Cost to ship a car from Cincinnati to Ann Arbor

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 250 miles from Cincinnati to Ann Arbor ranges from $492 to $726. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Ann Arbor, MI 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 Ann Arbor to Cincinnati car shipping guide.

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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 Cincinnati to Ann Arbor car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Blue Chip City to the Tree Town — approximately 250 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 Cincinnati and Ann Arbor can impact car shipping prices.

Snowfall and freezing weather is common in the winters and severe thunderstorms may happen in the warmer months.

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

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Cincinnati to Ann Arbor 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 250-mile distance between Cincinnati and Ann Arbor 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 Cincinnati to Ann Arbor 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.

Cincinnati to Ann Arbor car shipping companies

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

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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 Cincinnati and Ann Arbor vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Cincinnati: Generally speaking, you'll only need to apply for a parking permit if you need to occupy a space with a "No parking" sign. Otherwise, you should check for any rules in your new building or HOA.
  • 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.

Car insurance requirements

  • Cincinnati: 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.
  • 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.

Vehicle inspections

  • Cincinnati: 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.
  • Ann Arbor: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.

Driver’s license

  • Cincinnati: 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.
  • 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.

FAQ

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

The cost to ship a car from Cincinnati, OH to Ann Arbor, MI 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 Cincinnati to Ann Arbor will range from $492 to $726.

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

It will take approximately 1–4 days to ship your car the 250 miles from Cincinnati to Ann Arbor. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful Cincinnati resources