Buying a car no longer means spending your weekend walking through dealership lots. With more shoppers browsing inventory online, dealerships have adapted by offering home delivery and even interstate vehicle shipping. This shift has created new opportunities for buyers who want convenience, but it also raises important questions: Can dealerships really deliver cars to your doorstep? How does the process work, and what should you verify before you sign the paperwork?

The answer depends on several factors—location, dealership policies, and whether they partner with professional auto transport carriers. In some cases, a dealership may send one of their own drivers to deliver locally within a set radius. For longer distances, they often rely on licensed car shipping companies that specialize in nationwide transport.

Can Dealerships Deliver Cars to You?

The short answer is yes—most modern dealerships can deliver cars directly to your home. As online vehicle purchases grow, dealerships have expanded beyond the traditional showroom experience to meet customer demand for convenience. In fact, according to Cox Automotive, nearly 70% of buyers prefer completing at least part of their car purchase online, and delivery has become a natural extension of that trend.

Delivery options vary:

• Local deliveries – Many dealerships will deliver a car within a 25–100 mile radius. This is often free or included in the purchase price, especially if the dealer is trying to win your business.

• Out-of-state deliveries – For longer distances, dealerships typically partner with licensed auto transport carriers. These carriers handle the logistics, insurance, and transportation, making it possible to receive a car purchased hundreds of miles away.

• Delivery vs. shipping – Local delivery often means a dealership employee physically drives the car to you, while “shipping” usually involves loading the vehicle onto a transport truck for regional or nationwide moves.

Knowing whether your dealership offers delivery—and under what terms—helps you decide if it’s the most cost-effective and reliable way to receive your car.

How Far Will a Dealership Deliver a Car?

The distance a dealership is willing to deliver a car largely depends on their size, policies, and resources. Most dealerships offer local delivery within 25–100 miles, often at no extra charge. This makes sense for regional buyers who want to avoid an extra trip to the showroom.

For buyers located farther away, many dealerships extend delivery service across state lines. In these cases, the dealership usually partners with a professional auto transport carrier. These companies are licensed, insured, and equipped with open or enclosed trailers that can move vehicles hundreds or even thousands of miles.

Nationwide delivery is becoming increasingly common, particularly for high-demand or hard-to-find vehicles. For example, if you purchase a specialty car in California but live in Florida, the dealership will typically outsource to a third-party shipping company. Costs can vary, but buyers often pay between $1.50 and $2.00 per mile for open transport, while enclosed transport for luxury or classic cars can cost 30–50% more.

It’s also important to clarify whether the dealer includes delivery in the purchase price or if it’s billed separately. Asking upfront avoids unexpected fees and ensures your car arrives on schedule.

In short: dealerships may deliver locally themselves, but long-distance deliveries almost always involve a dedicated auto transport provider.

Costs of Dealership Car Delivery

The cost of having a dealership deliver your car can vary widely depending on distance, delivery method, and dealership policy. Some dealers offer free local delivery within a set radius (usually 25–50 miles) as a customer incentive. Beyond that range, delivery is often billed separately, either as a flat fee or a per-mile charge.

For regional or cross-state deliveries, dealerships usually rely on third-party auto transport carriers. In these cases, buyers should expect costs in the range of $1.50–$2.00 per mile for open transport, which is the most common method. For example, shipping a car 300 miles might cost around $450–$600.

If you’re purchasing a luxury, exotic, or classic car, enclosed transport may be recommended. While this provides added protection against weather and road debris, it typically costs 30–50% more than open carriers.

Some dealerships bundle delivery costs into the purchase price, making the transaction feel seamless. Others itemize delivery as a separate line item, so it’s important to clarify the terms before signing. According to J.D. Power research, more than 40% of buyers who purchased vehicles online paid an additional delivery fee, while others reported it being waived as part of a sales promotion.

In short: delivery can be free, affordable, or expensive depending on your situation. Knowing the pricing structure ahead of time will help you avoid surprises and budget effectively.

How Does the Car Delivery Process Work?

Once you decide to have your car delivered, the dealership follows a structured process to make sure the vehicle gets to you safely and legally. While exact steps vary, most deliveries follow a similar pattern:

1. Purchase & Paperwork

After choosing your vehicle, you complete the standard purchase process—financing, trade-in agreements, and signing contracts. Many dealerships now allow these documents to be completed electronically.

2. Scheduling Transport

The dealership arranges delivery. For local deliveries, this may be as simple as assigning a staff member to drive the vehicle to your home. For long-distance deliveries, the dealership will book a licensed auto transport carrier.

3. Pre-Delivery Inspection

Before loading the car, dealerships or carriers perform a condition report with photos to document the vehicle’s state. This protects both buyer and seller if damage occurs during transport.

4. Insurance & Coverage

Most reputable carriers include liability insurance, but coverage limits can vary. Always request proof of insurance and understand what’s covered during transport.

5. Delivery & Final Handoff

The car arrives at your home or designated location. You inspect the vehicle, compare it against the condition report, and sign final delivery paperwork. Any remaining balance, if applicable, is usually paid at this stage.

Key Things to Verify Before Accepting Delivery

Before signing off on your car delivery, it’s essential to double-check certain details. This step ensures you’re protected from hidden fees, unexpected issues, or disputes over the vehicle’s condition. Here’s a practical checklist every buyer should follow:

✅ Delivery Timeline

Confirm the agreed-upon delivery date and time. Delays can happen due to traffic, weather, or carrier scheduling, but having a written timeline helps hold the dealership or transport company accountable.

✅ Condition Report & Photos

Request a pre-shipment inspection report with photos. Upon delivery, compare the car’s condition against this record to confirm that no damage occurred in transit.

✅ Payment Terms

Clarify how and when payments are made. Some carriers require Cash on Delivery (COD), while others allow electronic or bundled payments through the dealership. Avoid surprises by knowing the exact method.

✅ Insurance Coverage

Always verify that the carrier has active insurance and understand the coverage limits. Ask for documentation and make sure the policy covers your specific vehicle during transport.

✅ Warranty & Return Policies

If purchasing remotely, confirm warranty terms and whether the dealership offers a return or exchange window. This can be especially important for buyers who never saw the car in person before delivery.

By checking these points before signing the final paperwork, you reduce risk and ensure your car buying experience is as smooth as possible.

Pros and Cons of Having a Dealership Deliver a Car

Like any service, dealership car delivery has both advantages and drawbacks. Understanding both sides helps you decide whether it’s the right option for your situation.

In summary, dealership delivery is a convenient way to get your new vehicle without leaving home. But it’s important to weigh convenience against cost and control. If you value flexibility and want to compare shipping quotes, arranging your own auto transport service may be the smarter choice.

Alternatives to Dealership Delivery: Using Auto Transport Services

While dealerships often offer delivery, they aren’t your only option. Many buyers save money and gain more flexibility by arranging transport through an independent auto transport broker. These companies specialize in nationwide shipping and work with networks of licensed carriers to find competitive rates.

One of the biggest advantages is cost control. Dealerships may bundle delivery fees into the purchase price, making it harder to see what you’re actually paying. A broker, on the other hand, provides transparent quotes based on distance, vehicle type, and transport method (open vs. enclosed). According to industry averages, independent shipping can sometimes be 10–20% cheaper than dealership-arranged delivery.

Another benefit is service flexibility. With a broker, you can choose faster pickup, enclosed protection for high-value vehicles, or even motorcycle and specialty equipment transport—services many dealerships don’t offer.

Of course, handling shipping on your own means more responsibility. You’ll need to research reputable brokers, check insurance, and coordinate timing. But for buyers looking to maximize savings or move a vehicle long-distance, independent auto transport is often the smarter option.

Ultimately, comparing dealership delivery with broker-arranged shipping gives you more negotiating power and ensures you’re not overpaying for convenience.

FAQs About Dealership Car Delivery

❓ Can a dealership deliver a car to you?

Yes. Many dealerships now offer delivery services to bring the car directly to your home or office. Local deliveries are often free within a set radius (25–50 miles), while longer-distance deliveries may involve additional fees or third-party transport carriers.

❓ Will a dealership ship a car to another state?

Most dealerships will ship vehicles across state lines, but they rarely handle the process themselves. Instead, they coordinate with licensed auto transport companies that have the equipment and insurance needed for long-distance deliveries. Buyers should expect to pay per-mile shipping costs.

❓ How much is it to ship a car from a dealership?

Costs depend on distance and method of transport. On average, open carrier shipping costs $1.50–$2.00 per mile, while enclosed carriers (used for luxury or classic vehicles) can cost 30–50% more. For example, shipping 500 miles could cost $750–$1,000 for open transport.

❓ Is shipping a car worth it?

Yes, if you’re buying a car that’s not available locally or if you value convenience. Shipping allows access to a wider inventory and saves time, but buyers should compare dealership-arranged shipping with independent transport brokers to ensure competitive pricing.

❓ How are cars distributed to dealerships?

New vehicles are typically transported from manufacturers to dealerships using car hauler trucks, trains, or a mix of both. When customers request delivery, the dealership uses similar logistics—either their own resources for short distances or third-party carriers for long hauls.