keep your vehicle insured as long as it’s registered, even if it’s not being driven. Keeping your policy active also means your car is protected for any unexpected damage during the move, and you’ll be ready to drive as soon as it’s delivered.
Get a Quote Today!
Moving can be a hectic time, but protecting your car doesn’t have to be. Insure on the Spot is a Chicago-based auto insurance expert that understands local needs. Whether you’re moving across town or the country, our team is ready to help make sure you have the right coverage every mile of the journey. Give us a call at 773-202-5060 or get a Free Quote Online Today to ensure your car is fully protected for the road ahead.