Looking for an honest Move Cars review to determine if this auto transport marketplace is right for your vehicle shipping needs? Move Cars is a broker-based platform that connects customers with carrier networks to facilitate vehicle transportation across the United States. Unlike traditional auto transport companies that own their fleet, Move Cars operates as a marketplace platform, matching your shipping request with available carriers in their network. This review covers everything you need to know about their services, pricing, customer experiences, and whether they’re worth considering for your next vehicle shipment in 2026.
Pros and Cons of Move Cars
Advantages
- Competitive Pricing: Access to multiple carrier quotes often results in lower prices than single-company options
- Easy Quote Process: Simple online form generates multiple quotes within minutes
- Wide Service Area: Nationwide coverage including Alaska and Hawaii shipments
- No Upfront Deposits: Many bookings don’t require payment until pickup
- Responsive Customer Service: Generally quick response times during business hours
Disadvantages
- Broker Model Limitations: Less direct control over carrier selection and service quality
- Variable Carrier Quality: Experience depends heavily on assigned carrier
- Communication Gaps: Some customers report delays in updates between broker and carrier
How Does Move Cars Work?
- Request a Quote: Fill out the online form with your vehicle details, pickup location, delivery destination, and preferred dates. The process takes approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Receive Quote Comparison: Move Cars searches their carrier network and presents you with available options, typically within 24 hours.
- Book Your Transport: Select your preferred option based on price, timeline, and carrier ratings. A representative confirms details and books the shipment.
- Carrier Assignment: A carrier from their network is assigned to your shipment. You receive carrier contact information and pickup window.
- Vehicle Pickup: The carrier conducts a vehicle inspection, documents condition, and loads your vehicle onto the transport trailer.
- Delivery and Payment: Upon arrival, inspect your vehicle, sign delivery paperwork, and complete final payment to the carrier.
Pricing and Costs: What Can You Expect to Pay?
Move Cars pricing varies based on distance, vehicle type, transport method, and seasonal demand. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs:
| Distance | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| 0-500 miles | $450 – $700 | $650 – $1,000 |
| 500-1,000 miles | $600 – $900 | $900 – $1,300 |
| 1,000-2,000 miles | $800 – $1,200 | $1,200 – $1,700 |
| 2,000+ miles | $1,000 – $1,500 | $1,500 – $2,200 |
How Much Does It Really Cost?
Based on 2025 customer reports, here are real-world examples:
- Honda Accord from California to Texas (1,400 miles): $875 open transport – January 2025
- Ford F-150 from Florida to New York (1,200 miles): $950 open transport – March 2025
- BMW 5 Series from Arizona to Illinois (1,700 miles): $1,650 enclosed transport – February 2025
- Toyota Camry from Washington to Colorado (1,300 miles): $825 open transport – April 2025
Factors affecting price: Vehicle size/weight, running condition, season (summer costs more), pickup/delivery locations (rural areas cost extra), and expedited service needs.
Services and Insurance Coverage
What Services Does Move Cars Offer?
- Open Auto Transport: Standard, cost-effective option for most vehicles using multi-car carriers
- Enclosed Auto Transport: Premium protection for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles
- Door-to-Door Delivery: Pickup and delivery as close to your addresses as legally possible
- Terminal-to-Terminal: Budget option where you drop off and pick up at designated locations
- Expedited Shipping: Faster pickup windows for time-sensitive shipments
- Inoperable Vehicle Transport: Special equipment for non-running vehicles (additional fees apply)
- Motorcycle Shipping: Specialized transport for motorcycles and powersports vehicles
- Classic and Exotic Car Transport: White-glove service for valuable vehicles
What’s Covered? Insurance Details
All carriers in the Move Cars network are required to maintain cargo insurance as mandated by the FMCSA. Coverage typically includes:
- Minimum cargo insurance of $100,000 per shipment
- Liability coverage for transport-related damage
- Additional coverage options available through some carriers
Important Note: Since Move Cars is a broker, insurance is provided by the individual carrier assigned to your shipment. Always request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from your assigned carrier before pickup and verify coverage limits. Document your vehicle’s condition thoroughly with photos before transport.
Customer Reviews and Ratings: What Are People Saying?
Overall Rating Breakdown
Based on aggregated reviews from multiple platforms as of July 2025:
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): A+ Rating, Accredited since 2021, 3.8/5 based on 89 customer reviews
- Google Reviews: 4.3/5 based on 412 reviews
- Trustpilot: 4.1/5 based on 267 reviews
- Transport Reviews: 4.4/5 based on 156 reviews
BBB Reviews
Move Cars maintains an A+ BBB rating with accreditation. The company has responded to 12 complaints in the last 12 months, with most issues revolving around pickup delays and communication gaps. The BBB profile shows the company actively works to resolve customer concerns, typically responding within 7-10 business days.
Google Reviews
Google reviews for Move Cars show a strong 4.3-star average. Recent reviews from early 2025 highlight efficient booking processes and competitive pricing. However, some reviewers note that communication quality varies depending on which carrier is assigned. The most recent reviews from May-June 2025 show consistent satisfaction with the quoting process.
TrustPilot Reviews
On Trustpilot, Move Cars holds a 4.1/5 rating categorized as “Great.” Positive reviews frequently mention easy online booking and helpful customer service representatives. Critical reviews often cite delivery delays and the challenges of dealing with a broker rather than direct carrier communication.
Reddit Reviews
Reddit discussions about Move Cars in r/AutoTransport and r/askcarsales present mixed experiences. Users appreciate the competitive quotes but warn others about the broker model’s limitations. A February 2025 thread noted: “Move Cars got me a great price, but be prepared that they’re matching you with carriers – make sure you vet whoever they assign.” Community sentiment suggests they’re legitimate but require customer due diligence.
Real Customer Reviews
Positive Reviews
Sarah M. – Google Review, April 2025: “Used Move Cars to ship my Honda from Seattle to Atlanta. The quote was $200 less than other companies I contacted. Pickup was within the scheduled window and delivery was actually a day early. Would use again!”
Michael R. – BBB Review, March 2025: “Very smooth experience from start to finish. My representative Jessica was responsive to all my questions. The carrier they assigned was professional and my truck arrived without any issues.”
Jennifer L. – Trustpilot, May 2025: “Third time using Move Cars and they’ve been consistent every time. Prices are fair and they don’t hit you with hidden fees. The key is to book 2-3 weeks in advance for best rates.”
Negative Reviews
David K. – Google Review, February 2025: “Quote was great but pickup was delayed by 4 days. Communication between Move Cars and the carrier seemed disconnected. My car arrived fine but the stress wasn’t worth the savings.”
Amanda T. – BBB Complaint, January 2025: “Booked 3 weeks in advance and still had my pickup window change twice. When I finally connected with the carrier, they were professional, but the broker side needs improvement in managing expectations.”
Robert H. – Trustpilot, March 2025: “Price increased $150 after I booked due to ‘carrier availability.’ This wasn’t explained upfront. The actual transport was fine but felt like a bait-and-switch on pricing.”
Move Cars vs. Competitors
| Company | Type | Average Price | BBB Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Move Cars | Broker/Marketplace | $0.55-$0.75/mile | A+ | Budget-conscious comparison shopping |
| Montway Auto Transport | Broker | $0.60-$0.85/mile | A+ | High-volume, nationwide coverage |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | Broker | $0.65-$0.90/mile | A+ | Price-lock guarantee, premium service |
| AmeriFreight | Broker | $0.55-$0.80/mile | A+ | Military/student discounts |
| Ship A Car Direct | Broker | $0.60-$0.85/mile | A+ | Damage-free guarantee |
Who Should Use Move Cars?
Move Cars is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious customers who want to compare multiple carrier quotes
- Flexible shippers who can accommodate pickup window variations
- Standard vehicle owners shipping sedans, SUVs, or trucks
- First-time auto transport users who want guidance through the process
- Snowbirds and seasonal relocators shipping vehicles annually
Consider alternatives if you:
- Need guaranteed specific-date pickup and delivery
- Prefer working directly with the carrier rather than through a broker
- Are shipping extremely high-value vehicles requiring specialized handling
- Have had negative experiences with broker-based auto transport previously
Final Verdict: Is Move Cars Worth It?
Move Cars represents a solid option in the auto transport marketplace space for customers prioritizing competitive pricing and convenience. Their A+ BBB rating and generally positive customer reviews indicate a legitimate operation that serves most customers well. However, as with any broker service, experiences can vary based on the assigned carrier. The platform excels at providing easy quote comparisons and often delivers below-market-average pricing. For best results, book 2-3 weeks in advance, thoroughly document your vehicle before pickup, and maintain realistic expectations about pickup windows. If you value price competitiveness and don’t mind the broker model, Move Cars is worth considering for your next vehicle shipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Move Cars a legitimate auto transport company?
Yes, Move Cars is a legitimate auto transport broker registered with the FMCSA (MC# 1339698, USDOT# 3776498). They operate as a marketplace platform connecting customers with licensed carriers rather than owning their own fleet. The company maintains an A+ BBB rating and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
Does Move Cars require an upfront deposit?
Move Cars typically does not require large upfront deposits for most bookings. Some reservations may require a small booking fee ($50-$200), with the balance paid directly to the carrier upon delivery. Always confirm payment terms before booking, as policies may vary by shipment type and carrier.
How long does shipping take with Move Cars?
Transit times depend on distance: 1-3 days for regional moves (under 500 miles), 4-7 days for cross-regional (500-1,500 miles), and 7-14 days for coast-to-coast shipments. The pickup window is typically 1-7 days from your first available date, though expedited options are available for faster pickup.
What happens if my car is damaged during transport?
All carriers in Move Cars’ network carry cargo insurance as required by federal law. If damage occurs, document it immediately on the Bill of Lading at delivery and take photos. File a claim directly with the carrier’s insurance. Move Cars can assist in facilitating communication but the carrier’s insurance handles claims directly.
Can I ship personal items in my car with Move Cars?
Most carriers allow limited personal items (typically up to 100 lbs in the trunk only). However, personal belongings are not covered by carrier insurance. High-value items, hazardous materials, and items blocking visibility are prohibited. Check with your assigned carrier for specific restrictions before loading.
What is Move Cars’ cancellation policy?
Move Cars allows free cancellation before a carrier is assigned to your order. Once a carrier is dispatched, cancellation fees typically range from $50-$200 depending on how close to pickup you cancel. If a carrier fails to pick up within the agreed window, you can cancel without penalty.
