Guide · 4 min read
Moving a Vehicle: A Transport Checklist for Ontario Drivers
Whether it is a dealer move, an auction pickup or a luxury vehicle, preparation protects both the vehicle and you.
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By MyTowPublished 4 min read
Key takeaways
- Photograph every side of the vehicle and record the mileage before pickup.
- Remove valuables and loose items, and leave about a quarter tank of fuel unless told otherwise.
- Tell dispatch about low clearance, modifications or a vehicle that does not run.
- Keep paperwork from pickup and delivery for insurance.
When vehicle transport makes sense
Scheduled vehicle transport suits planned moves: to a dealership, auction yard, body shop, storage or a new home. A flatbed carries the vehicle without adding miles or wear and is the standard for luxury, collector and low-clearance cars.
Preparing the vehicle
- Wash the vehicle so existing marks are easy to see in photos
- Photograph all sides, the roof, wheels and interior, with the date visible
- Record the mileage and note any existing damage or warning lights
- Remove personal items, toll tags, parking permits and valuables
- Leave around a quarter tank of fuel unless dispatch advises otherwise
- Fold in mirrors, retract antennas and remove loose accessories
Information to share in your request
- Pickup and delivery addresses and any access restrictions
- Make, model, year and whether the vehicle runs, rolls and steers
- Drivetrain: all-wheel-drive, electric or hybrid
- Modifications: lowered suspension, wide wheels, spoilers, lift kits
- Preferred pickup window and anyone who will hand over the keys
At pickup
- Walk around the vehicle with the operator and confirm its condition
- Agree on the destination, timing and handover
- Provide the keys and any alarm or immobilizer instructions
- Keep a copy of any paperwork you sign
- Confirm how you can reach dispatch during transport
At delivery
Inspect the vehicle in good light before signing, compare it with your photos and note any new damage on the paperwork before the operator leaves. Keep receipts for your records.
Luxury, collector and electric vehicles
Lowered and high-value vehicles benefit from a ramp approach and soft-tie straps. Electric vehicles need a flatbed. Share these details when you request so the right truck and equipment are sent.
Common problems and solutions
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| Vehicle does not run | Say so in the request; winching may be needed to load it onto the flatbed. |
| Lowered or low-clearance car | Request flatbed transport with a ramp approach and describe the clearance. |
| Electric vehicle | Request a flatbed and share the make and model. |
| Concerned about damage in transit | Photograph before and after and note any damage on the delivery paperwork. |
Need towing or roadside help now?
Depending on your situation, explore vehicle transport, luxury & exotic transport or scheduled towing. MyTow is a digital app where you can request a tow or roadside assistance in less than one minute. This is the time to submit your request, not a truck arrival estimate. Arrival depends on your location, traffic and dispatch coverage.
Review towing and roadside assistance pricing factors, how MyTow’s online request process works and roadside safety tips.
This guide is general information, not legal or mechanical advice. In an emergency, call 911.
Related services
Transport
Vehicle Transport — service details
Move a car between homes, shops, dealers or buyers across the GTA.
Transport
Luxury & Exotic Transport — service details
Careful flatbed transport for high-value, exotic and collector vehicles.
Towing
Scheduled Towing — service details
Book a tow in advance for a non-running car, a repair or a move.
Keep reading
Questions and answers
How should I prepare my car for transport?
Wash it, photograph all sides, remove valuables, leave around a quarter tank of fuel unless told otherwise and share the vehicle details and any modifications.
Can I leave personal items in the car?
It is best to remove them. Loose items can shift or be damaged, and personal belongings are not usually covered.
What if my vehicle does not run?
Tell dispatch when you request. A non-running vehicle may need winching to be loaded.
Is a flatbed better for long transport?
Generally yes. It avoids mechanical wear and tire friction and is the standard for luxury, low and electric vehicles.
What should I check at delivery?
Inspect the vehicle in good light, compare it with your photos and note any damage on the paperwork before the operator leaves.
What is "Moving a Vehicle: A Transport Checklist for Ontario Drivers" about?
Whether it is a dealer move, an auction pickup or a luxury vehicle, preparation protects both the vehicle and you.
What are the key points in "Moving a Vehicle: A Transport Checklist for Ontario Drivers"?
Photograph every side of the vehicle and record the mileage before pickup. Remove valuables and loose items, and leave about a quarter tank of fuel unless told otherwise. Tell dispatch about low clearance, modifications or a vehicle that does not run. Keep paperwork from pickup and delivery for insurance.
When should I call 911 instead of requesting a tow?
If anyone is injured, there is a fire, or your vehicle is blocking a live lane, call 911 first. Request a tow once everyone is safe.
Which MyTow services relate to this guide?
vehicle transport, luxury & exotic transport, scheduled towing. Each has its own page with details, coverage and pricing factors.
How do I request help from MyTow?
Open the MyTow digital app at https://app.mytow.ca/request or call dispatch at (647) 633-8885. MyTow is a digital app where you can request a tow or roadside assistance in less than one minute. This is the time to submit your request, not a truck arrival estimate. Arrival depends on your location, traffic and dispatch coverage.
Request towing or roadside help with MyTow
MyTow is a digital app where you can request a tow or roadside assistance in less than one minute. This is the time to submit your request, not a truck arrival estimate. Arrival depends on your location, traffic and dispatch coverage.