WHY transport your own car to europe?
There are many reasons why you may want to transport your car to Europe. Maybe you’re taking a classic car to a European event. Perhaps you’re taking a sports car for a track day at a famous European circuit. Or you’d rather enjoy your own car during a European stay than have the hassle of renting one. Whatever your reason, here we look at the factors that will likely impact the cost.
DISTANCE
The primary factor in determining the cost of transporting a vehicle to Europe is the distance involved. Longer journeys will cost more than shorter ones, so you can expect to pay more to transport a car to Spain than to transport a car to France, for example. Your transportation company will ask you for the address and postcode where they will be collecting and delivering your vehicle as part of the quote process.
your car
Another factor in determining the cost of transporting a car to Europe will be the make and model of your car. This is for two reasons. Firstly, some cars may require specific types of transport to safely and securely transport them. Availability and demand for such specialist equipment could affect the cost. Secondly, a car’s value will impact the cost of transportation as all professional companies will include full insurance with your transport. A more expensive car will likely have a higher insurance cost.
COVERED OR NON-COVERED transportation
The type of transportation you require will also impact the cost. Most companies offering transportation services to Europe will be able to provide both covered and non-covered transport. Expect to pay more if you require premium covered transport.
DEDICATED VEHICLE OR SHARED TRANSPORTATION
If you prefer to have dedicated transportation from collection to delivery (your car is the only one on the transportation vehicle) you should expect to pay more, as the transportation company cannot spread its costs over multiple vehicles. By choosing to allow the company to transport your car along with other vehicles, for at least some of its journey, it is highly likely you’ll receive a level of discount.
YOUR FLEXIBILITY ON DATES
If you can provide your transportation company with plenty of notice, and are relatively flexible on the exact dates for collection and delivery, you allow the company to limit their costs by planning routes that are as cost and time effective as possible. This should mean they are able to pass some of this saving onto you.
COLLECTION AND DELIVERY
Most of the companies in the car transportation business will have UK hub locations where you can drop your car ahead of transportation. Likewise, they will have locations across Europe where your car can be delivered prior to being collected. If these work for you, you’ll find this to be a lower cost option than collection and delivery to the exact location of your choice.
FINAL THOUGHTS
A number of factors can influence the cost of transporting a car to Europe. Whether it is expensive comes down to a value proposition to you but you should weigh up the cost against the cost of driving it yourself to your required destination, both in terms of fuel, wear and tear on the vehicle and your personal time. There’s a lot to be said for having your vehicle there for when you arrive, with no additional miles on the clock. And if it’s your everyday car, the longer you’re using it in Europe, the more favourable you’ll find the cost versus renting a car.
