Indiana to California Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,274 miles from Indiana to California ranges from $1,331 to $1,941 and takes five–thirteen days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our California to Indiana 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 Indiana to California car shipping companies
Through more than 400 hours of analysis of car shippers, we found that these are the top car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Indiana to California:
- 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
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove 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 Indiana
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Indiana ready to move your vehicle to California:
- Clr Auto Transport: 3.88 out of 5 stars
- Reindeer Auto Relocation: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Classic Car Carrier, Inc.: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Jack Cooper Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Clr Auto Transport
8450 Whitcomb St, Merrillville, IN 46410 US
clrautotransport.com
3.88 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 625842
Reindeer Auto Relocation
5100 Charles Ct, Zionsville, IN 46077 US
reindeerauto.com/car-shipping
3.58 / 5.0
Reindeer Auto Relocation has received a mix of feedback from customers. Many highlight excellent or timely customer service, friendly communication, efficiency in transporting vehicles and prompt updates. However, significant concerns arise regarding vehicle damage during transport and claim denials, leading to frustration among customers who feel unprotected and unsupported after incidents. Overall, while some users report satisfaction, many advise caution and thorough inspections before and after transport.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2223341
Alternative Business Names
- Reindeer International
- Reindeer Logistics, Inc.
Classic Car Carrier, Inc.
111 1200 E, Zionsville, IN 46077 US
classiccarcarrier.com
3.52 / 5.0
Customers appreciate the professionalism and white glove service provided by the company while also praising their excellent communication and care for vehicles. However, several reviewers reported significant issues with specific transactions, including poor service experiences and equipment damage, advising caution in dealings with certain individuals.
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 517836
Alternative Business Names
- Muscle Cars, Inc
- Mr. Car Lister, LLC
- Sales Injector, LLC
Auto Driveaway
8888 Keystone Crossing STE 1300, Indianapolis, IN 46240 US
autodriveaway.com/locations/indianapolis
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Trailers
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1335807
Alternative Business Names
- Diversified Auto Solutions, Inc.
- Auto Driveaway Indianapolis
Jack Cooper Transport
13210 Fogwell Pkwy, Roanoke, IN 46783 US
jackcooper.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 64161
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.
Alternative ways to ship your car from Indiana to California
Ship it with your movers
When moving from Indiana to California, it can be helpful to hire a moving company that includes car shipping services. A number of long-distance moving companies work directly with reliable car shippers to arrange transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 2,274 miles to your vehicle on the route from Indiana to California. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from Indiana to California. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
Ship by train
Shipping by train can be a cost-effective and reliable method of moving your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the least expensive way to move a vehicle.
Indiana to California auto transport costs and transit times
Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in Indiana and California. The average journey covers about 2,274 miles and takes roughly five to thirteen days.
Cost to ship a car from Indianapolis, IN to California
| From Indiana to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis, IN to Los Angeles, CA | $1,334 – $1,985 | 2,067 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Indianapolis, IN to San Diego, CA | $1,321 – $1,945 | 2,051 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Indianapolis, IN to San Jose, CA | $1,305 – $2,105 | 2,287 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Indianapolis, IN to Bakersfield, CA | $1,295 – $1,965 | 2,082 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Indianapolis, IN to San Francisco, CA | $1,279 – $2,064 | 2,254 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from Fort Wayne, IN to California
| From Indiana to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Wayne, IN to Los Angeles, CA | $1,258 – $1,997 | 2,167 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Fort Wayne, IN to San Diego, CA | $1,348 – $1,977 | 2,177 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Fort Wayne, IN to San Jose, CA | $1,335 – $2,084 | 2,306 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Fort Wayne, IN to Bakersfield, CA | $1,296 – $2,057 | 2,177 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Fort Wayne, IN to San Francisco, CA | $1,318 – $1,982 | 2,274 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from Evansville, IN to California
| From Indiana to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evansville, IN to Los Angeles, CA | $1,302 – $1,824 | 1,991 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Evansville, IN to San Diego, CA | $1,289 – $1,843 | 1,975 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Evansville, IN to San Jose, CA | $1,305 – $2,002 | 2,249 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Evansville, IN to Bakersfield, CA | $1,257 – $1,905 | 2,005 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Evansville, IN to San Francisco, CA | $1,318 – $2,125 | 2,218 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from South Bend, IN to California
| From Indiana to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Bend, IN to Los Angeles, CA | $1,270 – $1,905 | 2,095 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| South Bend, IN to San Diego, CA | $1,322 – $2,118 | 2,159 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| South Bend, IN to San Jose, CA | $1,292 – $1,982 | 2,239 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| South Bend, IN to Bakersfield, CA | $1,245 – $1,957 | 2,110 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| South Bend, IN to San Francisco, CA | $1,305 – $2,125 | 2,209 miles | 4 – 12 days |
Cost to ship a car from Carmel, IN to California
| From Indiana to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carmel, IN to Los Angeles, CA | $1,334 – $1,965 | 2,087 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Carmel, IN to San Diego, CA | $1,270 – $1,985 | 2,071 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Carmel, IN to San Jose, CA | $1,331 – $1,982 | 2,285 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Carmel, IN to Bakersfield, CA | $1,322 – $1,936 | 2,102 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Carmel, IN to San Francisco, CA | $1,305 – $1,941 | 2,253 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Indiana to California
Since vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?
If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from Indiana to California you should expect to pay between $1,664 and $2,426.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Indiana to California
If you’re shipping a car from the Hoosier State to the Golden State, keep these cost factors in mind:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is recommended for high-value or classic cars. Top-loading is another option to consider. Learn more in our guide to open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to California.
- Distance and route: The journey from Indiana to California spans approximately 2,274 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of Indiana more expensive during these times.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Indiana and California and the varying gas prices across the country.
- 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 Indiana to California should take between five and thirteen days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
California vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to California means taking care of certain tasks to get your car registered and ready for the road. Here’s a summary of the key steps involved.
- Car insurance 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.
- Vehicle inspection: 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: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
- Additional taxes: You are required to pay taxes on a car purchased in another state if you used it for less than 12 months outside of California before bringing it into the state.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Indiana
More than 6.8 million people call Indiana home. Nicknamed the Hoosier State. In the past, most of Indiana had cold winters and hot, wet summers. Only the very bottom of the state had a different climate with more rain. But currently, about half of Indiana now has that rainier climate. The temperatures are different in the northern and southern parts of the state.
Transporting your vehicle to California
About 39.0 million people are living in 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.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Indiana and delivery in California?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Indiana and when dropping it off in California.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Indiana to California?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Indiana to California, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to California, which you should verify before loading your car in Indiana.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Indiana's minimum auto insurance coverage is $25,000/$50,000/$10,000, providing $25,000 per person and a maximum of $50,000 per incident for bodily injury, along with $10,000 for property damage in the event of a covered accident. Liability coverage in Indiana includes property damage, protecting your assets in case you're legally responsible for damages to another party's property, and bodily injury, covering expenses related to harm sustained by others in a covered accident.
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.
How long does it take to ship a car from Indiana to California?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Indiana to California is about 2,274 miles, and that’s as fast as about 5 days. However, most car transport companies will take five to thirteen days to travel from Indiana to California.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
Indiana does not mandate safety inspections for vehicles. However, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles requires a VIN inspection for vehicles not previously registered in the 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.
If I have a driver’s license in Indiana, will I need one in California?
If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
If I bought a car in Indiana, will I be required to pay sales tax in California after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Indiana to California after purchasing it.
You are required to pay taxes on a car purchased in another state if you used it for less than 12 months outside of California before bringing it into the state.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Indiana and California to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Indiana to California?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Indiana to California 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 Indiana to California?
Shipping a car from Indiana to California costs $1,331 to $1,941.
