Drive Away Service: This really depends on whether you trust a stranger driving your vehicle - Cheapest Ways

8/31/2025

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.

Cheapest Ways: Drive Away Service

Drive Away Service [1] is a method of auto transport where you hire an individual to drive your car to its destination. Being cheap may sound tempting but please keep in mind, there are reasons why it is a cheap service. Before we go over those reasons, lets take a look at how it works.

How Drive Away Service Works

The process is fairly simple:

Hire a Driver:
You find and hire a driver willing to take the job. There are platforms like Citizsenshipper and uShip that provide drive away service listings.
Hand Over Your Vehicle:
You meet the driver, hand over your car keys, and provide any necessary documentation.
Driver Travels to Destination:
The driver then travels to your chosen destination, sometimes using your car for their personal travel along the way.
Receive Your Car:
Once the driver arrives, you meet them to retrieve your vehicle.

Major Disadvantages of Drive Away

While this may seem like an easy and cost-effective solution, there are several major disadvantages to consider.

Wear and Tear on Your Vehicle

Since your car is driven rather than transported on a car shipping carrier, it experiences additional use:

Increased Mileage:
The longer the trip, the more mileage your car accumulates, which can reduce its resale value.
Maintenance Needs:
Extended driving can accelerate the need for oil changes, tire rotations, and brake replacements.
Potential Damage:
More time on the road increases the risk of scratches, dents, or even accidents.

Limited Control and Trust Issues

One of the biggest concerns with Drive Away Service is handing your vehicle over to a stranger.

Trust:
You must trust the driver to be responsible and follow safe driving practices.
Limited Control:
Once your car is on the road, you have little control over how it’s driven, where it’s parked, or how well it’s cared for.

Insurance and Liability Concerns

Auto transport insurance can be complicated when someone else is driving your vehicle.

Insurance Coverage:
Your existing auto insurance may not cover another driver, requiring you to purchase additional coverage.
Liability Issues:
If an accident occurs, determining liability can be complex and potentially costly.

Benefits for the Driver, Not You

Drive Away Services often benefit the hired driver more than the car owner.

Free Travel:
Drivers get a free or inexpensive way to travel, saving on their personal transportation costs.
Potential Earnings:
Some drivers even earn money from the job, turning your transport need into their financial gain.

Hidden Costs and Logistics

While it may seem like a cheaper alternative to car shipping, hidden expenses and logistical challenges can arise:

Fuel and Expenses:
Fuel, tolls, and other travel-related costs often fall on the vehicle owner.
Scheduling and Coordination:
Scheduling pick-ups and drop-offs can be difficult, requiring coordination—especially if plans change.

Drive away services means having to trust someone to drive your car a long distance.

Drive Away Services provide an alternative to traditional auto transport, but the disadvantages of added mileage, limited control, insurance complications, and unexpected costs, can make it a less reliable option. Carefully weigh these drawbacks before deciding if it’s the right car transport method for your needs.