The stress of moving can take a toll on anyone, but sometimes moving your vehicle can be another big expense on the list. ReloRides, an Arlington-based platform, is making transporting vehicles easier and cheaper for customers.
Typically, relocating a vehicle cross-country costs between $700 and $1,000. Pricing is determined by travel distance and the car’s make and model. With ReloRides, customers can list their car, determine what they are willing to pay for its relocation, and drivers agree to transport the vehicle.
Drivers choose to transport vehicles to places they were already planning to visit. After the car is delivered, drivers are paid within 24 hours. For example, if a driver in California is planning to visit D.C., they would choose car listings destined for the DMV area.
“We’re taking the hassle and expense out of relocating vehicles while providing a responsible driver to get to their destination,” said co-founder and CEO Jaime Bowerman.
Bowerman said the car relocation industry is dated and ReloRides wants to change that. She’s dealt with her own struggles trying to relocate her vehicle – in one situation, her car arrived at its destination 10 days after she did.
“When it did finally get there, I had to meet them in a Walmart parking lot at 2 o’clock in the morning,” Bowerman said. “It’s a hassle. It’s not a door-to-door situation at all.”
Bowerman said she frequently travels from Arlington to Florida and has to relocate her car, which is why she started ReloRides.
“Last April, I was looking to book my flight back to Virginia and I thought that there had to be a less expensive way to do this,” she said.
After her trip and a few conversations with some friends, Bowerman began her entrepreneurial journey. Now, with a few clicks, customers can have their cars transported near and far and drivers can sign up anytime, getting paid to travel.
ReloRides requires that customers have car insurance and the company conducts background checks on all drivers. It also suggests drivers have at least $25,000 in accident insurance. Drivers whose ratings fall below 4 stars will be prohibited from driving for ReloRides, while car owners whose rating fall below 3.5 stars will be prohibited from using the service.
The service is now available online.
