Cost to ship a car from Wilmington to Indianapolis

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 636 miles from Wilmington to Indianapolis ranges from $835 to $1,157. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Indianapolis, IN in 1–6 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 Indianapolis to Wilmington car shipping guide.

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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 Wilmington to Indianapolis car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Wilmington to Indianapolis, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Wilmington, 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 Indianapolis, 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 Wilmington. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Indianapolis will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.

Distance and route

The distance from the Chemical Capital of the World to the Amateur Sports Capital of the World — approximately 636 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 Wilmington and Indianapolis can impact car shipping prices.

Wilmington has with hot and humid summers, cool to cold winters, and precipitation evenly spread throughout the year.

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.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Wilmington to Indianapolis 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 636-mile distance between Wilmington and Indianapolis 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 Wilmington to Indianapolis typically takes between 1 and 6 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Wilmington to Indianapolis car shipping companies

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

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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 Wilmington and Indianapolis vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Wilmington: Meters accept nickels, dimes, and quarters. Parking rates are posted on each meter. You may purchase 15 minutes of parking for a quarter, 6 minutes of parking for a dime, and 3 minutes of parking for a nickel. You may park at a meter for up to two hours.
  • Indianapolis: All permit applicants are now required to use INDOT’s Electronic Permitting System (EPS) when seeking a permit and making an electronic payment.

Car insurance requirements

  • Wilmington: Delaware mandates that vehicle owners carry a minimum of liability car insurance of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury liability in case of an accident involving multiple people and $10,000 for property damage per accident.
  • 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.

Vehicle inspections

  • Wilmington: In Delaware, vehicles are required to undergo an emissions inspection every two years, unless the vehicle is less than seven years old. Additionally, a vehicle inspection is required every time you register or re-register your vehicle, but it must be completed within 90 days of the registration date to be valid.
  • 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.

Driver’s license

  • Wilmington: Drivers moving to Delaware from another state must update their driver's license within 60 days of becoming a resident.
  • 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.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Wilmington to Indianapolis?

The cost to ship a car from Wilmington, DE to Indianapolis, IN 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 Wilmington to Indianapolis will range from $835 to $1,157.

How long will it take to ship my car from Wilmington to Indianapolis?

It will take approximately 1–6 days to ship your car the 636 miles from Wilmington to Indianapolis. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Wilmington to Indianapolis?

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

Helpful Wilmington resources