Driveaway Cars – Like Driving Someone Else’s Automobile for Free

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Don’t look now but the open road is calling. Faced with onerous security regulations, endless add-on fees, and uncomfortable planes that squeeze customers in like sardines, more and more travelers are opting for the highways rather than the skyways. Americans are rediscovering the joy of driving cross-country with the wind in their hair, the music cranked, and the freedom to check out quirky attractions that would forever have been overlooked from 30,000 feet in the air.

Hit the road for free in someone else's automobile, with a driveaway car
Hit the road for free in someone else’s automobile, with a driveaway car

This resurgent love affair is also revitalizing driveaway companies, services that match drivers with customers who want their cars delivered to distant destinations. Vehicles need to be moved for a variety of reasons, including corporate relocations, military transfers, and quite often in the case of snowbirds who want to have use of their own car at their winter home but don’t want to do the driving. Car owners pay driveaway companies to move their cars and the company contracts with drivers to make the one-way trips. Driver are responsible for all but the first tank of gas, meals and accommodations along the way, and must put down a deposit (generally $300-400), which is refundable upon delivery of the car to the owner.

There are some limitations to this type of travel. Your schedule must be flexible and you must be willing to drive between the destinations required by the customer. The route and schedule are agreed upon prior to departure and offer enough flexibility for drivers to do some sightseeing along the way, however customers will often load trunks and back seats with their personal belongings, so there is room for only one additional passenger and limited luggage. Drivers must also have a clean driving record, three forms of identification, and be willing to undergo a criminal background check. If none of this is problematic, driveaways are like getting a free rental car, especially for those who have no car or own a vehicle that is not dependable.

Although driveaway companies can be found all over the country, some locations need more drivers than others; routes between eastern Canadian cities and Florida or Arizona, for example, are in high demand due to annual snowbird migration in the spring and fall. For more information, contact one of the following driveaway firms, or check your local Yellow Pages under “Auto Transporters”:

Auto Driveway (43 offices across the U.S. and Canada)
Toronto Driveaway (Toronto based)
Cars To Florida (Toronto based)

Photo Credit: Nate Steiner

Feel free to leave a comment below, however this site is solely a travel blog and as such is not in any way involved in the business of arranging for the transfer of vehicles. Use of this blog for such purposes hereby releases and forever discharges and holds harmless Hole in the Donut Cultural Travel, Barbara Weibel, and all successors and assigns from any and all liability, claims and demands of whatever kind or nature, either in law or in equity, which arise or may hereafter arise from such use.

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2,255 thoughts on “Driveaway Cars – Like Driving Someone Else’s Automobile for Free”

  1. My driving record is perfect with AAA insurance for 25 years. Looking to drive reliable truck, small cargo van, or sprinter van to Seattle WA from San Francisco Bay Area.
    Need room to take a refinished dresser and few other small items to family member in the Lower Queen Ann area of Seattle…flexable time November thru January.

    707.246.0796

    Reply

  3. I’m looking to drive a car from Michigan (greater Detroit) to Naples, Ft. Myers, Southwest FL. I am 67, retired, with a clean driving record.

    Reply

  4. Looking for a minivan/cargo van or large SUV to drive from Ft.Myers/Naples FL area back to Chicago sometime before Christmas. Experienced long distance driver, held chauffeur’s license for driving city bus in Wisconsin.

    Reply

    • Did you get your drive I am in need of a dog Pleasant and friendly to be driven to Ann Arbor Michigan or Detroit area ASAP today is the 21st of December call me 239-938-6200 in Fort Myers

      Reply

  5. Looking to drive a truck or suv (taking a couple of small coffe tables) from the bay area to southern arizona. Experienced licensed driver age 34 accompanied with girlfriend. Attempting to make it a two day trip anytime between Nov. 10th to the 15th. Thanks

    Reply

  6. We are in need of a 6 passenger car/truck to drive one way from NJ to Orlando area Florida on March 29, 2018. My husband who would be doing the driving has a clean driving record and a CDL license.

    Reply

  7. I am available to drive from Los Angeles to Chicago, Michigan/Detroit area
    during the month of November or December. I am booked already on the
    the following dates: November 11, 13-15th, 26-30th, but an a completely open
    schedule other than that.

    I am experience driving cars, trucks, sprinter vans, and up to a 20 foot U-haul, and
    I have worked as a tour manager driving a truck across the country.
    I am also for hire to help with packing, and loading a moving van.

    I require a flight to LAX out of Kalamazoo, MI, then a budget to cover gas,
    and basic acommadations/meals. I have lived in LA for 13 years, and done the
    cross country drive 4 times each way. I generally do the Southern route because
    I don’t care for driving through the mountains in Colorado. Feel free free to reach
    out to me if you are needing help getting moved or a car across the country.

    Reply

  8. Looking to drive your car from Florida to NJ on Nov 10 2017 or a date close to this. Will need to transport my pets in your car but willing to drive your car safely and securely as I need to have transport home to family and can help you at the same time for free.

    Reply

  9. My name is Jim. I am looking for a ride from the Worcester mass. Area to the Abilene Texas area. I need a pickup . I have a sportster I need to transport. I can drive by myself or with someone else. I have a perfect driving record. And have made this trip 8 times.i would like to leave in the next 2 weeks. Thank you.

    Reply

    • Hi Juli,
      My name is Ray and have been driving this route between San Diego and Seattle for few times already,
      I\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\’m interested to drive your car if the schedules match,
      Could you tell me when is the desirable time of travel and what kind of car will be driven to Seattle , also what kind of compensations you have in mind for driver.

      Reply

    • Hi Julie! When? My husband and I are planning a trip starting Dec 12 in San Diego and ending in Seattle on Dec 30. We are looking at car rentals now, but let us know if we’re a good fit!

      Reply

    • Hi, Toby.
      I’m looking to drive a car from New York to the West Coast at the end of February. Would that work for you?
      Best,
      Rebekah

      Reply

  15. I am looking for a car, truck or RV that need to be driven to Denver, Glenwood Springs, Newcastle, Grand Junction CO. leaving 25 – 26 or 27 of Oct.
    Older driver with clean driving record and many years experience with most road vehicles.

    Reply

  16. Looking to drive a car from Chicago back home to Los Angeles area around December 20 or so. Dates are flexible! Clean driving record, just traveling light back home!

    Reply

  22. I am looking to drive a car from Chicago area to Miami area around Christmas. Female reliable driver over 45 yo with great driving experience. Leave a message at 8473727510

    Reply

  23. I can drive.. Tring to get back home to tampa bay area from schoolcraft michigan.. Or i can just keep u company..im 50 years old white male.. 190 pounds. .. Asap plz call 7276453376

    Reply

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