Cost to ship a car from Santa Ana to Denver

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,014 miles from Santa Ana to Denver ranges from $978 to $1,490. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Denver, CO in 2–8 days. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Denver to Santa Ana car shipping guide.

Why Trust Us

Our mission at moveBuddha is to make every aspect of moving easier, and we use our firsthand knowledge of the industry to simplify and streamline what can often be a stressful process.

Since moveBuddha’s foundation in 2015, our team has talked to thousands of consumers and analyzed 4,400 moving companies and 2,400 car shippers across the U.S. We’ve collected detailed car shipping experiences through our Better Moves project. We routinely dig deep into online consumer reviews to identify the most common complaints and compliments companies receive.

We created our own system for analyzing and rating car shipping companies on important factors like pricing, variety of services, customer feedback, and availability. Our experienced editorial team fully fact-checks all content to ensure it is accurate, informative, and up-to-date.

Factors affecting Santa Ana to Denver car shipping costs

Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Santa Ana to Denver, these factors will influence the cost:

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Santa Ana to Denver, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Santa Ana, open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Denver, refer to our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.

Vehicle size and type

The size and weight of your vehicle play a crucial role in determining shipping costs out of Santa Ana. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Denver will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.

Distance and route

The distance from the Santa Ana to the Mile-High City — approximately 1,014 miles — directly influences fuel and labor costs. The longer the journey, the higher the cost.

Time of the year

The season and weather in both Santa Ana and Denver can impact car shipping prices.

Santa Ana has hot, dry summers and mild winters with moderate rainfall.

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.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Santa Ana to Denver during these peak seasons can result in higher costs due to increased demand.

Fuel prices

Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 1,014-mile distance between Santa Ana and Denver and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.

Delivery expectations

Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Santa Ana to Denver typically takes between 2 and 8 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Santa Ana to Denver car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Santa Ana to Denver:

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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Rental car option
  • Ship inoperable

Comparing Santa Ana and Denver vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Santa Ana: Guest parking permits must be filled in ink by the resident and placed on the left-hand side of the dashboard. Each guest permit is valid until noon the following day. Each guest permit can only be used once and the date may NOT be changed. Not every district has guest permits. Only residents of single family homes are eligible for guest 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.

Car insurance requirements

  • Santa Ana: 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.
  • 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.

Vehicle inspections

  • Santa Ana: 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.
  • 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.

Driver’s license

  • Santa Ana: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
  • 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.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Santa Ana to Denver?

The cost to ship a car from Santa Ana, CA to Denver, CO varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed), the size and weight of the vehicle, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Santa Ana to Denver will range from $978 to $1,490.

How long will it take to ship my car from Santa Ana to Denver?

It will take approximately 2–8 days to ship your car the 1,014 miles from Santa Ana to Denver. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Santa Ana to Denver?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Santa Ana to Denver. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.

Helpful Santa Ana resources