($1,386) Cost to ship a car from Indianapolis, IN to Los Angeles, CA
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: Expect to pay around $1,386 to $2,124 to ship your car 2,067 miles from Indianapolis, Indiana, to Los Angeles, California. The actual cost depends on factors like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For a customized estimate, use our car shipping cost calculator.
|
|
|
|
rating
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Los Angeles to Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis to Los Angeles car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Indianapolis to Los Angeles:
- 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 Indianapolis
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based in Indianapolis, IN:
- 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
- Kemp Transport Systems Llc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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
Kemp Transport Systems Llc
1037 Oakwood Trail, Indianapolis, IN 46260 US
kemptransportationsystems.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2247476
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 IN to CA
If you’re planning a move from Indianapolis to Los Angeles, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.
Coordinate with your movers
If you are relocating from Indianapolis to Los Angeles, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s preferred car shipper and their pricing.
Drive your car
There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 2,067-mile drive from Indianapolis to Los Angeles into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
Use a driving service
Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from Indiana to California is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Indianapolis to Los Angeles. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
Ship your car via train
Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Los Angeles, and it’s particularly practical if your household items are also traveling by train. In fact, it’s the cheapest shipping option for vehicles. Just be aware that this approach has limited service locations and takes more time than other transport methods.
Factors affecting Indianapolis to Los Angeles car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Indianapolis to Los Angeles, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
There are a few ways to ship your car from Indianapolis to Los Angeles, including open carriers, enclosed shipping, or top-loaded service. Your best bet depends on your priorities.
Open carriers are the cheapest option, while enclosed shipping is best for safeguarding luxury or classic vehicles. If you’re unsure which transport type fits your move to Los Angeles, our comparison guide can help.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping costs out of Indianapolis will be determined in large part by what kind of car you have. As you might guess, the bigger the vehicle, the more it will cost. This is simply because it takes up more space and adds more weight to the carrier. So, a full-size SUV will be more expensive to ship to Los Angeles than a compact car.
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 2,067 miles from Indianapolis to Los Angeles will cost more than a shorter move within Indiana.
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 patterns in Indianapolis and Los Angeles often affect the cost of auto transport.
Indianapolis summers are hot, humid, and wet. Winters are generally cold with moderate snowfall. The rainiest months occur in the spring and summer, with slightly higher averages during May, June, and July. May is typically the wettest.
The temperature in Los Angeles is known to be very comfortable. Los Angeles is subject to a phenomenon typical of a microclimate, causing variations in temperature. So be sure to check your weather report before your move.
When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Indianapolis to Los Angeles in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.
Fuel prices
Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 2,067-mile journey from Indianapolis to Los Angeles makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.
Delivery expectations
By allowing more flexibility with your delivery window, you could secure discounted rates from your shipper. The process of moving a car from Indianapolis to Los Angeles usually takes four–twelve days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing Indianapolis and Los Angeles vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Indianapolis: All permit applicants are now required to use INDOT’s Electronic Permitting System (EPS) when seeking a permit and making an electronic payment.
- Los Angeles: If the pick-up or drop-off location is in a place where it is difficult to find a parking spot, you have two options for getting a parking permit for the moving truck. 1. Get in touch with the city office or department and get a permit and sign from them – “Temporary No Parking”. Usually these cost $10-60. Every city has its own requirements and procedures for granting permits. 2. Contact the company, which provides a service for installing “Temporary No Parking”. Such a sign usually cost about $250. Oversize vehicle parking permits may be purchased either by mail or in person at one of four Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Public Service Centers. Permits are issued to Los Angeles residents for a fee of $10.00 per day and may be purchased for up to three days at a time.
Car insurance requirements
- Indianapolis: 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.
- Los Angeles: 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
- Indianapolis: 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.
- Los Angeles: 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
- Indianapolis: As a new resident of Indiana, you have 60 days to obtain an Indiana driver's license if you have a valid license from another state. You must also transfer the titles and registrations of your vehicles from your previous state to Indiana.
- Los Angeles: 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 Indianapolis to Los Angeles?
The cost to ship a car from Indianapolis, IN to Los Angeles, 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 Indianapolis to Los Angeles will range from $1,386 to $2,124.
How long will it take to ship my car from Indianapolis to Los Angeles?
It will take approximately four to twelve days to ship your car the 2,067 miles from Indianapolis to Los Angeles. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Indianapolis to Los Angeles?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Indianapolis to Los Angeles. 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 Indianapolis to Los Angeles?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Indianapolis to Los Angeles 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 2,067-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.
