LAST UPDATED: July 17, 2024
The vast majority of snowbirds will want their own car in their destination of choice for the winter. One of the attractions of wintering in the Southern U.S. is that it is possible to drive - or have your car driven, or transported - relatively easily.
However, not everyone wants – or, indeed, is able - to drive their own car to their winter destination. Fortunately, there are several options available to Canadian snowbirds, including:
- Hiring a vehicle transport company to transport your car down by truck
- Hiring a drive-away service company or individual to drive your car down
- Having a family member or friend to drive your car
For those going to Florida, there’s even a train that will take your car down from Washington, D.C.
And for snowbirds who don’t want to bring their car down, renting a car in your destination can be a great option - especially if you’re only going for a couple of months at a time.
Keep in mind that if you plan on leaving your car in the U.S. permanently or bringing a U.S. vehicle back to Canada, there are a number of rules and regulations you’ll need to comply with.
How long can my car be in the U.S.?
As far as the U.S. government is concerned, Canadians can leave their car in the U.S. for up to one year with Canadian registration and a Canadian driver’s license, after which you will have to permanently import your vehicle, get a U.S. registration and insurance, meet U.S. environmental standards and pay duty on importing the vehicle.
Licensing, Insurance and Other Considerations
Regardless of how you get your car down to the U.S., you'll need to look after the following items before you leave:
- Driver’s License and Registration: Make sure you renew your driver’s license and vehicle registration before you leave for the winter if they will be expiring while you’re outside Canada. Be sure to check your province’s rules for early renewal policies.
- Auto Insurance: Most Canadian auto insurers limit the amount of time you can have your vehicle outside Canada to 6 months, but this can vary so be sure to check with your insurance company and read your policy. You should also check to see if you need to purchase supplemental auto insurance for long-term stays in the U.S or notify your insurer about taking your vehicle outside Canada for extended periods. Consider increasing your liability coverage too, as any claim against you in the United States will be in U.S. dollars and your insurance will pay out in Canadian dollars.
- Accessible Parking Permits: Canadian-issued accessible parking permits are recognized throughout the U.S. Learn more here.
Have your car shipped by transport truck
An increasingly popular option for snowbirds to get their cars to and from the U.S. is to put your car on a transport truck and have it shipped to your destination in the American Sunbelt.
Some advantages of using a vehicle transport company include:
- They will assist you with any paperwork required to ship your vehicle across the border
- Your vehicle is less likely to be damaged or in an accident if it's on a truck vs. being driven
- You’ll avoid putting thousands of kilometres of wear and tear on your vehicle by driving
- Have your vehicle delivered right to your door
The cost of using a vehicle transport service varies depending on the type of vehicle you are transporting, where you are having your vehicle shipped to and from, and the company you are using, but prices usually start in the $1,700 - $2,200 range door to door, with a 6 to 8 day delivery window.
If your car is being shipped, be sure to ask the transportation company if you are permitted to pack any personal items in the trunk and in the car, including luggage, as this is usually limited or not permitted and you may have to make other arrangements to get your belongings to your U.S. destination.
Have someone drive your car
Drive-away services offer experienced drivers who frequently drive cars to and from the Southern U.S. The fee for this service usually varies from about $1,000 to $1,800 CDN, depending on the distance and other considerations. They will also tell you what paperwork they will need to cross the border.
Keep in mind that some drive-away services provide an all-in price, while others require you to purchase a return air ticket for your driver, or a southbound air ticket if they are driving your car back to Canada. Be sure to inquire about what the price includes before you book.
An advantage of having your car driven for you is that you will be able to fill it up with the personal belongings you want to take with you for the winter. However, these must be itemized on a complete list and provided to your driver.
Documentation & Other Considerations
To avoid issues at the border, you and your driver will need to comply with the following rules and requirements:
- The driver must have a valid driver's license and passport to cross the border. They may also be required to supply proof that they will be departing the United States in a timely manner. An airline booking receipt is acceptable if the driver is flying back.
- The vehicle must be properly registered and insured. A pre-trip visit to a mechanic is also recommended.
- The driver must be able to produce a copy of an agreement to transport the vehicle, and this agreement must be signed by the registered owner of the vehicle. The agreement should list the date of pick up, the date of drop off, and the addresses involved.
- The driver needs to show that they have the vehicle owner's signed authorization to enter the United States, and authorization to drive the vehicle to the destination address.
- The owner of the vehicle must supply an inventory of all personal items in the vehicle at the time of border crossing. While some food items (some meats, dairy, fruits, etc.) may be denied entry, other food items are allowed. It is far better to declare these items than risk fines, seizures, or denial of entry!
- The driver/company providing the service must supply an ACE manifest. Attached to the manifest must be copies of passports for the registered owner of the car, plus any person with property in the vehicle. A copy of the registration and the insurance for the car must also be attached (photocopies are recommended)
- It is normally the case that the registered owner of the vehicle must precede it into the United States. While this is not always enforced, this is the policy for U. S. Customs and Border Protection. Having the registered owner clearing U. S. Customs at an airport in Canada satisfies this requirement.
You should also check with your auto insurer to make sure that your driver will be covered under your policy and meets any age requirements.
Never assume that a drive-away service will be able to meet you at the airport at your U.S. destination with your car - it cannot be guaranteed. In general, your car should arrive roughly forty-eight hours after you do.
Drive yourself
Many snowbirds enjoy the experience of driving their own car to their winter destination each year.
However, remember that driving yourself is not cost-free! You will stay at hotels and motels along the route and likely be eating your meals at restaurants. You will also be paying for gas.
For those who do want to drive themselves, see our Top 11 Tips for Driving Your Own Car to the U.S.
Have your car shipped by train to Florida
If you live on the East Coast, shipping your car by train to Florida is another option, but you’ll have to get your car to Washington, D.C. Amtrak’s Auto Train will ship you and your vehicle to Florida and that includes cars, SUVs, trucks and motorcycles.
Meals and beverages are available on board at an additional cost. You will enjoy the scenery along the way and meals on board while your car or SUV hitches a ride as well. Taking the train avoids all the stress of the two or three-day drive and saves on mileage and gas of course, as well as the cost of places to stay and eat along the way.
The train leaves from Lorton, Virginia (close to Washington, DC) and arrives at Sanford, Florida (near Orlando). The 900-mile journey takes 17 hours and 29 minutes and there are sleeping accommodations on the train including bedrooms, roomettes, or family accommodations as well as Business class.
Fares start at $75 USD per person and go up from there depending on when you’re travelling and seat/room type (private rooms are available starting at around $600 USD). You’ll also have to pay for the cost of your vehicle, which ranges from $225 - $325 USD.
Rent a car in your destination
For snowbirds who don’t want to bring their vehicle down to the U.S., a growing trend is renting a vehicle in your destination – particularly if you’re only staying for 1 to 2 months at a time.
Renting a car can sometimes be less costly and more convenient than transporting your own vehicle - and puts a lot less wear and tear on your vehicle as well.
There are, however, a few things to consider if you are thinking about renting a vehicle, including how long you rent it for, as the cost may be prohibitive if you want to rent for several months. In addition, your insurance company in Canada may have limits on how long they will cover you for a rental vehicle – and the rental car company may have limits on how long you can rent for.
You can find more rental car tips for Canadian snowbirds here.
If you’re considering renting a car over the winter – or at any other time during the year - Snowbird Advisor has partnered with Auto Europe to provide our members with great rates on car rentals worldwide.
The Bottom Line
While there is no right or wrong way for snowbirds to transport a vehicle between Canada and the U.S., or rent a vehicle in your destination, you’ll want to consider the following factors to find the best option for you:
- Cost – How much do you want to spend to transport your vehicle?
- Convenience – What’s the easiest, most convenient way to get your vehicle back and forth?
- Wear and Tear – Do you want to subject your car to the wear and tear of long-distance drives?
- Timing – How quickly do you need your vehicle in your winter destination?
- Experience – Are you simply looking to transport your vehicle or are you looking for an experience along the way
