Cost to ship a car from Reno to Santa Ana
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 548 miles from Reno to Santa Ana ranges from $685 to $947. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Santa Ana, CA 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 Santa Ana to Reno car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Reno to Santa Ana car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Reno to Santa Ana, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Reno to Santa Ana, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Reno, 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 Santa Ana, 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 Reno. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Santa Ana will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.
Distance and route
The distance from the Biggest Little City in the World to the Santa Ana — approximately 548 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 Reno and Santa Ana can impact car shipping prices.
Reno experiences very hot summer and very cold winter. If you're looking to relocate, consider the months of June, September and May as these months have favorable weather. December and January are the least comfortable months.
Santa Ana has hot, dry summers and mild winters with moderate rainfall.
During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Reno to Santa Ana 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 548-mile distance between Reno and Santa Ana 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 Reno to Santa Ana 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.
Reno to Santa Ana car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Reno to Santa Ana:
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best cross-country shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for quick pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best marketplace: uShip
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Comparing Reno and Santa Ana vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Reno: Make sure to check with the City of Reno for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move.
- Santa Ana: Guest parking permits must be filled in ink by the resident and placed on the left-hand side of the dashboard. Each guest permit is valid until noon the following day. Each guest permit can only be used once and the date may NOT be changed. Not every district has guest permits. Only residents of single family homes are eligible for guest permits.
Car insurance requirements
- Reno: Nevada law mandates drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, including $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, along with $20,000 for property damage, ensuring financial responsibility in case of accidents. Stay compliant for legal and financial protection.
- Santa Ana: The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
Vehicle inspections
- Reno: The State of Nevada requires yearly vehicle emissions and VIN tests.
- Santa Ana: California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
Driver’s license
- Reno: To obtain a driver's license in Nevada as a new resident, you must apply for it in-person at a DMV office within 30 days of establishing residency in Nevada.
- Santa Ana: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Reno to Santa Ana?
The cost to ship a car from Reno, NV to Santa Ana, CA 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 Reno to Santa Ana will range from $685 to $947.
How long will it take to ship my car from Reno to Santa Ana?
It will take approximately 1–6 days to ship your car the 548 miles from Reno to Santa Ana. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Reno to Santa Ana?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Reno to Santa Ana. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
