Drive Away Service - Cheapest Ways

7/5/2024

When you need to transport your car over a long distance, a Drive Away Service might seem like a convenient option. This service involves hiring an individual to drive your vehicle to its destination.

Drive away service driver seen in rearview mirror driving car to their destination.

While it can be handy, it's important to understand the major disadvantages, as this option often benefits the driver more than the vehicle owner.

Cost Analysis: Drive Away Service

How Drive Away Service Works

Drive Away Service [1] involves these basic steps:

Hire a Driver:
You find and hire an individual who is willing to drive your car to your desired location.
Hand Over Your Vehicle:
You meet the driver, hand over your car keys, and any necessary documentation.
Driver Travels to Destination:
The driver uses your car to travel to the destination, potentially using it for their personal travel needs along the way.
Receive Your Car:
Once the driver reaches the destination, you meet them to retrieve your car.

Major Disadvantages of Drive Away

While Drive Away Service might seem straightforward, several significant disadvantages should be considered:

Wear and Tear on Your Vehicle

Having someone drive your car long distances means additional wear and tear:

Increased Mileage:
Your car’s mileage will increase, reducing its resale value.
Maintenance Needs:
Long trips can accelerate the need for maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake checks.
Potential Damage:
The risk of accidents or minor damages, like scratches and dents, increases with more road time.

Limited Control and Trust Issues

Handing over your car to a stranger can be unsettling:

Trust:
You need to trust the driver to handle your vehicle responsibly and drive safely.
Limited Control:
Once your car is on the road, you have little control over how it's being driven, where it's parked, or how it's treated.

Insurance and Liability Concerns

Insurance and liability can be complex with Drive Away Services:

Insurance Coverage:
Confirm if your insurance covers someone else driving your car. If not, you may need to purchase additional coverage.
Liability Issues:
If the driver gets into an accident, determining liability can be tricky and potentially costly.

Benefits for the Driver, Not You

Often, Drive Away Services mainly benefit the hired driver:

Free Travel:
The driver gets a free or cheap way to travel to their destination, saving money on their own travel expenses.
Potential Earnings:
In some cases, drivers might even get paid, turning your need into their profit.

Hidden Costs and Logistics

There can be hidden costs and logistical challenges:

Fuel and Expenses:
You may need to cover fuel costs, tolls, and other travel expenses, adding to the overall cost.
Scheduling and Coordination:
Arranging meet-ups for pick-up and drop-off can be complicated, especially if schedules change.

Drive Away Services can offer a way to transport your vehicle without you having to drive it yourself, but the disadvantages are significant. Increased wear and tear, limited control and trust issues, insurance and liability concerns, and the fact that the arrangement often benefits the driver more than you are important factors to consider. Weigh these drawbacks carefully before deciding if this is the right option for your car transportation needs.