MotorMoves connects car owners with verified transport providers across the UK, enabling live competitive bidding that ensures fair pricing without markups. Whether transporting a single family car or arranging regular trade movements, our marketplace simplifies finding reliable, professional car transport & vehicle delivery services tailored to your specific requirements. Compare Car Transport quotes quickly and easily with MotorMoves.
Getting quotes is easy - 1) Post your listing, 2) Receive competitive quotes & 3) Review and accept your chosen provider. Our streamlined process eliminates the hassle of chasing quotes through endless phone calls and emails. Everything happens within our secure platform where you can compare providers, read reviews, ask questions and make informed decisions at your own pace. No sales pressure, no cold calls, and no inbox flooding - just transparent quotes from verified professionals competing for your business.
Car transport represents the largest segment of the UK vehicle delivery market, encompassing everything from economical hatchbacks to prestigious luxury saloons. Whether you're purchasing a car from a distant dealer, relocating across the country, or moving a cherished classic to a new home, professional car transport services ensure your vehicle arrives safely without adding unnecessary mileage.
The UK car transport industry serves diverse customer needs. Private buyers increasingly purchase vehicles online from dealerships and private sellers hundreds of miles away, requiring reliable car delivery services. Motor traders move stock between branches, have customer car deliveries and auctions collections regularly, while collectors seek enclosed transport for valuable classic cars and modern supercars. Non runner car transport is also very common and vehicle recovery takes up a large percentage of car transport in the UK on a daily basis. Each scenario demands different approaches, equipment, and expertise.
Open car transport using multi-vehicle transporters offers the most economical solution for standard vehicles. These transporters can carry multiple cars simultaneously, reducing costs through shared capacity. For vehicles requiring additional protection—whether high-value prestige cars, concours classics, or show vehicles—enclosed transport provides complete weather protection and enhanced security during transit.
Professional car transporters understand the importance of proper loading techniques, secure strapping, and careful handling throughout the journey. Fully insured operators provide peace of mind, covering vehicles against any transit damage. Many providers offer real-time tracking, allowing customers to monitor their vehicle's progress from collection to delivery.
If you need your car transported to a garage — whether for an MOT, a scheduled service, bodywork repairs, or specialist mechanical work — professional car transport is a practical and often surprisingly affordable solution. Do you need your car transported to a garage but want to avoid adding unnecessary miles to your vehicle? Transport car to garage services are ideal for high-value vehicles heading for specialist tuning, restoration workshops, or prestige servicing centres, ensuring your car arrives in exactly the same condition it left — without engine wear, additional mileage on the clock, or the hassle of arranging a return drive. MotorMoves providers can collect from your home or workplace and deliver directly to your chosen garage, handling everything from a standard service drop-off to a long-distance specialist appointment.
Understanding the different transport methods available helps you choose the right service for your vehicle. Here are the main types of car transport services offered across the UK.
Enclosed car transport is the gold standard for vehicle logistics, offering the highest level of security and environmental protection. This method utilizes fully covered trailers to shield vehicles from road debris, adverse weather, and prying eyes.
Best for: High-value, rare, or sentimental vehicles. Frequently used for dealership transfers of new luxury cars and private sales.
Learn MoreOpen car transport is the most common and cost-effective method of moving vehicles across the UK. Single-car flatbeds and multi-car carriers offer flexibility for different needs.
Best for: Everyday cars, auction collections, and fleet logistics. The go-to solution for standard vehicle relocation with significant savings.
Learn MoreCar transport via trailer offers high flexibility and specialized care for individual moves. Ideal for bespoke deliveries where a large HGV would be impractical.
Best for: Classic car restoration trips, track cars, and vehicles bought via online marketplaces. Can reach remote locations inaccessible to larger transporters.
Learn MoreDriven car transport uses a professional driver to physically operate your car to its destination. This offers true door-to-door service, navigating tight streets inaccessible to large transporters.
Best for: Dealership stock transfers, fleet reallocations, and private buyers needing fast collection with comprehensive insurance.
Learn MoreClassic car transport requires deep understanding of automotive history and mechanical delicacy. Expert handling prioritizes preservation of fragile paint finishes and aging components.
Best for: Concours d'Elegance events, specialized restoration shops, and classic auctions with detailed condition reports.
Learn MoreSupercar transport is highly specialized for the world's most expensive machinery. Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren require cutting-edge equipment for their extreme dimensions.
Best for: Factory servicing, seasonal residence moves, and delivering limited-edition models. Protects expensive carbon fiber components.
Learn MoreRace car transport is about logistics and timing. Whether it's a weekend track toy or professional GT3 machine, race cars require specialist handling for their stiff suspensions and aerodynamic bodywork.
Best for: Amateur racers attending track days and professional teams competing in national championships. Punctuality to paddock load-in times is critical.
Learn MoreNon runner recovery specialises in moving vehicles that cannot be driven. From breakdown recoveries to salvage auction collections, specialist equipment handles cars with mechanical failures, accident damage, or flat batteries.
Best for: BCA and Manheim auction collections, Copart salvage purchases, roadside breakdowns, and cars with suspension or accident damage requiring winch loading.
Learn MoreUK car transport costs vary by distance, vehicle size, and urgency. Prices generally start from £50-£150 for short trips, moving to £100-£300 for medium distances, and £200-£600+ for long hauls. Per-mile rates decrease as distance increases.
Short Distance
£1.50 - £3.00/mile
Easy routes, small to large cars
Long Distance
£0.95 - £1.30/mile
Average routes, most vehicles
Electric Vehicles
£2.00 - £4.00/mile
Specialist EV handling
Vehicle Size
SUVs, 4x4s, vans cost more
Vehicle Type
EVs need specialist handling
Route Difficulty
Remote areas increase costs
Transport Method
Enclosed adds 30-50%
Urgency
Express/last-minute costs more
Below are approximate costs for popular UK car transport routes. Actual prices vary based on vehicle type, provider availability, and service level.
| Route | Miles | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| London to Manchester | 200 | £180 - £280 |
| Liverpool to Glasgow | 220 | £195 - £310 |
| Birmingham to Newcastle | 205 | £185 - £290 |
| Exeter to Sheffield | 250 | £220 - £350 |
| Leeds to Swansea | 230 | £200 - £320 |
| Bristol to Edinburgh | 380 | £320 - £480 |
| London to Edinburgh | 400 | £340 - £520 |
| Southampton to Aberdeen | 530 | £420 - £600 |
| Plymouth to Inverness | 620 | £480 - £680 |
| London to Plymouth | 215 | £190 - £300 |
Prices shown are estimates for standard car transport. Enclosed transport, EVs, large vehicles, or express delivery will be higher. Get free quotes to compare actual prices.
In the UK, car transport insurance involves a combination of legal mandates and industry-standard commercial cover to protect all parties involved. Legally, any carrier operating on public roads must hold Motor Trade Road Risk insurance, which includes "Hire and Reward" cover specifically for transporting third-party goods for payment. While Goods in Transit (GIT) insurance is not a statutory legal requirement like road insurance, it is a practical necessity for professional haulers to cover damage, theft, or loss of the vehicle being moved; many carriers operate under RHA (Road Haulage Association) Conditions of Carriage, which may limit liability to approximately £1,300 per tonne, making it vital for owners of high-value vehicles to verify if "all risks" or full-value cover is in place. Furthermore, if the transport company has employees, they are legally required to carry Employers' Liability insurance (minimum £5 million), while Public Liability insurance is standard to cover third-party injury or property damage during loading and unloading. For international transport to Europe, CMR insurance is required under the Geneva Convention, and Marine Transit insurance is used if the vehicle is shipped via sea to ensure full-value protection against maritime risks.
| Type | Status | What it Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Trade | Mandatory | Basic road legality and third-party protection |
| Employers' Liability | Mandatory | Required by law if company has staff |
| Goods in Transit | Optional* | Vehicle being moved (often required) |
| Public Liability | Optional* | Damage to property or people during move |
| CMR Insurance | Mandatory | Required for European border transport |
*While not legally mandatory, these insurances are industry standard and often required by contracts. Always verify your transport provider's insurance coverage before booking.
All car transport providers are verified with valid insurance, operator licenses, and positive customer reviews.
Multiple providers bid on your job, ensuring you get the best car transport rates available.
Post your car transport job in minutes and receive quotes within hours. No phone calls needed.
Transport for all standard cars, hatchbacks, and saloons
Specialist transport for high-value vehicles with enclosed options
Careful handling for cherished classic vehicles
EV transport with understanding of vehicle specifics
Collection from UK car auctions and delivery to your door
Trade-to-trade and dealer collection services
Car transport costs in the UK typically range from £1.00 to £2.00 per mile, depending on vehicle type, distance, and transport method. Short journeys under 100 miles average £100-£200, while cross-country transport (300+ miles) ranges from £300-£600. Get free quotes to compare exact prices.
Yes, all verified transport providers on MotorMoves carry goods in transit insurance. Coverage typically ranges from £50,000 to £250,000. Always check the provider's insurance details before booking and request a copy of their certificate if needed.
Standard UK car transport typically takes 2-7 days depending on distance and provider availability. Express same-day or next-day delivery is available at premium rates. Flexible date options can reduce costs by allowing providers to consolidate loads.
Absolutely. Many of our providers have recovery trucks with winches and specialist equipment to safely load and transport non-running, accident-damaged, or salvage vehicles. Just indicate the vehicle condition when creating your listing.
Open transport uses standard car transporters - it's cost-effective and suitable for most vehicles. Enclosed transport uses covered trailers protecting vehicles from weather and road debris - ideal for classic cars, luxury vehicles, or vehicles with low ground clearance.
Remove all personal belongings and valuables from the vehicle. Ensure the fuel tank is around 1/4 full - enough for loading/unloading but not adding unnecessary weight. Disable any alarms, note any existing damage, and ensure the vehicle is accessible for collection. Remove or secure loose accessories like aerials, spoilers, or roof racks.
You'll typically need proof of ownership or authorization to transport the vehicle (V5C logbook or purchase invoice), valid photo ID, and the vehicle keys. For trade movements, a trade invoice or dealer authorization may be required. International transport requires additional customs documentation. It is best to discuss these finer details with your chosen transport provider to confirm what they require from you.
Most transport providers don't mind if you leave personal items in the vehicle however some advise against leaving items in the vehicle during transport. Items left inside are typically not covered by the transporter's insurance and add additional weight to the vehicle. If you must leave items, they should be secured, non-valuable, and declared to the provider beforehand.
Most transport providers do not allow passengers to travel inside their vehicles during transport for insurance and safety reasons. Typically you'll need to arrange separate travel to meet your vehicle at the destination but it is always worth asking the provider if required.
Yes, it's highly recommended to document your vehicle's condition before transport. Take dated photos and videos of all angles, noting any existing scratches, dents, or damage. This protects both you and the transport provider and ensures any transit damage can be clearly identified.
Either you or an authorized representative must be present at both collection and delivery to hand over/receive keys, sign condition reports, and confirm the vehicle's state. If you can't attend, you can nominate someone else with written authorization to act on your behalf.
Don't rely on the driver's memory. Download our free inspection sheet to mark down every scratch before your car leaves.
For more tips, visit our Safety Tips page.
“I highly recommend MotorMoves, very hard to trust people with my cherished car these days but they made it easy and reassuring, kept me up to date through the whole process and was so easy to deal with over the phone. Will carry on using them and have recommended to all my friends in the car community.”
Lee
“Got our car moved by Isaak who was fantastic, punctual with good communication and took great care of our vehicle. Motor Moves platform was really simple to use and great for getting good quotes. Will use again.”
Gerry Nicholls
“Very easy system to use, quick and efficient service from start to finish. Will use again and I even managed to save some money.”
Lauren Dean
“Great service, cheap quotes, with speedy response for quotes, and fast delivery.”
Calum Clark
“Used MotorMoves to transport an online car purchase, great platform that was very simple to use and quite efficient. Got good quotes and got it moved with Paul who was great. Everything ran smoothly and on time, cannot recommend enough.”
Michael
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