Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 3,079 miles from California to Rhode Island falls between $1,564 and $2,519. Delivery typically takes seven–fifteen days. The timeline can vary based on the type of transport you opt for and the time of year. To get a tailored quote, check out our car shipping cost calculator.
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
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The best California to Rhode Island car shipping companies
After putting more than 400 hours of research into the car shipping industry, we identified the best car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from California to Rhode Island:
Customers consistently praise JP Logistics for their excellent communication and reliable service. While there are no significant complaints, some note that pricing is slightly higher, which is justified by the quality of service received.
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of
methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
Standard services:
We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides.
This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both.
We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship.
Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
Add-on services:
We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping,
guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
Customer satisfaction:
We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company
delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost.
We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation
(USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
Availability:
We awarded points to each company based on their service areas.
Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii,
in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
Scheduling and payment:
We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes,
price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks.
Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
Alternative ways to ship your car from California to Rhode Island
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from California to Rhode Island, you may find it convenient to work with a moving company that also handles car shipping. Many interstate movers partner with experienced car shipping services to arrange auto transport.
While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 3,079 extra miles on your car to travel from California to Rhode Island. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from California to Rhode Island, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
California to Rhode Island auto transport costs and transit times
Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in California and Rhode Island. The average journey covers about 3,079 miles and takes roughly seven to fifteen days.
Cost to ship a car from Los Angeles, CA to Rhode Island
Vehicle size and type:
Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to Rhode Island.
Distance and route:
The route from California to Rhode Island is about 3,079 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
Time of the year:Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of California, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
Fuel prices:
Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between California and Rhode Island.
Delivery expectations:
Because it’ll make their job easier,
your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates.
That being said, getting your car from California to Rhode Island should take between
seven and fifteen days.
Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
Rhode Island vehicle regulations you need to know
To drive legally after your move to Rhode Island, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.
Car insurance requirements: When relocating to Rhode Island, it's essential to secure car insurance meeting the state's minimum requirements, which include liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Additionally, Rhode Island mandates all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage for comprehensive protection.
Vehicle inspection: All newly registered vehicles (except new vehicles) must pass a Safety and Emissions inspection or have a valid inspection certificate within 5 days of registration. If not, the registration may be suspended. New vehicles are exempt from inspection for 2 years or until they reach 24,000 miles. Different categories of vehicles have different inspection requirements and must be inspected at a licensed station.
Driver’s license: If you are moving to Rhode Island from another state, you have 60 days to obtain a Rhode Island driver's license. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and legal presence in the U.S. This can include documents such as a birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card.
Additional taxes: When moving to Rhode Island and registering a vehicle, you will likely be required to pay taxes and fees, even if you have already paid similar taxes in your previous state. It's best to check with the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles for the specific taxes and fees that may apply when registering your vehicle in Rhode Island.
More than 39.0 million people call California home.
Nicknamed the Golden State.
California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
Transporting your vehicle to Rhode Island
About 1.1 million people are living in the Ocean State.
Rhode Island has warm summers and cold winters. The state's southern coastal portions have hot summers and cool winters with a mix of rain and snow.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in California and delivery in Rhode Island?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in
California and when dropping it off in Rhode Island.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from California to Rhode Island?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from California to Rhode Island, you aren't required to have typical car insurance.
Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Rhode Island,
which you should verify before loading your car in California.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements.
The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
When relocating to Rhode Island, it's essential to secure car insurance meeting the state's minimum requirements, which include liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Additionally, Rhode Island mandates all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage for comprehensive protection.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to Rhode Island?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day.
The trip from California to Rhode Island is about 3,079 miles,
and that’s as fast as about 7 days.
However, most car transport companies will take
seven to fifteen days
to travel from California to Rhode Island.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
All newly registered vehicles (except new vehicles) must pass a Safety and Emissions inspection or have a valid inspection certificate within 5 days of registration. If not, the registration may be suspended. New vehicles are exempt from inspection for 2 years or until they reach 24,000 miles. Different categories of vehicles have different inspection requirements and must be inspected at a licensed station.
If I have a driver’s license in California, will I need one in Rhode Island?
If you are moving to Rhode Island from another state, you have 60 days to obtain a Rhode Island driver's license. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and legal presence in the U.S. This can include documents such as a birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card.
If I bought a car in California, will I be required to pay sales tax in Rhode Island after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications
if you’re having a car shipped from California to Rhode Island after purchasing it.
When moving to Rhode Island and registering a vehicle, you will likely be required to pay taxes and fees, even if you have already paid similar taxes in your previous state. It's best to check with the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles for the specific taxes and fees that may apply when registering your vehicle in Rhode Island.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both California and Rhode Island to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from California to Rhode Island?
The cheapest way to ship a car from California to Rhode Island is to
ship it on a train or choose an open trailer transport method,
avoid expedited shipping, and be flexible with your pickup dates.
How much does it cost to ship a car from California to Rhode Island?
Shipping a car from California to Rhode Island costs $1,564 to $2,519.