Cost to ship a car from Detroit to Indianapolis
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 286 miles from Detroit to Indianapolis ranges from $537 to $755. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Indianapolis, IN 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 Indianapolis to Detroit car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Detroit to Indianapolis car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Detroit to Indianapolis, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Detroit to Indianapolis, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Detroit, 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 Detroit. 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 America's Comeback City to the Amateur Sports Capital of the World — approximately 286 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 Detroit and Indianapolis can impact car shipping prices.
Detroit winters are cold, with moderate snowfall and temperatures not rising above freezing on an average 44 days annually. Summers are warm to hot with temperatures exceeding. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid heavy snowfall during your move.
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 Detroit 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 286-mile distance between Detroit 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 Detroit to Indianapolis 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.
Detroit to Indianapolis car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Detroit to Indianapolis:
- 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 Detroit and Indianapolis vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Detroit: Each area in Detroit may require specific permits or have certain rules for parking the moving truck. So, this means you need to call and check with parking services ahead of time at (313) 224-1610.
- 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
- Detroit: Michigan requires a minimum auto insurance coverage of $50,000/$100,000 for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage in case of an 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
- Detroit: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
- 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
- Detroit: Michigan law requires new residents to promptly title and register their vehicles, with no grace period provided. A person is considered a resident if they live in the state and prove their legal presence in the US. To comply with these requirements, new residents should visit a Secretary of State office to obtain a Michigan driver's license, title, and registration as soon as they establish residency.
- 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 Detroit to Indianapolis?
The cost to ship a car from Detroit, MI 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 Detroit to Indianapolis will range from $537 to $755.
How long will it take to ship my car from Detroit to Indianapolis?
It will take approximately 1–4 days to ship your car the 286 miles from Detroit to Indianapolis. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Detroit to Indianapolis?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Detroit to Indianapolis. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
