Cost to ship a car from Indianapolis to Dayton
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 116 miles from Indianapolis to Dayton ranges from $389 to $560. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Dayton, OH in 1–4 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 Dayton to Indianapolis car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Indianapolis to Dayton car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Indianapolis to Dayton, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Indianapolis to Dayton, 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 Dayton, 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 Dayton 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 Gem City — approximately 116 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 Dayton 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.
September, June and May are the best months to move to Dayton.
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 Dayton 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 116-mile distance between Indianapolis and Dayton 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 Dayton typically takes between 1 and 4 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Indianapolis to Dayton car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Indianapolis to Dayton:
- 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 Dayton 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.
- Dayton: Make sure to check with the City of Dayton for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Dayton.
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.
- Dayton: In Ohio, it's mandatory for drivers to have car insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage liability. Meeting these requirements is essential for vehicle registration and serves as financial protection in case of an at-fault accident. Explore the option of increasing your liability limits and acquiring additional coverage for enhanced 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.
- Dayton: New residents must get their car smog checked during registration, which will also include a free VIN check. Ohio doesn't require safety inspections, but you may choose to have a car check for peace of mind.
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.
- Dayton: In Ohio, you have 30 days to transfer your license and get an Ohio title and license plates for your vehicle. Failure to do so can result in trouble from law enforcement and government agents.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Indianapolis to Dayton?
The cost to ship a car from Indianapolis, IN to Dayton, OH 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 Dayton will range from $389 to $560.
How long will it take to ship my car from Indianapolis to Dayton?
It will take approximately 1–4 days to ship your car the 116 miles from Indianapolis to Dayton. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Indianapolis to Dayton?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Indianapolis to Dayton. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
