($823) Cost to ship a car from Denver, CO to Irvine, CA
Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,014 miles from Denver, Colorado, to Irvine, California, typically costs between $823 and $1,242. Final pricing depends on details like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For personalized pricing, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Irvine to Denver car shipping guide.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
The best Denver to Irvine car shipping companies
Our team has reviewed thousands of companies and narrowed down the top car shipping companies to safely move your vehicle from Denver to Irvine:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for Exact Pickup Dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Denver
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in Denver, CO:
- UZ Auto Trans INC: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Driving America Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Accelerated Services Auto: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Nationwide Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
How we chose the best car shipping companies
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.
Car shipping alternatives from CO to CA
If you’re relocating from Denver to Irvine, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.
Coordinate with your movers
On moves from Denver to Irvine, it’s common for the top long-distance movers to coordinate with established car shippers for you. This can simplify your relocation, but you might not have a say in which car shipper they choose.
Drive your car
When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 1,014 miles from Denver to Irvine can save money and even turn into a memorable trip. On the flip side, the extra miles mean more vehicle wear and the chance of running into bad weather or hazards on the road.
Use a driving service
Having a driver transport your car from Colorado to California is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Denver to Irvine. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Irvine, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.
Factors affecting Denver to Irvine car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Denver to Irvine, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Denver to Irvine, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from Denver are generally the most affordable, while enclosed transport offers extra protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Not sure which is best for your move to Irvine? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Denver. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Irvine will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
Distance and route
Simply put, the farther you ship your car, the more it will cost. Longer trips mean higher fuel and labor costs, plus added expenses like tolls and carrier maintenance. For example, transporting your vehicle 1,014 miles from Denver to Irvine will cost more than a shorter move within Colorado.
Your destination plays a role as well. Routes that follow major highways are usually cheaper, while deliveries to remote areas tend to be more expensive.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Denver and Irvine can impact car shipping prices.
Denver has four distinct seasons and receives most of its precipitation from April through August. Due to its inland location on the High Plains, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, the region can be subject to sudden changes in weather.
Winters are mild, with most winters having no frost, and can be hot and dry. Late summer and autumn are warm and mostly dry, with occasional bouts of humid weather
During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Denver to Irvine during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 1,014-mile drive between Denver and Irvine, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Denver to Irvine takes between two and eight days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Denver and Irvine vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Denver: A Parking Permit (Residential or Area) exempts a resident's vehicle from the posted, on-street parking time limit restrictions ONLY for the area within which the permit is valid. Residential Parking Permits are valid only on the block which the resident resides. The Area Permit will exempt permit holders from certain parking restrictions within a prescribed area.
- Irvine: The City of Irvine forbids parking in red zones or where signs prohibit same, pursuant to Municipal Code Section 6-3-573. The City of Irvine offers both annual and overnight parking permits
Car insurance requirements
- Denver: To drive in Colorado, you must have insurance with minimum 25/50/10 liability limits, covering $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage. While meeting the state's minimum requirement, it's advisable to consider factors for determining optimal coverage levels.
- Irvine: 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.
Vehicle inspections
- Denver: To register and title your vehicle in Colorado within 90 days of moving, you'll need to provide the DMV with an out-of-state vehicle title, proof of a valid Colorado auto insurance policy, verifiable identification, and documentation of the vehicle's weight.
- Irvine: 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.
Driver’s license
- Denver: To obtain a Colorado driver's license, new residents must visit a Colorado DMV office in person. The process cannot be done online or by phone. A valid out-of-state license is required, with no suspensions, revocations, or cancellations, and must not have been deemed unfit to drive by CO DMV or a court.
- Irvine: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Denver to Irvine?
The cost to ship a car from Denver, CO to Irvine, CA varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Denver to Irvine will range from $823 to $1,242.
How long will it take to ship my car from Denver to Irvine?
It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,014 miles from Denver to Irvine. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Denver to Irvine?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Denver to Irvine. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Denver to Irvine?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Denver to Irvine than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 1,014-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.
9524 Sherrelwood Ln, Littleton, CO 80126 US
19201 E Lincoln Ave, Parker, CO 80138 US
18300 E 28th Ave, Aurora, CO 80011 US