2 Best Auto Transport Companies in West Virginia For 2024

Ready to rev up that motor and go out for your first drive in West Virginia? We know how tempting it can be. Just make sure you’re ready to hit the road. Check out the following essential steps:

1. Understand West Virginia Residency

This step only applies to those relocating to the state of West Virginia who plan to establish their permanent and principal residence here (i.e., this does not apply to college students living here temporarily). West Virginia legally requires new residents to take specific steps regarding insurance, car registration, and more based upon the date of residency. It may be challenging to establish an exact date of residency, but here are some qualifications:

• Establish yourself as a domiciliary resident (with a permanent place of residence in WV)
• Be physically present in the state for over 183 days

Note: Keep the date you establish residency in mind as you review the remaining steps.

2. Update Your Insurance to Comply with WV Laws

Each state sets laws regarding auto insurance minimums. In West Virginia, you must purchase an insurance policy from a licensed WV insurance agent with the following coverage amounts:

• $25,000 property damage liability per accident: Property liability coverage pays for any damage done to another car or property in an accident in which you are the at-fault driver.
• $25,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person/$50,000 per accident: Bodily injury liability coverage helps to cover another person’s injuries for which you are at fault.
• $25,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person/$50,000 per accident: Covers your medical bills and cost of repair/replacement of your vehicle when hit by an uninsured driver.
• $25,000 uninsured motorist property damage coverage: UMPD covers your vehicle's damage if an uninsured driver hits it.

Note: You must have proof of liability insurance coverage to title and register your vehicle in WV.

3. Title and Register Your Vehicle

If you bring a car into West Virginia from out of state, you must apply for title and registration within 30 days of establishing residency. You will need to provide the following:

• Current Out-of-state title
• Completed West Virginia title application
• Odometer disclosure certification
• Insurance info (from licensed WV company)
• Lienholder info (if applicable)
• Titling and registration fees

4. Obtain a Valid West Virginia Driver License

You must obtain a West Virginia license within 30 days of establishing residency. If your out-of-state license is current, you may transfer it. You must apply for your license in-person at a local DMV location. During the application process, you must:

• Establish residency in West Virginia
• Submit a completed application form
• Provide proof: valid ID, social security number, change of legal name (if applicable), two proofs of West Virginia residency (with name and address)
• Pass all required written and driver exams (if the license is expired)
• Pass vision screening
• Complete alcohol awareness test
• Surrender out-of-state driver license
• Have photo taken
• Pay applicable driver license fees

5. Winter Driving Tips in WV

Located in the Appalachian region, with an overall humid subtropical climate, West Virginia receives about 33 inches of snowfall each year. Whether you’re coming from a more temperate climate or you’re a seasoned snow driver, it pays to know how to handle inclement weather in the Mountain State, particularly during WV winters.

To stay safe on West Virginia’s roads during wintertime, the West Virginia Department of Transportation offers a list of suggestions. These tips include:

• Check tires (pressure and condition, as well as replacement)
• Inspect battery
• Check windshield wipers (and replace accordingly)
• Fill up windshield wiper fluid reservoir
• Clear snow & ice from windows and lights
• Drive slowly (and avoid sudden movements)
• Leave ample space between your vehicle and others (especially snowplows)
• Avoid the use of cruise control
• Make sure to check the weather forecast before heading out on the road

It’s also wise to keep a roadside safety kit. This kit can include the following: jumper cables, flares, ice scraper, a flashlight (and extra batteries), tow rope, safety vest, blanket, extra clothing, hand warmers, snacks, drinking water, first aid kit, shovel, and sand or kitty litter for getting traction when stuck.

6. Set Up an E-ZPass Account

West Virginia has just three toll plazas, but you may want to look into setting up an E-ZPass Account if you frequent the West Virginia Turnpike. With this prepaid account, you can breeze seamlessly through all toll plazas and enjoy discounted toll rates. Additionally, the E-ZPass transponder works at all other toll booths within the E-ZPass system (across 17 other states). Learn more about setting up an E-ZPass Account here.

Are you looking to ship your vehicle to West Virginia from another part of the country? Caravan Auto Transport’s network of vetted, licensed, and insured auto transporters offers safe, efficient transport of your automobile to its destination without running up the miles on the odometer. These reputable West Virginia car shipping companies provide the following services:

Open Car Transport

The most common method of car transportation, open transport carriers are ideal if you’re looking for an affordable shipping option with speedy delivery. As the name suggests, your car is loaded onto an open-air trailer along with several other vehicles headed to the same destination.

Enclosed Auto Transport

If you desire enhanced security or protection for your vehicle, you may wish to arrange enclosed carrier shipping. Inside a covered trailer, your car enjoys protection from harsh weather conditions and road hazards like dust and dirt. Shipping your vehicle in a closed carrier also enhances its safety during transit by keeping the car concealed.

Door-to-Door Car Shipping

With a door-to-door car shipping service, you choose the desired pick-up and drop-off locations rather than having to arrange getting your vehicle to or from a transport terminal. Door-to-door shipping is the most convenient choice for shipping your car to or from West Virginia, saving you time and effort.

Expedited Shipping

In a hurry to get your car from one location to the next? Upgrading to expedited shipping ensures seamless pick-up and drop-off of your vehicle on your schedule. As a priority customer, you receive fast, timely service, so you can get back to driving that much quicker.

Classic and Antique Car Transport

When it comes to transporting a classic car, you want an auto transport company that can deliver your vehicle without a single dent or scratch. From vintage Mustangs to antique DeVaux Sports Coupes, our network of classic auto transporters has the expertise and equipment to transport your classic car safely, so it arrives in pristine condition.

High End and Luxury Auto Shipping

Exotic car transporters use specialty equipment, like hydraulic lifts and sophisticated tie-downs, along with enclosed trucks, to keep your valuable car safe during every mile of transit. An enclosed car hauler ensures the ultimate protection for your high-end or luxury vehicle, protecting it from dirt, dust, and debris along the way.

From moving off to college to building your career, there are numerous reasons you may be interested in shipping a car to West Virginia or somewhere outside of the Mountain State. Caravan Auto Transport’s network of auto shippers streamlines the car hauling process no matter your reason for transporting your vehicle to or from WV.

Moving and Relocation

When moving cross-country or out-of-state, many people choose to ship their cars rather than add a long road trip to an already stressful and exhausting relocation experience. Leave the logistics of moving your vehicle in the hands of professionals with either open or enclosed vehicle shipping services.

Military

West Virginia is home to two military bases. From Vessel Document Center Coast Guard in Falling Waters to Operations Systems Center Coast Guard in Martinsburg, many military personnel are stationed in the Mountain State. If you are one of the brave men and women serving our country, we’re happy to serve you with top-notch car transportation to or from West Virginia.

Online Car Buyers

Whether you’ve found the perfect vehicle on Craigslist, eBay, or AutoTrader, you may need some assistance getting it home, especially if it’s sitting on the other side of the country. Instead of flying out to pick it up and putting hundreds or thousands of miles on the odometer just to get it to your driveway, arrange for a hauler to transport your new car for you.

College Students

From notable West Virginia University to the more intimate Davis & Elkins College, West Virginia has no shortage of fantastic colleges and universities for those seeking to further their education. If you have a college student moving to West Virginia from out-of-state (or vice versa), have their vehicle shipped straight to campus with a fast, affordable auto transport service.

On average, it costs between $500-$1500 to ship a car to West Virginia. Anticipate paying around $1 per mile for the first 1-500 miles, then approximately $.75 for every mile after that. Several factors influence the final cost of shipping your vehicle, including the origin and destination zip codes, the method of transport (open vs. enclosed), the speed of shipment, the type of vehicle, and the time of year. The best way to get an accurate estimate of car shipping costs is by requesting free quotes from our network of auto transport companies.