Cost to ship a car from Nashville to Indianapolis
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 288 miles from Nashville to Indianapolis ranges from $480 to $628. 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 Nashville car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Nashville to Indianapolis car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Nashville to Indianapolis, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Nashville to Indianapolis, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Nashville, 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 Nashville. 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 Athens of the South to the Amateur Sports Capital of the World — approximately 288 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 Nashville and Indianapolis can impact car shipping prices.
Nashville has humid summers and generally cool winters typical of the Upper South. Spring and fall are prone to severe thunderstorms, which may bring tornadoes, large hail, flash floods, and damaging wind. Be sure to check your weather app before your move to avoid inclement weather.
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 Nashville 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 288-mile distance between Nashville 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 Nashville 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.
Nashville to Indianapolis car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Nashville to Indianapolis:
- 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 Nashville and Indianapolis vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Nashville: A Downtown Nashville Residential Parking Permit is issued once the completed Downtown Residential Parking Permit Application and the $25.00 fee is received by Nashville Department of Transportation. The staff will review the application to verify the location meets the requirement for Downtown Residential Permit Parking.
- 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
- Nashville: Tennessee drivers need to fulfill liability insurance criteria of 25/50/15 ($25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident). Valid proof of insurance is crucial for registration and may be requested by law enforcement during traffic stops. Motorists have the flexibility to choose additional coverage for an added layer of vehicle protection.
- 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
- Nashville: In Tennessee, vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspection. Cost is around $15 and more information can be found at Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's website.
- 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
- Nashville: To obtain a driver's license in Tennessee, individuals must be at least 15 years old (with a Learner's Permit) or 16 years old (with a regular driver's license), pass written, vision and driving tests, provide proof of identity, residency, legal presence, and social security number, pass a medical examination if required, pay the required fee, Hold the Learner's Permit for at least 180 days before taking the skills test for the driver's license and comply with the graduated licensing system restrictions for the first 6 months.
- 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 Nashville to Indianapolis?
The cost to ship a car from Nashville, TN 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 Nashville to Indianapolis will range from $480 to $628.
How long will it take to ship my car from Nashville to Indianapolis?
It will take approximately 1–4 days to ship your car the 288 miles from Nashville to Indianapolis. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Nashville to Indianapolis?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Nashville to Indianapolis. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
