Vehicle Collection and Transportation: When You Need a Car Moved

Buying a car from some distance away

Cars for sale are not always local. If you have found one that suits you a few hours' drive away, you have to weigh up the time, the fuel, the train fare home and the risk of driving an unfamiliar car a long way. Having the vehicle collected and delivered to your door avoids all of that.

There is also a practical benefit if you are unsure about the car's condition. A vehicle that has not been used for a while, or that has not yet been through an MOT, may not be a good choice for a long motorway drive. Transporting it by flatbed removes the risk of it breaking down on the way, and you can then have it checked over before it hits the road.

• Long distance purchases where you would rather not drive an unknown car home.
• Cars with no MOT, no tax or an uncertain mechanical condition.
• Vehicles you want to inspect before using them on the road.

Auctions and trade purchases

Auction vehicles usually have to be collected within a set period, and sale terms often specify when and how. If you have bought a car at auction, check the collection rules and any storage deadlines, then arrange transport in good time so you are not caught out.

Some auction cars are sold as non-runners, or with faults that are not clear until later. Having them moved on a flatbed is the safe option, as the vehicle is not driven on the road at all. Trade buyers who move cars in numbers often arrange regular collections and deliveries for the same reason.

Project cars, barn finds and classics

A car that has sat for years in a garage or on a drive is often seized, flat on its tyres, with no working brakes, and possibly with no keys. Moving it takes more than a rope. Tyres may need inflating, wheels may be locked, and the vehicle may have to be winched carefully out of a tight space.

If you are collecting a project car, tell the operator everything you know about its condition, how it is parked and what the access is like. Low-slung classics and unusual shapes need extra thought on the ramp, and there may be fragile bodywork you will want protected. Expect the operator to ask questions, because they are planning how to load it without harm.

Collections, deliveries and moving between places

There are many ordinary reasons to move a car. You may be relocating and need your vehicle to follow you, a family member may be passing on a car, or you may be taking one to a specialist workshop, a bodyshop or a storage location. Vehicle collection can also mean picking a car up from home and taking it for work, then returning it afterwards.

At Banks of the Tyne in Hebburn we provide vehicle collection and vehicle transportation as well as recovery. If you have a particular journey in mind, ask us what is involved and what we would need to know.

What to prepare before the vehicle is moved

Preparation prevents delays. Have the exact collection and delivery addresses and a contact number at each end. Say whether someone will be present to hand over keys and paperwork. Describe the car accurately, including whether it runs, whether the wheels turn, and any damage that already exists. Take dated photos of the vehicle before it is loaded.

Remove personal items and valuables, and note the mileage and fuel level if relevant. Check that the car's insurance arrangements cover the movement, and ask the transport provider what cover applies while the car is in their hands. Cost depends on distance, vehicle type and access, so ask for an explanation of what the estimate includes.

Frequently asked questions