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October 21, 2024

The Transport Logistics of Buying a Car Out of Province

Over the last few years, the new and used car market has become incredibly tight. Global factors like shortages in key components, combined with high interest rates and changing consumer preferences, have led to sky-high prices for new and used vehicles. Gone are the days when you could walk into a dealership, negotiate on the sticker price, and walk away with the exact car you wanted. Today, shopping for a new vehicle requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to look beyond your local market.

To combat the limited availability and increasing costs of shopping locally, many would-be car buyers have dramatically expanded their search radius—sometimes to include the entire country. If you live in British Columbia but have found a great deal on your dream car in Quebec, it’s easier than you think to transport it out West. This blog will give you a rundown on the logistics of car shipping across Canada.

The Transport Options for Your Vehicle

Option 1: Driving It Yourself

If you have the time, you can always pick up the car yourself and drive it back home. There are a few benefits to going this route. First, you’ll get to see and inspect the car you’re buying before taking possession. This might be particularly important if you’re buying a used or vintage vehicle. Secondly, you get to see some sights, test out the car on a long drive, and hopefully enjoy the journey.

However, there are downsides to driving it yourself. Driving the car yourself means dealing with travel expenses like a flight to get there, and gas, food, and accommodations on the way home. It also adds wear and tear to your vehicle right off the bat, and if you’re buying during the winter months, road conditions can make driving an unfamiliar car especially stressful.

Option 2: Hiring a Car Transport Service

If a road trip isn’t for you, hiring a professional car transport service is a much more convenient alternative. Car shipping companies move thousands of cars every day and specialize in safely transporting vehicles from one location to another. With this option, you don’t need to worry about any of the logistics yourself!

Not only will you be saving the time and cost involved in you’re the car yourself, but your car will arrive with zero additional mileage and in the same condition as when it left the dealership or seller. If you’re looking to keep your high-end or classic car in showroom condition, professional car transport is your best option.

Preparing for Transport

Once you’ve settled on a transport method you’ll need to prepare for the journey. If you’re going with a car shipping company, make sure all the necessary documentation is in order, including the bill of sale.

Before handing your car over to the transport company, do a thorough pre-shipping inspection; if you’re not there in person have someone you know or a third-party mechanic verify the condition of the car. Take photos of the vehicle from multiple angles, noting any pre-existing scratches, dents, or other damage. This will give you a record of the car’s condition in case any issues arise during transit.

Navigating Provincial Regulations

Each province has its own set of rules when it comes to registering and insuring a vehicle bought out of the province, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the specific requirements where you live. For example, in BC, pre-owned vehicles imported from other provinces are required to pass a provincial safety inspection before they can be registered (new vehicles and qualified pre-owned vehicles from Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba may be exempt).

Receiving Your Vehicle

When your car arrives at its destination, it’s a good idea to inspect it carefully to ensure it matches the condition documented before transport. If you notice any damage or discrepancies, report them to the transport company immediately.

Once you’ve confirmed everything is in order, the next step is registering the vehicle in your home province and securing insurance. Be sure to bring all necessary paperwork to your local licensing office, including the bill of sale, out-of-province inspection report, and proof of insurance. Then all that’s left is to enjoy your new ride!

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