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Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: April 29, 2026

What is SelectDrive?

SelectDrive is a professional driveaway and vehicle transport service based in the Des Moines, Iowa metro area. We physically drive your vehicle from one location to another, door-to-door, anywhere in the continental United States. Unlike traditional car shipping on a trailer, driveaway service means your vehicle is personally driven by a qualified professional.

Who drives my vehicle?

Dan Ketelsen. Every job. SelectDrive is owner-operated, not a network, not a marketplace, not a broker. Dan is the only person behind the wheel of your vehicle. He's MVR-checked, background-screened, drug-tested, and personally accountable on every transport.

What types of vehicles do you transport?

We transport cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans of all makes and models. Whether you need to move a luxury sedan, a classic car, a daily driver, or a fleet vehicle, SelectDrive can handle it. If you have a specialty vehicle or unique requirements, contact us for a custom quote.

How does pricing work?

Pricing is based primarily on the driving distance between your pickup and delivery locations. Our base rate is $0.75 per mile with a $500 minimum. The total includes insurance surcharges, tolls, and driver return transport costs. For trips booked with less than 3 days notice, an express surcharge of 5% applies. You can get an instant estimate using our pricing page or by chatting with Pilot, our AI assistant, on any page of this site.

What is the deposit and payment process?

A deposit of 25% of the quoted price is required to confirm your booking. Deposits are collected securely via Stripe. The remaining 75% balance is due upon delivery of your vehicle. Both payments are processed through Stripe and you will never need to share credit card details directly with SelectDrive.

How do I book a transport?

There are two ways to book:

  • Chat with Pilot: Click the orange chat button on any page to get an instant AI-generated quote. You can ask questions, get pricing, create an account, and pay your deposit all within the chat.
  • Contact form: Fill out the quote request form with your vehicle and route details. Dan will follow up with a personalized quote, typically within 24 hours.

Where do you operate?

SelectDrive provides door-to-door service throughout the continental United States (lower 48 states). We are based in the Des Moines, Iowa metropolitan area. Common routes include snowbird relocations (Midwest to Florida/Arizona), cross-country moves, and dealership transfers. SelectDrive is in the process of obtaining USDOT registration and MC operating authority for interstate transport.

How long does a transport take?

Transit time depends on the distance and route. Our estimates assume Dan drives 8 hours max per day (about 500 miles), so a Des Moines to Phoenix trip (approximately 1,500 miles) typically takes 3 to 4 days. Estimated timelines are provided with every quote, but exact delivery dates cannot be guaranteed due to weather, traffic, and other factors outside our control.

Is my vehicle insured during transport?

SelectDrive is obtaining commercial auto liability insurance (minimum $750,000 coverage) and cargo insurance for vehicles in transit. No paid transport services will be performed until all required insurance is active. We also strongly recommend that vehicle owners maintain their own comprehensive auto insurance throughout the transport period and confirm with their insurer that their policy covers driveaway service.

What is the cancellation policy?

  • 7+ days before pickup: Full refund of your deposit.
  • Between 48 hours and 7 days before pickup: Refund at SelectDrive's discretion based on costs already incurred.
  • Within 48 hours of pickup: Deposit is forfeited and non-refundable.
  • Airfare: If your quote included a flight for Dan to reach your pickup location, that airfare may or may not be refundable depending on how the ticket was booked. Any non-refundable airfare is deducted from your refund regardless of cancellation tier.

Can I track my vehicle during transport?

Yes. Every booking includes access to a real-time tracking page where you can view your vehicle's status, location updates, and delivery timeline. You will receive the tracking link via email after your booking is confirmed. Drivers provide GPS location updates and milestone notifications throughout the trip.

What is Pilot?

Pilot is our AI-powered assistant that appears as an orange chat button on every page of select-drive.com. Pilot can answer questions about our services, generate instant quotes based on your route, help you create an account, and process your deposit payment. Pilot uses information from our knowledge base to provide accurate answers, but all AI-generated quotes are estimates and final terms are confirmed by Dan or a human representative.

Do you offer services for businesses?

Yes. SelectDrive works with dealerships, rental agencies, fleet managers, and corporate relocation departments. We offer volume pricing for recurring transport needs. Contact us to discuss your business requirements.

How do I become a driver for SelectDrive?

We are building a network of professional drivers across the United States. If you have a clean driving record and are interested in driveaway work, visit our Drive For Us page to submit an application. All applicants undergo background checks and MVR screening before approval.

How can I contact SelectDrive?