Many drivers have never used a vehicle transport service before, so they rely on stories from friends, forums and social media. Some of these stories are true, but many are myths that can stop people from using a service that would actually help them.

Here are some of the most common myths about vehicle transport in the UK and the facts behind them.

Myth 1 – It is always cheaper to drive the car yourself

At first glance, driving the car home seems free, but in reality you need to consider:

• Fuel costs for a long journey
• Train or bus tickets to reach the seller
• Possible hotel costs if you stay overnight
• Temporary tax and insurance for a single trip
• Potential breakdown and repair costs on the way home

Once you add everything up, a professional car transport quote is often very competitive, especially for longer distances.

Myth 2 – Transport is only for luxury or classic cars

Many people think that only high value classics or supercars are transported on trucks. In reality, most vehicles moved every day are:

• Normal family cars and small vans
• Motorbikes bought and sold online
• Cars without MOT or tax
• Non running vehicles going to a garage

Vehicle transport is a practical service for everyday drivers, not just for rare cars.

Myth 3 – All transporters are the same, so just pick the cheapest

There are big differences between transport companies when it comes to:

• Insurance cover and liability
• Quality of trucks, trailers and straps
• Experience with different vehicle types
• Communication and reliability

Choosing solely by price can mean no insurance, poor equipment or unreliable service. It is usually better to pick a company that is professional and clear about how they work.

Myth 4 – My car is not insured while it is on the truck

A common worry is that the car is not covered during transport. In fact, a professional vehicle transport company carries goods in transit insurance that covers your vehicle while it is on their truck, plus public liability insurance.

You can always ask the company to confirm the level of cover in writing if you want extra peace of mind.

Myth 5 – Only very long distance jobs are worth transporting

Transport is useful for both long and short distance jobs. Shorter local journeys are ideal for:

• Moving non running cars to a nearby garage
• Delivering a car from a local dealer to your home
• Relocating a car during a house move in the same city

As long as you value your time and safety, local vehicle transport can make sense even over shorter distances.

Myth 6 – A basic trailer and some ropes are as good as a transporter

Trying to move a car or bike on a cheap trailer with random straps is one of the fastest ways to damage the vehicle or cause an accident.

Professional transporters use:

• Purpose built trucks and trailers
• Correct ramps for low vehicles
• Wheel straps, wheel chocks and winches
• Methods that protect both the vehicle and other road users

The difference in safety and stability is very large compared to improvised setups.

Myth 7 – If the company is small, they cannot be professional

Some of the best vehicle transport providers are small, family run businesses with a strong focus on service, communication and repeat customers.

Being small does not mean being unprofessional. What matters is:

• Insurance and licences
• Equipment condition
• Experience and reviews
• How they communicate and keep promises

Myth 8 – Vehicle transport is complicated to arrange

In reality, arranging a transport is straightforward. You usually only need to provide:

• Vehicle make, model and registration
• Runner or non runner status
• Collection and delivery postcodes
• Contact details for both ends

The transport company then sends you a clear quote, agrees dates and handles the rest.

Understanding the facts about vehicle transport

When you look past the myths, vehicle transport in the UK is a simple, practical service that can save you time, reduce stress and protect your vehicle.

By choosing a professional, insured company and asking the right questions, you can use transport with confidence whenever you need to move a car, van or motorbike.