Cost to ship a car from Washington DC to Hartford

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 339 miles from Washington DC to Hartford ranges from $617 to $827. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Hartford, CT 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 Hartford to Washington DC car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Washington DC to Hartford car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the DC to the New England's Rising Star — approximately 339 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 Washington DC and Hartford can impact car shipping prices.

Winters are cool to cold with light snow more common but heavy snow not uncommon, and summers are hot and humid. Spring and fall are mild to warm. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid heavy snowfall or high heat.

June, August and September are the best months if you're considering to move to Hartford. Seasonally, the period from May through October is warm to hot in Hartford. Winters are cold, with periods of snow, while summers are warm to hot and humid. Spring and fall are normally transition seasons, with weather ranging from mild to cool.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Washington DC to Hartford 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 339-mile distance between Washington DC and Hartford 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 Washington DC to Hartford 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.

Washington DC to Hartford car shipping companies

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

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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 Washington DC and Hartford vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Washington DC: The City charges $55 per permit for up to 88 feet of parking space (about 3-4 car lengths). If metered, it can be an additional $24-48 per meter per day.
  • Hartford: There are paid parking around Hartford that would require you to have an app. Kindly check with the City of Hartford for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Hartford.

Car insurance requirements

  • Washington DC: All vehicles in Maryland must maintain insurance coverage from a Maryland-licensed insurance company at all times, with mandatory minimum coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for multiple people, and $15,000 for property damage.
  • Hartford: The basic car insurance requirements in the state of Connecticut is as follow: Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident Uninsured/underinsured motorist: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident

Vehicle inspections

  • Washington DC: If you recently relocated to Maryland or bought a vehicle, you must get it inspected at an authorized inspection station before registering the vehicle. New residents are mandated to undergo a vehicle safety inspection before obtaining car registration.
  • Hartford: In Connecticut, all vehicles must undergo an emissions inspection every two years, with a few exceptions. Additionally, a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection, which confirms the vehicle's identity, is required when registering the vehicle in the state.

Driver’s license

  • Washington DC: As a new resident of Maryland, it's mandatory to obtain a Maryland driver's license within 60 days. You need to surrender your previous state's driver's license before obtaining a Maryland one.
  • Hartford: As a new resident of Connecticut, you must obtain a Connecticut driver's license within 30 days. Residency is defined as living in the state for over 6 months in a year.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Washington DC to Hartford?

The cost to ship a car from Washington DC, MD to Hartford, CT 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 Washington DC to Hartford will range from $617 to $827.

How long will it take to ship my car from Washington DC to Hartford?

It will take approximately 1–4 days to ship your car the 339 miles from Washington DC to Hartford. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Washington DC to Hartford?

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

Helpful Washington DC resources