Cost to ship a car from Indianapolis to Boston
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 949 miles from Indianapolis to Boston ranges from $892 to $1,528. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Boston, MA in 2–7 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 Boston to Indianapolis car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Indianapolis to Boston car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Indianapolis to Boston, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Indianapolis to Boston, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Indianapolis, 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 Boston, 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 Indianapolis. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Boston will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.
Distance and route
The distance from the Amateur Sports Capital of the World to the Athens of America — approximately 949 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 Indianapolis and Boston can impact car shipping prices.
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.
Boston summers are typically warm and humid, while winters are cold and stormy, with occasional periods of heavy snow. Spring and fall are usually cool to mild.
During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Indianapolis to Boston 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 949-mile distance between Indianapolis and Boston 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 Indianapolis to Boston typically takes between 2 and 7 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Indianapolis to Boston car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Indianapolis to Boston:
- Best for Quick Pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for Accurate Pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- Best Cross-Country Shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best Marketplace: uShip Car Marketplace
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Comparing Indianapolis and Boston 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.
- Boston: A permit for your moving truck is not required by the City of Boston, but it guarantees you a parking spot to avoid parking tickets. A one-day permit for a moving truck that needs two metered spaces would be about $110.
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.
- Boston: Massachusetts mandates minimum car insurance coverage, including $20,000/$40,000 for bodily injury liability, $5,000 for property damage, $20,000/$40,000 for uninsured motorist bodily injury, and $8,000 for personal injury protection.
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.
- Boston: Every year, all vehicles in Massachusetts must undergo a safety inspection. New cars registered in the state must be inspected within 7 days of their registration date.
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.
- Boston: As a new resident in Massachusetts, you must convert your out-of-state vehicle registration to the state within 30 days of establishing residency. The vehicle can be titled and registered at the same time.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Indianapolis to Boston?
The cost to ship a car from Indianapolis, IN to Boston, MA 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 Indianapolis to Boston will range from $892 to $1,528.
How long will it take to ship my car from Indianapolis to Boston?
It will take approximately 2–7 days to ship your car the 949 miles from Indianapolis to Boston. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Indianapolis to Boston?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Indianapolis to Boston. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
