Posted on 12/10/2025 | 7 min to read
Relocating across the country, moving for work, or simply needing your car transported without the hassle of driving it yourself! These situations happen frequently. If you’re looking for a reliable way to get your vehicle from one location to another without personally handling the drive, driveaway service is an option worth considering.
Driveaway service is a transportation option where a vetted, fully insured professional driver operates your vehicle and personally drives it to your destination. Instead of loading the car onto a carrier or shipping container, the vehicle travels on its own wheels, much like a rental car would, only with strict documentation, safety protocols, and complete monitoring from pickup to final handover.
Because the process is more direct than many traditional transport options, this service can offer speed, flexibility, and convenience, characteristics often valued by people on the move. And for customers working with Allstate’s network, DriveAway can be a practical, trusted solution.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how Driveaway works, explore its benefits and limitations, help you decide whether it fits your needs, and show you how to arrange it with Allstate to state.
Handing your car over to a professional driver means every step of the journey is handled with transparency and careful record-keeping. It’s the kind of reliability and professionalism that makes us top-rated for car shipping and driveaway services across all 50 states.
The process is straightforward, but also structured and professional. Here are the typical steps when you choose a driveaway service for your car:
You begin by providing details online by using our online cost calculator about your vehicle (make, model, condition), pickup location, destination, and your desired timeframe. Based on mileage, distance, vehicle type, and driver availability, you receive a customized quote.
Once you accept the quote, a qualified driver is assigned. We are highly selective about our drivers: checking driving records, ensuring proper licensing and insurance, and matching driver skills to vehicle type (especially for larger or specialty vehicles).
Before the drive begins, an inspection is performed, usually including photos, condition notes, and an odometer reading. This helps document the state of your vehicle before transit.
The driver takes your vehicle and drives it to the destination. Because it’s just your car, not part of a multi-vehicle load, the route tends to be more direct, without extra stops or delays associated with loading/unloading other vehicles.
Upon arrival, a second inspection compares the condition upon delivery with the pre-transit inspection. You confirm the vehicle’s condition, sign off on delivery, and the driveaway service ends.
Driveaway offers several distinct advantages, particularly for specific types of moves and lifestyles. Here are some of the most common benefits:
1. Faster Delivery & Easy Procedure
Because your vehicle is driven directly to its destination, rather than riding on a trailer that stops at multiple drop-off points, delivery tends to be faster and more predictable. For many, that’s a major advantage over standard auto transport.
2. More Personalized, Direct Service
Driveaway is more “one car, one driver, one destination.” You’re not burdened with a shipment of other vehicles. That means more individualized handling, fewer logistical factors, and generally less waiting.
3. Flexibility for Diverse Vehicle Types
Some vehicles, whether they’re larger, customized, or simply shaped differently, don’t load easily onto regular transport trailers. Because driveaway only needs the vehicle to run safely on the road, it’s often a more flexible option for transporting anything outside the typical size or design.
4. Convenience for Relocation, Snowbirds, and Seasonal Moves
People relocating for work, students moving between campuses, or seasonal travelers who spend the winter in one region and the summer in another, Driveaway offers a friendly way to have their vehicle moved while they travel by plane.
5. More Affordable and Cost-Effective Service
For many standard-use vehicles, driveaway can be more cost-effective than enclosed transport or specialized hauling, especially considering savings on transport logistics or trailer costs.
Driveaway service isn’t a perfect fit in every scenario. Before you commit, make sure to consider these potential downsides:
1. More Mileage, and Wear & Tear
Because your vehicle is being driven, not transported on a trailer, it will add miles. This adds wear and tear and can reduce the resale value of the car.
2. Exposure to Road Conditions & Weather Implications
Unlike enclosed transport, your car is subject to ordinary road conditions: traffic, weather, debris, and other hazards. While we are insured, there’s still more exposure than when a car is placed in a container or trailer.
3. Not for Non-Operational and Non-Registered Vehicles
Since the car must be driven, driveaway isn’t an option if your car is not in working order, lacks registration or insurance, or requires repairs before travel.
4. Costly and Expensive
Especially over very long distances or with unusual vehicle types, costs can increase; in these cases, a traditional carrier or enclosed transport may offer better value.
Driveaway service is often the right choice when:
You need quick, point-to-point delivery.
You’re relocating and either prefer not to drive or are unable to make the trip yourself.
Your vehicle is too large, modified, or unconventional for standard carrier transport.
You want a simple, flexible process and aren’t concerned about additional mileage.
You appreciate a dedicated, one-vehicle transport handled by a professional driver.
When these situations apply, driveaway can be an excellent solution.
However, if you own a classic or collectible car, want to avoid adding miles, or have a vehicle that isn’t mechanically operational, a traditional shipping method, such as open or enclosed carrier transport, may be the better option.
Driveaway service offers a compelling blend of speed, convenience, and flexibility that fits many relocation and vehicle transport needs. When arranged through a trusted, insured, and properly vetted provider, especially Allstate, it becomes a reliable and efficient way to move your car without personal driving, scheduling hassles, or multi-vehicle delays.
Whether you’re moving across the state, relocating for a job, purchasing a car from a faraway destination, or simply seeking a hassle-free transport solution, our driveaway service can deliver anywhere and anytime.
If you’re considering this for your next move, begin by requesting a quote from Allstate to state. Review the driver qualifications and insurance coverage. With the right preparation and a trustworthy provider, driveaway service can help you relocate your vehicle safely, quickly, and with minimal stress.
Your car is important, and with us, it’s in good hands.
Q1: What is driveaway service?
Ans: Driveaway service involves hiring a licensed, insured professional driver to drive your vehicle from one location to another personally. Instead of loading the car onto a trailer, the vehicle is transported directly to your destination. When arranged through Allstate to state, we emphasize vetted drivers, clear documentation, and a secure handover at pickup and delivery.
Q2: Who typically uses driveaway services?
Ans: Many different customers rely on driveaway transport. These include individuals relocating to another state, seasonal travelers such as snowbirds, businesses moving fleet vehicles, and drivers who recently purchased a car in another state. Allstate customers often consider this option when they want a quick, direct, hands-off solution without managing a long interstate drive themselves.
Q3: What kind of vehicles are eligible for driveaway transport?
Ans: Most drivable, legally operable vehicles qualify, such as sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, and even specific oversized models. The essential requirements are that the car must be running, road-legal, and safe to operate. At our company, we typically verify vehicle condition beforehand to ensure it meets safety and operability standards.
Q4: Will my vehicle get extra miles or experience wear and tear?
Ans: Yes. Since the vehicle is physically driven to its destination, mileage will increase, and normal road wear may occur, similar to any long-distance trip. Customers using our trusted service often choose Driveaway when they prioritize convenience, speed, and personalized handling over mileage concerns.
Q5: Is the driver insured?
Ans: Our professional driveaway drivers carry appropriate insurance, typically including liability and transit coverage while your vehicle is in their possession. When booked with us, customers can expect clear proof of coverage and transparent documentation so they understand precisely how their vehicle is protected throughout the journey.
Q6: How fast can I expect delivery?
Ans: Driveaway is often faster than multi-car carrier transport because your vehicle travels directly from pickup to destination without detours or shared-load stops. Many trips are completed within a few days, depending on the distance. Customers who book with us frequently choose this option specifically for its quick delivery times.
Q7: Are there any downsides I should know about?
Ans: Yes, Driveaway does come with some limitations. These include: added mileage, normal wear and tear, exposure to weather and road conditions, potential surcharges for long routes, and ineligibility for non-operational or damaged vehicles. Allstate typically recommends reviewing these factors carefully to ensure the driveaway aligns with your priorities and vehicle type.