Does Drivetime Ship Cars? | Your Car, Your Way

DriveTime primarily facilitates vehicle purchases at their physical dealership locations, with customer-arranged shipping options often available.

Finding the right vehicle for your needs is a big step, and sometimes that perfect car isn’t just down the street. When you’re looking at options like DriveTime, understanding how you get your new ride from their lot to your driveway is a practical question that comes up often. It’s like planning a road trip; you need to know the route before you hit the gas.

Understanding DriveTime’s Core Model

DriveTime operates with a distinct approach in the used car market, primarily focusing on in-person sales and financing solutions for a wide range of credit profiles. Their business model centers around a network of physical dealerships spread across the country, each housing a substantial inventory of pre-owned vehicles.

When you browse their selection, you’re looking at cars located at various DriveTime lots. This distributed inventory allows them to offer a broad choice, but it also means that the specific vehicle catching your eye might be hundreds, or even thousands, of miles from your home.

Their strength lies in simplifying the car-buying and financing process at the dealership level. The experience is typically designed for customers to visit a local lot, test drive a vehicle, and complete the purchase paperwork on-site, often driving the car home the same day.

Does DriveTime Ship Cars? Navigating Your Options

To directly answer the question: DriveTime itself does not typically offer an in-house, standard vehicle shipping service as part of a purchase transaction. Their operational model prioritizes the customer taking delivery at one of their dealership locations.

However, this doesn’t mean you’re out of luck if your desired vehicle is far away. DriveTime is generally amenable to customers arranging third-party vehicle transport once the purchase and financing are fully finalized. Think of it like buying a specialized part from a supplier; they sell you the part, but you arrange the freight.

The process usually involves identifying the vehicle, securing your financing approval through DriveTime, and then independently contracting with an auto transport company. DriveTime will coordinate with your chosen carrier for vehicle pickup from their lot, ensuring all necessary documentation is in order for the transfer.

The Mechanics of Third-Party Auto Transport

When you decide to ship a vehicle, you’ll be working with a specialized auto transport company. These carriers are the backbone of moving vehicles across state lines, and understanding their operations helps in making an informed choice.

Types of Carriers

• Open Car Transport: This is the most common and economical method. Vehicles are loaded onto an open trailer, similar to what you see new cars being delivered on. It’s efficient and widely available, though vehicles are exposed to road elements like weather and debris.
• Enclosed Car Transport: For those seeking maximum protection, enclosed carriers shield the vehicle from all external factors. This option is often chosen for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles. It costs more and might have less frequent routes, but offers superior peace of mind against road grime or minor impacts.

Choosing a reputable carrier is paramount. Look for companies with proper licensing and insurance. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets safety regulations for commercial motor vehicles, including auto transporters, to ensure safe operation across state lines. A carrier’s FMCSA registration and safety record are publicly available and worth checking.

Booking involves getting quotes, comparing services, and scheduling pickup and delivery dates. Lead times can vary, especially during peak seasons or for less common routes. Always get a written agreement detailing services, costs, and insurance coverage.

Costs and Considerations for Vehicle Delivery

The expense of shipping a car can vary significantly based on several factors, much like the price of a gallon of gas changes based on location and season. Understanding these variables helps in budgeting accurately.

• Distance: This is the primary cost driver. Shipping a car across a state will be less expensive than cross-country transport.
• Vehicle Size and Weight: Larger, heavier vehicles like full-size SUVs or trucks require more space and fuel, increasing the cost compared to a compact sedan.
• Carrier Type: As discussed, enclosed transport is a premium service and will cost more than open transport.
• Seasonality: Demand for auto transport can fluctuate. Summer months and holidays often see higher prices due to increased demand.
• Fuel Prices: Like any transportation service, the cost of fuel directly impacts shipping rates.
• Urgency: Expedited shipping, if available, will incur additional fees.

On average, you might expect to pay anywhere from $500 for a short regional haul to $1,500 or more for cross-country transport of a standard sedan. Always obtain multiple quotes to compare. Ensure you understand what the quote includes, such as insurance coverage. Most carriers provide basic cargo insurance, but it’s wise to confirm the coverage limits and consider if your personal auto insurance policy offers any supplemental protection during transit.

Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport Comparison

Feature	Open Transport	Enclosed Transport
Cost	More Economical	Higher (Premium Service)
Protection	Exposed to elements (weather, road debris)	Fully protected from external factors
Availability	Widely available, more frequent routes	Less frequent, specialized routes

Preparing Your Vehicle for Transport

Once you’ve secured your financing with DriveTime and arranged a transport carrier, a bit of preparation on your end ensures a smooth handoff and delivery. Think of it as getting your car ready for a long, supervised nap.

Key Preparation Steps

1. Clean Your Vehicle: Wash the exterior and clean out the interior. A clean car makes it easier to spot any pre-existing dents, scratches, or damage during the initial inspection.
2. Remove Personal Items: Auto transport companies are not licensed to carry household goods or personal belongings. Remove everything from the trunk, glove compartment, and under the seats. Only factory-installed equipment should remain.
3. Check Fluid Levels and Tires: Ensure all fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid) are at appropriate levels. Check tire pressure to ensure they are properly inflated.
4. Disable Alarms: If your vehicle has an alarm system, ensure it’s disabled or provide clear instructions on how to disable it to the driver. Accidental activation during transit can be a nuisance.
5. Fuel Tank: The fuel tank should be no more than a quarter full. This reduces weight and minimizes fire risk during transport.
6. Document Existing Damage: Before the carrier arrives, take detailed photos or videos of your vehicle from all angles, noting any existing dents, scratches, or imperfections. This documentation is crucial for comparing the vehicle’s condition upon delivery.
7. Provide Keys: You’ll need to provide one set of keys to the transport driver.

This meticulous preparation helps protect both your vehicle and your interests, providing clear documentation should any issues arise during transit.

Inspecting Your Vehicle Upon Arrival

The moment your car arrives is exciting, but it’s also a critical time for a thorough inspection. This is your last chance to confirm the vehicle’s condition before accepting delivery, much like a final quality control check on a freshly built engine.

Upon arrival, the transport driver will present a Bill of Lading (BOL), which is a document detailing the vehicle’s condition at pickup. Walk around the entire vehicle with the driver, comparing its current state to the initial inspection notes and your pre-shipment photos. Check for any new dents, scratches, scrapes, or other damage that may have occurred during transit.

If you find any new damage, it is absolutely essential to note it clearly and specifically on the Bill of Lading before signing. Be precise in your description of the damage. Do not sign a BOL that states “damage unknown” or “subject to inspection” if you have identified issues. Take additional photos of any new damage at this point.

Once you and the driver have signed the BOL, you have accepted delivery. If damage was noted, follow the transport company’s claims procedure promptly. Your pre-shipment documentation will be vital evidence in this process.

Essential Pre-Shipment Checklist

Action	Why It’s Important
Clean Vehicle	Easier to document existing damage and spot new issues.
Remove Personal Items	Transport companies are not licensed for personal goods; prevents loss.
Check Fluids/Tires	Ensures vehicle is safe for loading/unloading and potential short drives.
Disable Alarm	Prevents accidental activation and inconvenience during transit.
Fuel Tank (1/4 Full)	Reduces weight and fire risk; enough for loading/unloading.
Document Existing Damage	Crucial evidence for any potential claims of new damage upon delivery.

Financing and Logistics: A Coordinated Effort

Securing a vehicle from DriveTime and arranging its transport requires a coordinated effort between you, DriveTime, and your chosen shipping company. The financial approval from DriveTime is a distinct step from the logistical planning of getting the car to you.

It’s crucial to have your financing fully approved and the purchase agreement finalized with DriveTime before you commit to a shipping schedule. This ensures that the vehicle is legally yours, or will be upon delivery, and avoids complications if financing falls through after transport arrangements are made.

Communication is key throughout this process. Keep DriveTime informed of your chosen carrier and their pickup schedule, and provide the transport company with all necessary contact information for the DriveTime lot. Ensure the transport company understands any specific pickup procedures or hours of operation at the dealership.

Consider the registration and titling process, especially if the vehicle is coming from out of state. You might need temporary tags to drive the vehicle legally in your home state immediately after delivery. The DMV.org provides essential information on vehicle registration, titling, and temporary tag requirements, which vary by state, ensuring you meet local regulations.

Having all these pieces in place before the car leaves the lot prevents headaches down the road. It ensures that when your new-to-you vehicle arrives, you’re ready to hit the road without any unexpected paperwork snags.