Guide

How to prepare a car for driveaway transport

Last updated: July 26, 2026

Preparing a car for driveaway starts with safe operation, active registration and insurance, a working key, an honest condition record, and advance written approval for any pet or ordinary belongings. This guide explains preparation and possible handoff steps, not currently active SelectDrive interstate transportation.

Planning status as of July 26, 2026: SelectDrive is accepting route details for planning estimates only while its federal interstate operating authority is pending. No interstate for-hire move will start until the required operating authority is granted and active, and the specific trip has current insurance, vehicle, driver, and signed agreement approvals.

Before pickup: a 6-point checklist

• Wash it. A clean car means the pickup photos clearly show its true condition, which protects you.
• About a quarter tank of fuel (or a good charge for an EV). Enough to drive, not so much that it is dead weight.
• Review pets and belongings. Disclose any pet or ordinary belongings in advance, obtain written approval in the trip agreement, and secure approved belongings below the window line. No person may travel. See the current policy.
• Note and photograph existing damage yourself, including dings, chips, and scratches, so you have an independent record.
• Make sure it is road-ready: tires inflated, battery good, no warning lights, fluids fine. Driveaway means it has to start and drive safely.
• Have a working key ready, and document any alarm, anti-theft system, or toll transponder for a future approved handoff.

What a future approved trip agreement should address

A signed trip agreement should state the required handoff, tracking, and condition-documentation process:

• Pickup. Complete the agreed condition and key handoff record with the approved driver. Keep your own dated photos.
• In transit. If private tracking is included, keep the trip link private. Timing remains subject to weather, traffic, rest, and vehicle condition.
• Delivery. Complete the agreed delivery record and compare it with pickup before accepting the handoff. Follow the signed payment terms.

For the full booking lifecycle, see how it works, and for what coverage is in place, see car transport insurance.

Frequently asked questions

How do I prepare a car for driveaway?

Give it a quick wash so the condition photos are clear, leave about a quarter tank of fuel or a good charge for an EV, disclose any pet or ordinary belongings in advance for written trip approval, secure approved belongings below the window line, note and photograph existing damage, make sure it is road-ready, and have a working key ready. No person may travel in the vehicle.

Does a car need to be running for driveaway?

Yes. Driveaway means a driver operates the car on its own wheels, so it must start and drive safely. An inoperable vehicle needs a trailer carrier.

What should happen at pickup and delivery?

A future approved signed agreement would state what pickup and delivery documentation, tracking, and check-ins are included. Keep your own photos and copies of the handoff records.

Could I leave belongings in a future SelectDrive trip?

A pet that travels well may accompany the vehicle it belongs to, and ordinary belongings that fit safely below the window line may be accommodated, but both require advance disclosure and written approval in the trip agreement. Approval is separate from the price estimate and is never automatic. These accommodations are incidental to delivering the vehicle. SelectDrive does not offer household goods moving, standalone goods delivery, or standalone pet transport. No person may ever travel in the vehicle.

See the current policy.