Illinois Car Transport

Fast and Reliable Car Transport in Illinois

We offer fast, safe, and affordable car shipping in Illinois and nationwide. Whether you need to ship one car or several, our team guarantees your vehicle gets safely and on time.

American Auto Transport has a 4.0-star rating from more than 714 Google reviews. Our car shipping service gives great value that goes beyond the price. That is why American Auto Transport is the best choice for moving cars in Illinois, across the country and overseas.

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Reasons to Ship Cars To and From Illinois

People move cars to and from Illinois for various personal and work reasons, to save time, reduce stress and avoid damage from long trips. Illinois is an important transport center because of its central location and many highways, which make moving cars easier.

Key reasons for transporting vehicles include:

  • Relocation: Individuals and families relocating to or from Illinois often ship vehicles to save time and effort.
  • Buying or selling vehicles online: People buying and selling vehicles online, at auctions, or from distant dealerships need trustworthy ways to deliver the car to its new owner or location.
  • Military transfers: Military personnel stationed at bases use car shipping services to facilitate relocations.
  • College students: Students moving to and from Illinois colleges and universities, such as the University of Chicago and Northwestern University and big public schools like the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) and Illinois State University, often ship their cars instead of driving long distances.
  • Seasonal travel: “Snowbirds” and other seasonal travelers move their vehicles to warmer climates in winter or return to Illinois for summer to avoid harsh weather and long drives.
  • Travel nurses: Healthcare workers, such as travel nurses, use car shipping services to transport their vehicles to their temporary jobs.
  • Reducing vehicle mileage, damage and wear: Shipping a vehicle avoids adding significant mileage, benefiting new, classic, or leased cars with mileage limits.
  • Safety, trust, convenience and saving: Professional transport offers peace of mind by relying on experienced drivers to handle logistics, city traffic and road hazards. It is safer than a tiring personal road trip and saves money on car expenses, hotels, food and gas.

In the end, deciding whether to ship usually means comparing the shipping costs with the expenses like gas, meals and lodging, plus the time you’ll spend on a multi-day drive.

Shipping a 2020 Rolls-Royce from Alabama to Florida

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Car Shipping in Illinois: Vehicle Transport Process

Shipping a 2022 Honda Accord from Illinois to Florida using an open car carrier

Illinois Key Factors in The Car Shipping Process

How do you ship a car in Illinois? Start by getting price estimates and choosing the best deal. Decide if you want open or covered transport and arrange a pickup time. Prepare your car, sign the shipping papers and pay when it arrives.

Important things to think about when shipping a car in Illinois include seasonal demand, especially in winter when many people travel south, the distance, the size of the vehicle, the type of transport, and whether you pick open or enclosed carriers. Prices are lowest in summer and go up in winter. Big cities like Miami, Jacksonville, and Orlando usually have lower prices than distant places.

  • Transportation method: Open transport is the common, cost-effective option. Enclosed transport offers weather protection but costs 20% to 55% more.
  • Route: Shipping to big cities like Chicago, Aurora, Naperville and Joliet is cheaper and faster because delivery companies run more trips. Sending cars to faraway places costs more and takes more time.
  • Distance and vehicle size: Longer distances increase costs and larger vehicles like SUVs, vans and trucks cost more than sedans.
  • Season of the year: Hurricane season runs from June to November and may cause delays. To secure the best rates and transportation, please book early.
  • Vehicle condition: Vehicles that work are cheaper to ship. Vehicles that don’t work need special tools, like a winch to load them, which makes shipping more expensive.

American Auto Transport offers these key advantages when shipping a car in Illinois:

  • Flexible shipping in Illinois, nationwide and overseas: American Auto Transport offers door-to-door vehicle transport to and from Illinois, serving locations nationwide and overseas. We specialize in transporting all vehicle types, including trucks, SUVs, specialty vehicles and luxury cars.
  • Transparent pricing and quotes: American Auto Transport offers fast, free price estimates with no extra charges or advance payments, all done safely and on schedule.
  • Safety and reliability: We are fully licensed, insured and hold an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
  • Comprehensive coverage: We offer two types of trailer carriers: open carriers transport, which are the most affordable and enclosed carriers designed for luxury or sports vehicles.
  • Customer service: We provide 24-hour support, real-time tracking and personalized expedited pickup whenever you need it.
Shipping vans from Chicago, IL to Miami, FL

What is the average cost of car transport in Illinois?

Car transport costs in Illinois range from $450 to $2,500, depending on the distance and destination. On average, shipping costs range from $0.65 to $1.65 per mile, with shorter trips costing more per mile.

Illinois Auto Transport: Average Costs by Distance/Route:

  • Short distance, under 500 miles: You will pay $1.65 per mile.
  • Medium distance, 500 to 1,500 miles: Costs $1.00 to $1.20 per mile.
  • Long-distance transportation over 2,500 miles: Costs $0.50 to $0.5 per mile.

How Long Does It Take To Ship A Car in Illinois?

Shipping a car to or from Illinois takes 1 to 14 days, depending on the distance, vehicle size and the route. For trips inside Illinois or to nearby states, delivery takes 1 to 3 days. Shipping a car a long way, like to Florida or California, can take 10 to 14 days or longer.

Transportin a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee from Austin, TX to Aurora, IL

How The Time Of Year Affects Car Transport Services In Illinois

Winter weather in Illinois, such as snow, ice and very cold temperatures, affects car shipping by causing delivery delays, increased risks and higher costs. Freezing temperatures, blizzards and dangerous road conditions often force carriers to take slower routes or stop work for a while. Open transport, which is common, leaves vehicles exposed to salt and ice, increasing demand for covered oe enclosed trailers.
Spring is often a good time to ship a car in Illinois since prices are reasonable and the weather is milder than in winter or summer. While melting snow and better roads help, sudden spring storms and increased demand, especially in May, can sometimes cause small weather-related delays.
Shipping vehicles in Illinois is a busy period. Pickups are faster, but prices are higher. Although shipping goes smoothly, extreme heat can cause problems such as cars overheating, tires losing air and damage to the vehicle’s interior. That’s why it’s important to prepare well and expect higher costs during this busy time.
Fall is a great and affordable time to ship a car in Illinois because demand drops after summer. However, early snow, rain and shorter days can sometimes cause delays. While the weather is mild, northern Illinois might see early freezing, so it’s smart to keep your schedule flexible to handle any minor hold-ups.

Illinois Main Highways For Transporting Cars

Interstate 80 (I-80) and I-90 These major east-west routes cross the country and serve northern Illinois and the Chicago metro area. They are essential for long-distance transportation.
Interstate 55 (I-55) The most heavily trafficked interstate in Illinois, connecting Chicago to St. Louis.
Interstate 57 (I-57) An important north-south route that serves central Illinois.
Interstate 70 (I-70) A major east-west route that runs across the southern part of the state.
Interstate 74 (I-74) Connects the Quad Cities, Bloomington and Champaign-Urbana.
Illinois Tollway System This network includes I-94, I-294, I-88 and I-355, which serve as essential corridors around the Chicago area.

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Tips For Shipping A Car In Illinois

Ship Exotic Cars

Cost-saving strategies

Choosing open transport can help you save money, since it costs about $0.65 per mile, while enclosed transport costs more than $0.95 to $1.00 per mile.

Book in advance to save money

Book at least three to four weeks ahead to get better prices and make sure a truck driver is available.

Important information needed

Please share your vehicle’s year, make, and model, and let us know if it runs. This information helps us give you the most accurate, lowest possible price when shipping a car to or from Illinois.

Required documentation

Gather the vehicle title, current registration, proof of insurance, and the Bill of Lading.

Route advantages

Using the six main highways in Illinois can make car transportation simpler, quicke,r and more affordable.

* Prices may vary by state and are influenced by several factors.

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing for Car Shipping

Prepare Your Vehicle Before Pick-Up

Exotic Car Transport

Wash your vehicle

Wash the vehicle so you can easily see and photograph any existing dents or scratches. This will help if you need to report new damage after transport.

Remove personal items

Remove all your items from the car, including the trunk, to help prevent theft and make the car lighter. Insurance usually does not cover items left inside.

Secure external parts

Remove items that are not permanently attached, such as bike racks, ski racks, or cargo boxes. Fold in the side mirrors and pull in the antennas to prevent damage.

Fuel and battery

Lower the fuel to about a quarter of a tank to make the car lighter. Make sure the battery is fully charged and working.

Maintenance check

Look for any leaks, since cars that leak fluids might not be accepted by transport companies. Make sure your tires have enough air.

Disable alarms

Turn off any security systems or alarms so they do not go off during the move.

Prepare keys

Give the driver a working key and an extra set of keys for the vehicle.

* Prices may vary by state and are influenced by several factors.

Protect Your Vehicle During Shipping To or From Illinois With Insurance

Transporting a 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Sports from Illinois to California using an open car transport trailer

With American Auto Transport, your car is safe when you ship it to or from Illinois

Vehicles remain safe during shipping with American Auto Transport through required insurance, clear shipping rules, and thorough checks outlined in the shipping documents. Licensed drivers have insurance that protects against damage, accidents, theft and vandalism.

American Auto Transport Provides Everything You Need To Keep Your Vehicle Safe During Transport

  • Carrier liability insurance: This required insurance covers damages caused by the transporter’s fault or accidents.
  • Cargo insurance: This coverage protects your vehicle from damage. For open carriers, cargo insurance limits range from $100,000 to $150,000. For enclosed transport, the limit can reach up to $3 million.
  • Bill of lading inspection: You sign this important paper when you pick up and drop off your car. It records the car’s condition to help notice any new damage.
  • Types of transport:
    • Open carriers: The most common and cheapest method for transporting vehicles to or from Illinois is open transport, which leaves items exposed to the weather and road conditions.
    • Enclosed carriers: This option offers optimal protection, ideal for luxury or classic vehicles, shielding them from weather damage and debris.
  • Coverage limitations: This excludes coverage for natural disasters, personal belongings left inside, and any pre-existing damage.

Be sure to check the carrier’s Certificate of Insurance (COI) and confirm whether your auto insurance provides extra coverage while your vehicle is being transported.

Prepare For Your Vehicle Delivery in Illinois

Please inspect your vehicle with the truck driver upon delivery to check for any damage.

Instructions for when your vehicle arrives for delivery in Illinois:

  1. Inspect immediately: Walk around the car with the driver and inspect the exterior, roof, windows, lights and tires carefully.
  2. Document damage: Please take photos of any scratches, dents, or damage before the transporter departs.
  3. Review documentation: Verify that the car’s VIN, mileage, and condition match the shipping form. Document any damage before signing.
  4. Test components: Check electrical components, including lights, windows, locks and the entertainment system.
  5. Check inventory: Please return the keys, floor mats and charging cables when using an electric car.
  6. Test drive: If possible, take the car for a short drive to check for issues such as difficulty stopping or turning, especially when purchasing a used vehicle.
  7. Do not sign immediately: Please wait to sign the acceptance form until the inspection is complete.
Shipping multiple cars from Illinois to Oregon, via open transport carrier
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Illinois cities where we move the most vehicles

  1. Chicago, IL
  2. Aurora, IL
  3. Naperville, IL
  4. Joliet, IL
  5. Rockford, IL
  6. Elgin, IL
  7. Springfield, IL
  8. Peoria, IL
  9. Champaign, IL
  10. Waukegan, IL
  11. Cicero, IL
  12. Bloomington, IL
  13. Schaumburg, IL
  14. Evanston, IL
  15. Arlington Heights, IL
  16. Bolingbrook, IL
  17. Decatur, IL
  18. Palatine, IL
  19. Skokie, IL
  20. Des Plaines, IL
Route Miles Average Cost
Illinois to Florida  1,200 miles $1,250
Illinois to New York  900 miles $1,100
Illinois to Texas 1,000  miles $850
Illinois to California 2,800 miles $2,300

* Prices may vary by state and are influenced by several factors.

Why Choose American Auto Transport for Illinois Car Shipping?

  1. Specialists and in-depth knowledge: American Auto Transport has over 17 years of experience shipping cars across the country and internationally, proudly serving Illinois and beyond.
  2. Expensive and specialty vehicle transport experts: We have extensive experience shipping luxury, exotic, classic, antique and unique vehicles, including well-known brands such as Rolls-Royce and Bugatti.
  3. Safety and trustworthy: American Auto Transport holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and delivers securely, damage-free and on time.
  4. Extensive nationwide car shipping coverage: American Auto Transport offers nationwide car shipping, making it a reliable choice for moving vehicles to or from Illinois.
  5. Cost-effective and reliable quotes: American Auto Transport offers reliable, affordable car shipping services.

Benefits of Choosing American Auto Transport for Vehicle Shipping

American Auto Transport offers specialized insurance, reliable nationwide service, door-to-door delivery, open or enclosed transport options, and friendly, trustworthy customer support for car shipping in Florida.

  1. Financial protection and benefits: American Auto Transport offers up to $500 to cover your insurance deductible if the carrier’s policy excludes your claim.
  2. Reliability and support: As an accredited transport broker, we provide a free rental car if your delivery is delayed by more than 14 days.
  3. Convenience and service: We offer door-to-door transport with a choice of open or enclosed trailers.
  4. Safety and insurance: American Auto Transport offers carrier liability and cargo insurance to protect your shipment.
  5. No upfront payment or deposit: You won’t need to pay until we assign a carrier or your vehicle is delivered.

Illinois car transport FAQs

Car shipping in Illinois costs between 65 cents and $1.65 per mile. Long trips using an open carrier cost between $750 and $2,500. Short moves within Illinois cost $300 to $600, while shipping across the country costs $1,500 to $3,000.
Shipping a car to or from Illinois usually costs between $300 and $2,000 for the most common routes. The total price depends on several factors, such as the distance of the trip, how popular the route is, the type of vehicle and the time of year.
The busiest time for car transport in Illinois is summer, when families move during school breaks, snowbirds return north and more students move. Prices go up by 15% to 25%, and demand remains high from May through September. There is also a smaller increase in spring due to snowbird travel.
Yes, your vehicle is covered by insurance while being transported to or from Illinois with American Auto Transport. As a licensed car transport company, they provide “fully insured” door-to-door car shipping services across the United States, including Illinois.
You may include up to 100 pounds of personal items in your shipped car if they are placed in the trunk or below the windows. Note that the shipping company’s insurance typically does not cover these items.

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Car Transport to Any State

  1. Alabama
  2. Alaska
  3. Arizona
  4. Arkansas
  5. California
  6. Colorado
  7. Connecticut
  8. Delaware
  9. Florida
  10. Georgia
  11. Hawaii
  12. Idaho
  13. Illinois
  14. Indiana
  15. Iowa
  16. Kansas
  17. Kentucky
  18. Louisiana
  19. Maine
  20. Maryland
  21. Massachusetts
  22. Michigan
  23. Minnesota
  24. Mississippi
  25. Missouri
  26. Montana
  27. Nebraska
  28. Nevada
  29. New Hampshire
  30. New Jersey
  31. New Mexico
  32. New York
  33. North Carolina
  34. North Dakota
  35. Ohio
  36. Oklahoma
  37. Oregon
  38. Pennsylvania
  39. Rhode Island
  40. South Carolina
  41. South Dakota
  42. Tennessee
  43. Texas
  44. Utah
  45. Vermont
  46. Virginia
  47. Washington
  48. West Virginia
  49. Wisconsin
  50. Wyoming
2026-02-27T02:23:00+00:00
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