10 Best Auto Transport Companies in Wisconsin For 2024

1. Understand Wisconsin Residency

This step only applies if you’re relocating from another state and plan to establish your permanent and principal residence in Wisconsin. This information does not apply to snowbirds or college students who live here temporarily. Wisconsin legally requires new residents to take specific steps regarding auto insurance, car registration, driver licenses, and more based upon the date residency is established. You must provide two proofs of residency. If they include your name and WI street address, the bulleted items are acceptable proof of Wisconsin residency.

You may provide printed copies:

• A paycheck, earning statement, or stub with your WI employer’s name and address
• A utility bill
• Financial statements
• A valid WI hunting or fishing license
• A medical billing statement
• Insurance documents (auto, health, or life)
• Voter registration card

The following must be originals:

• A signed lease, mortgage, or deed for a WI property
• Government-issued correspondence
• A report card or school transcript, or certified school record
• Employee photo ID card issued by your current employer
• Tribal identification card
• Wisconsin driver license or ID card

2. Update Insurance to Comply with WI Laws

Each state sets laws regarding auto insurance minimums. In Wisconsin, you must purchase an auto insurance policy within 60 days of establishing residency.

• $10,000 property damage liability insurance: Helps cover damage to another car or other property if you are at fault for the accident.
• $25,000 bodily injury liability for one person/$50,000 per accident: Helps cover an injured person's medical costs if you are at fault for the accident.
• $25,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person/$50,000 for two or more people: Helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses when the at-fault driver doesn’t have auto insurance.

If you want to take on less risk while driving, you can increase your liability insurance limits and add comprehensive, collision, or underinsured motorist protection. Remember that liability coverage doesn’t apply to any injuries you may suffer if you cause an accident.

3. Title and Register Your Vehicle

You must register and title your vehicle within 60 days of becoming a WI resident. To apply, you’ll need:

• Your vehicle title or registration card from your previous state
• A completed and signed Title/License Plate Application form MV1
• Current proof of identity
• Title and vehicle registration fees
• Proof of WI auto insurance
• Municipal or county wheel tax
• Proof of sales tax paid to your former state of residence if you’ve owned your auto for less than 90 days
• Check or money order made payable to Registration Fee Trust
• Click here to see where you can submit your completed MV1 application

4. Obtain a Valid Wisconsin Driver License

You must apply for a Wisconsin driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency. You must appear in person at a Wisconsin DMV customer service center and provide proof of the following acceptable documents:

• Your name and date of birth
• Your identity
• Citizenship or legal status
• Wisconsin residency
• Social Security number
• Be prepared to have your photo taken
• The completed Driver License Application for MV3001
• Your valid out-of-state driver license or ID card

After providing the above documents, you must:

• Pass a vision and hearing screening
• Pay the required fee

5. Understand Wisconsin Road Signage

Before you head out to cruise Wisconsin’s roads, it’s a good idea to become familiar with the Department of Transportation road signage. Knowing about the Badger State’s road signs will make it easier to identify what you’re looking for, especially when you’re behind the wheel and focused on the road. As you’re planning some of Wisconsin’s fantastic scenic road trips, you eventually may be on the lookout for lodging, camping, gasoline, food, or attractions like state parks, monuments, or wilderness refuges.

Wisconsin has a specific Information Sign (SIS) program designed to alert you to services in the upcoming five miles. Easy to identify logos will help direct you to services that must meet specific criteria. For example, restaurant logos can only include restaurants that are open no later than 10 a.m., and until at least 7 p.m. Lodging must be licensed and include a public telephone. Camping facilities must be licensed, have drinking water, adequate parking, and modern sanitary facilities. Click here to find out more about the Wisconsin Department of Transportation signage.

Are you looking to ship your vehicle to Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 has 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 Wisconsin, 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 a vintage Mustang to an antique DeVaux Sports Coupe, 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 heading South for the winter, there are numerous reasons you may be interested in shipping a car to Wisconsin or somewhere outside of the Badger 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 WI.

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.

Snowbirds

Do you fly South for the winter? Given Wisconsin’s freezing icy white winters, many residents head south to warmer and sunnier weather. Start enjoying your escape from the frigid North that much sooner by shipping your car and meeting it at your summer-season destination – whether you’re wintering in Florida’s balmy, laid-back Key West or California’s celebrity-studded Palm Springs.

Military

Wisconsin has just one military base. Located in the western central region of Wisconsin, Fort McCoy Army Base has almost 1,000 active military personnel. If you’re one of the brave men and women serving our country, we’re happy to provide you with free quotes and connect you with top-notch car transportation to or from Wisconsin.

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 the state’s UW system flagship campus, the University of Wisconsin in Madison, to the private Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, Wisconsin has no shortage of top-tier colleges and universities for those seeking to further their education. If you have a college student moving to Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin. 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.