Cost to ship a car from Ann Arbor to Columbia

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 702 miles from Ann Arbor to Columbia ranges from $895 to $1,277. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Columbia, SC 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 Columbia to Ann Arbor car shipping guide.

Why Trust Us

Our mission at moveBuddha is to make every aspect of moving easier, and we use our firsthand knowledge of the industry to simplify and streamline what can often be a stressful process.

Since moveBuddha’s foundation in 2015, our team has talked to thousands of consumers and analyzed 4,400 moving companies and 2,400 car shippers across the U.S. We’ve collected detailed car shipping experiences through our Better Moves project. We routinely dig deep into online consumer reviews to identify the most common complaints and compliments companies receive.

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 Ann Arbor to Columbia car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Tree Town to the Soda City — approximately 702 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 Ann Arbor and Columbia can impact car shipping prices.

August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Ann Arbor for moving.

If you're considering to move to Columbia, SC, better to consider during October, April and May to make sure weather will be pleasant.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Ann Arbor to Columbia 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 702-mile distance between Ann Arbor and Columbia 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 Ann Arbor to Columbia 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.

Ann Arbor to Columbia car shipping companies

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

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Rental car option
  • Ship inoperable

Comparing Ann Arbor and Columbia vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Ann Arbor: The Residential Parking Permit (RPP) program allows vehicles owned by residents to park in a RPP neighborhood for the posted time limit without being ticketed. If your neighborhood is participating in a RPP Program, you will need to acquire and display a RPP decal for every vehicle that will park on neighborhood streets during the specified enforcement period. Check with the City of Ann Arbor for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Ann Arbor.
  • Columbia: Check with the City of Columbia for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Columbia.

Car insurance requirements

  • Ann Arbor: 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.
  • Columbia: In South Carolina, it's a legal requirement for every driver to have liability insurance. Adhering to the state's minimum liability limits, commonly referred to as 25/50/25, entails securing coverage of at least $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Stay compliant with these essential insurance standards to drive confidently on South Carolina roads.

Vehicle inspections

  • Ann Arbor: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
  • Columbia: Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.

Driver’s license

  • Ann Arbor: 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.
  • Columbia: If you are moving to South Carolina, you will be required to obtain a South Carolina driver's license within 90 days of establishing residency in the state.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Ann Arbor to Columbia?

The cost to ship a car from Ann Arbor, MI to Columbia, SC 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 Ann Arbor to Columbia will range from $895 to $1,277.

How long will it take to ship my car from Ann Arbor to Columbia?

It will take approximately 1–6 days to ship your car the 702 miles from Ann Arbor to Columbia. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Ann Arbor to Columbia?

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

Helpful Ann Arbor resources