What exactly is an
Auto Driveaway?
When the owner of a car pays for a driver to take it somewhere, it's
called a driveaway. Since the early 1950s, vehicle owners in the USA
or Canada who need to transport their cars from one place to another
have been finding voluntary drivers for their vehicles through
private intermediary vehicle transport companies such as Auto
Driveaway Co.
Vehicle
owners pay to have their vehicle transport needs posted and willing
drivers contact local offices for a list of available vehicles. The
vehicle owners pay for the service, but drivers only pay for
gasoline and occasionally a small fee for insurance. Driveaways save
money for the driver because it pays for the transportation. The
agreement can also save the owner a substantial amount over the cost
of shipping.
The arrangement typically has the driver paying for the fuel, tolls,
food and lodging. The driver usually is authorized to pay for and
claim reimbursement for minor repairs -- under $50, say -- but must
get telephone authorization for others. The driver may carry
passengers, but must tell the company about them and accept no
payment except a share of the expenses.
Owners are usually asked to make arrangements at least two weeks in
advance. The owner is usually permitted to fill the trunk with
personal belongings but not to leave anything in the passenger area.
Sometimes the owner pays for the first tank of gas.
How can I find auto
driveaway vehicles?
Check the "Automobile
Transporters & Drive-Away Companies" section in your
local phone book, or search the Internet for "auto
driveaway" and then begin by making some phone calls.
Many
companies list available vehicles online, but phone calls will
assure that you get the most up-to-date listings. Most companies
suggest that you contact them no more than a week ahead of your
desired departure date, but available listings are often posted
online up to one month in advance. Being flexible and persistent are
the two keys to finding a vehicle that best suits your needs.
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Companies Offering Driveaways |
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A
standard driveaway service is when a vehicle is driven to its
destination by a driver who is not paid to do so. In other
words, the driver is not a professional. They must go through
an application process, during which their driving records are
checked thoroughly. The driver is required to leave a
significant deposit before being assigned a vehicle.
You can also opt for a professional driveaway service, for
which the vehicle is driven to its destination by a driver who
is paid by the company. This is a more precise service, and
more expensive, usually comparable to shipping the vehicle.
The Requirements
Each company has similar requirements. Many require that you
be at least 21 years old and present a valid United States,
foreign or international driver's license, as well as post a
cash deposit. The amount of the deposit depends on where you
pick up the car, and is refundable when the car is delivered
to the owner in good order.
Length of Use
Most companies recommend that you drive no more than eight
hours a day. Allowing time for rest stops, meals and some
sightseeing, that usually means about 400 miles. Thus, the
allotted time between New York City and south Florida is
usually four days and between New York and Los Angeles eight
to ten. Some companies impose such penalties as $25 for each
day you're late and 25 cents for each mile over your maximum
allotment. |
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