($1,278) Cost to ship a car from Indianapolis, IN to San Bernardino, CA
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 2,023 miles from Indianapolis, Indiana, to San Bernardino, California, generally falls between $1,278 and $1,976. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino car shipping companies
Our team has reviewed thousands of companies and narrowed down the top car shipping companies to safely move your vehicle from Indianapolis to San Bernardino:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- 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
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
Top local car shippers in Indianapolis
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers 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
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
Relocating from Indianapolis to San Bernardino means figuring out the best way to move your car, too. Here are the most popular car shipping options to consider, along with the pros and cons of each.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re moving from Indianapolis to San Bernardino, many of the best interstate movers work with trusted car shipping companies. They can coordinate your vehicle transport as part of the full-service moving package, but you’ll be limited to their chosen provider and 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 2,023-mile drive from Indianapolis to San Bernardino 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
If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from Indiana to California. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from Indianapolis to San Bernardino carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to San Bernardino is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.
Factors affecting Indianapolis to San Bernardino car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Indianapolis to San Bernardino, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Indianapolis to San Bernardino, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Indianapolis tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to San Bernardino, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from Indianapolis is the type of vehicle you own. Larger cars cost more to move because they occupy extra space and add weight to the carrier. For example, sending a full-size SUV to San Bernardino will be pricier than shipping a compact sedan.
Distance and route
Basically, longer distances mean higher shipping prices. Extra miles drive up fuel usage, labor hours, tolls, and maintenance costs. So moving your car 2,023 miles from Indianapolis to San Bernardino will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in Indiana.
Location also affects the cost. Shipments along common interstate routes are typically cheaper, while hard-to-reach destinations add to the price.
The time of the year
The time of year and weather conditions in Indianapolis and San Bernardino play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
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.
San Berardino has mild winters and hot, dry summers. Relative to other areas in Southern California, winters are colder, with frost and with chilly to cold morning temperatures common.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Indianapolis to San Bernardino in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 2,023 miles between Indianapolis and San Bernardino, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Indianapolis to San Bernardino is four to twelve days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Indianapolis and San Bernardino 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.
- San Bernardino: A Vehicle Moving Permit (REG 172) may be issued at no fee for a period of only one day for movement of a vehicle in accordance with CVC §§4002 and 11716. Registration of a vehicle moved or operated under a permit issued by DMV is not required. Auto clubs are authorized to issue REG 172s. A REG 172 is valid for one day and issued to vehicles that have a valid planned nonoperation (PNO) status on record, be exempt from the PNO law, or have current fees on deposit and will be moved
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.
- San Bernardino: 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.
- San Bernardino: 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.
- San Bernardino: 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 San Bernardino?
The cost to ship a car from Indianapolis, IN to San Bernardino, 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 San Bernardino will range from $1,278 to $1,976.
How long will it take to ship my car from Indianapolis to San Bernardino?
It will take approximately four to twelve days to ship your car the 2,023 miles from Indianapolis to San Bernardino. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Indianapolis to San Bernardino?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Indianapolis to San Bernardino. 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 San Bernardino?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Indianapolis to San Bernardino 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 2,023-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.
111 1200 E, Zionsville, IN 46077 US
8888 Keystone Crossing STE 1300, Indianapolis, IN 46240 US
1037 Oakwood Trail, Indianapolis, IN 46260 US