When you work in the army, they might send you to new places without much warning. While you get ready for your job, you might worry: what about your car? Many army families and members need a good way to move their cars safely and without spending too much when orders come.
Military car moving is here to help make this easy. It makes sure your car gets where it needs to be, whether that’s in a new state or a new country. In this guide, we’ll look at how to move your car when you are sent away, covering how to pick a good cars transporteur, costs, insurance, and how to get ready.
Why Soldiers Often Need Car Moving
Army life means moving a lot, and they call these Permanent Change of Station moves. Whether you’re sent to a new place in the US or somewhere far, moving your car can be hard. It’s not always smart to drive a long way when you have to be quick and focused on your work.
Car moving services help because:
- They save time and lower stress when moving.
- They handle your car safely and with care.
- They let your family move smoothly without having to drive a long way.
Choices for Moving Your Car in the Army
When you have to move your car, you usually have two choices:
1. Government-Sponsored Moving
The army might pay for moving your car, especially to another country. This is part of the Privately Owned Vehicle program. But, you have to meet certain rules, and there are limits on which cars qualify and where they can go.
2. Private Car Moving Services
If the government won’t cover your move, or you have an extra car, you can hire a private mover. A professional car mover offers different choices like open or closed carriers, door-to-door service, and fast shipping.
Getting Ready for a Car Move in the Army
1: Gather Needed Papers
You’ll need:
- Army orders.
- Car papers and ownership proof.
- Photo ID.
- Proof of insurance.
Having these ready makes booking easy.
2: Pick Open or Closed Transport
Open transport is cheap and common, good for most cars.
Closed transport protects your car best from weather and road mess, great for very special or family cars you really care about.
3: Check and Get Your Car Ready
Before pickup:
- Clean the car for a good check.
- Take photos of any damage already there.
- Take out personal things (insurance won’t cover these).
- Make sure the gas is less than a quarter full.
- These steps prevent problems and keep the move smooth.
Cost Matters in Army Car Moving
Even if the army pays for some moves, there are times you need to pay. Costs change based on:
- Distance: Farther moves cost more.
- Type of carrier: Closed transport is pricier than open.
- Shape of the car: Cars that don’t run need a special gear, costing more.
- Time and need: Costs might go up when a lot of people are moving.
- Looking at different prices helps you find a good deal and a trustworthy service.
Why Use a Good Car Mover
Using a skilled car mover keeps your mind at ease. A good car mover will:
- Have the right tools for both working and non-working cars.
- Cover your car with insurance while moving.
- Offer flexible picking up and dropping off near bases.
- Talk clearly about times and costs.
- Picking the right company saves you stress when you’re already busy.
What if You Sell Instead of Moving?
At times, it might not make sense to move a car, like if it’s old or moving costs too much. You might think: where can I sell my car for the most money?
Selling before you go saves you from paying for insurance, upkeep, and storing the car while you’re gone. Many army families sell locally and buy another car near their new base. This choice depends on your car’s worth and how long you’ll be away.
Dealing with Sudden Changes
Army moves don’t always go as planned. A quick change in orders or an unexpected car problem can make moving harder. Good companies work with services like fast towing, which help move your car to a pickup spot if it can’t drive. This makes sure your car still goes on its journey without delay.
Insurance and Safety While Moving
Insurance is very important when moving cars. Always check that the mover has good insurance for your car. Remember to:
Ask for insurance proof.
- Know what the insurance covers and doesn’t.
- Write down your car’s shape before handing it off.
- For pricey cars, think about buying extra insurance for more safety.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Waiting too long: Army moves can be quick, but booking early gives you better prices and choices.
- Not checking insurance well: Don’t think your car is fully covered—always check.
- Picking just by price: The cheapest choice might not have enough experience or the right tools.
- Not having papers ready: Missing papers can cause delays.
Final Thoughts
Army jobs bring enough worries without your car adding more. Whether you go with army shipping or pick a private car mover, planning ahead is key. From getting papers to prepping your car and checking insurance, each step makes the move smoother.
And sometimes, it’s smart to think about other choices. If moving costs more than your car is worth, it might be better to think about where can I sell my car for good money. For those who decide to move their car, having help like express towing makes sure your car is safe no matter what.
With good planning and a reliable moving partner, you can be sure your car will get to where it needs to be safely while you focus on your work.
