($798) Cost to ship a car from Arlington, VA to Ann Arbor, MI
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 525 miles from Arlington, Virginia, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, ranges from $798 to $1,029. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
|
|
|
|
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Ann Arbor to Arlington 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 Arlington to Ann Arbor car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Arlington to Ann Arbor:
- 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 Arlington
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based in Arlington, VA:
- Baltimore Auto Shipping Group: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Capital Exports Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- All State to State Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Montage Transport & Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Washington DC Auto Transport: 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 VA to MI
Getting your car from Arlington to Ann Arbor can be done in a few different ways. Here’s a breakdown of your top car shipping options that highlights their advantages and drawbacks.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from Arlington to Ann Arbor, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.
Drive your car
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 525 miles from Arlington to Ann Arbor might make for an enjoyable road trip and save you money. But the downsides include added wear on your car and potential risks from weather or long-distance driving.
Use a driving service
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Virginia to Michigan. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Arlington. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Ann Arbor.
Ship your car via train
Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Ann Arbor, 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 Arlington to Ann Arbor car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Arlington to Ann Arbor can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Arlington to Ann Arbor, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from Arlington 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 Ann Arbor? 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 Arlington. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Ann Arbor 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 525 miles from Arlington to Ann Arbor will cost more than a shorter move within Virginia.
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
The time of year and weather conditions in Arlington and Ann Arbor play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
Arlington has hot humid summers, mild to moderately cold winters, and pleasant spring and fall seasons.
August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Ann Arbor for moving.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Arlington to Ann Arbor in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 525-mile journey from Arlington to Ann Arbor makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Arlington to Ann Arbor typically takes between one and six days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing Arlington and Ann Arbor vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Arlington: Arlington county’s rate at long-term Meters is $1.25 per hour, and rate at Short-Term Meters: $1.50 per hour.
- Ann Arbor: The Residential Parking Permit (RPP) program allows vehicles owned by residents to park in a RPP neighborhood for the posted time limit without being ticketed. If your neighborhood is participating in a RPP Program, you will need to acquire and display a RPP decal for every vehicle that will park on neighborhood streets during the specified enforcement period. Check with the City of Ann Arbor for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Ann Arbor.
Car insurance requirements
- Arlington: It's crucial for drivers to have liability insurance, meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements: $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Elevate your road safety with mandatory uninsured motorist coverage, ensuring protection with matching limits. Stay road-ready by fulfilling these insurance obligations in Virginia.
- Ann Arbor: Michigan requires a minimum auto insurance coverage of $50,000/$100,000 for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage in case of an accident.
Vehicle inspections
- Arlington: All vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspections at DMV-approved stations. Vehicles that fail can be re-inspected for free within 60 days. Upon passing, a sticker is issued to indicate the vehicle's compliance.
- Ann Arbor: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
Driver’s license
- Arlington: To obtain a driver's license, individuals must pass written, vision, and driving tests. To be eligible, individuals must be at least 16 years old and have held a learner's permit for at least 9 months. Specialized license types such as motorcycle, commercial, and provisional for under 18 are also available. Drivers with a valid out-of-state license can convert it without taking the test. Driver's licenses are issued by the DMV and are valid for 8 years, and can be renewed online or in person.
- Ann Arbor: Michigan law requires new residents to promptly title and register their vehicles, with no grace period provided. A person is considered a resident if they live in the state and prove their legal presence in the US. To comply with these requirements, new residents should visit a Secretary of State office to obtain a Michigan driver's license, title, and registration as soon as they establish residency.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Arlington to Ann Arbor?
The cost to ship a car from Arlington, VA to Ann Arbor, MI 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 Arlington to Ann Arbor will range from $798 to $1,029.
How long will it take to ship my car from Arlington to Ann Arbor?
It will take approximately one to six days to ship your car the 525 miles from Arlington to Ann Arbor. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Arlington to Ann Arbor?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Arlington to Ann Arbor. 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 Arlington to Ann Arbor?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Arlington to Ann Arbor 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 525-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.
210 E Lexington St #100, Baltimore, MD 21202 US
20559 Meadow Island Pl, Sterling, VA 20165 US
4 Dwelling House Ct, Catonsville, MD 21228 US
1530 Wilson Blvd # 650, Arlington, VA 22209 US
7300 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, MD 20012 US