Preparing your vehicle for shipping from California to Indiana is simple but important. Here’s what you need to do:

Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, including items in the glove box and trunk. Carriers are not insured for personal property.

Clean your car: Wash your vehicle inside and out. This helps you spot any existing damage during the inspection.

Document condition: Take photos of your car from all angles before pickup.

Check fluids and battery: Ensure your car has enough gas (about 1/4 tank), oil, and a working battery for loading and unloading.

Remove or secure loose parts: Take off custom accessories, spoilers, or anything that might fall off. Remove toll tags and GPS devices.

Disable alarms: Turn off your car alarm to avoid issues during transport.

Have keys ready: Provide one set of working keys to the driver.

For complete preparation details, check our Vehicle Shipping Tips guide. Following these steps ensures a smooth shipping experience from California to Indiana.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from California to Indiana. Every carrier in our network must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.

Before your car leaves California, we verify that your carrier’s insurance is active and valid. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policy. This gives you extra protection throughout your shipment.

Your vehicle is covered from pickup to delivery. If any damage occurs during transport, the carrier’s insurance will handle your claim. We’re here to help guide you through the process if needed.

Pro tip: Take photos of your car before pickup. This helps document its condition and makes any insurance claims smoother.

We recommend scheduling your car shipment from California to Indiana at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives you the best chance to secure competitive rates and reliable carriers.

Here’s why early booking matters:

• Better pricing: Carriers can bundle your vehicle with others heading to Indiana
• More carrier options: Popular routes fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons
• Flexible scheduling: You’ll have more pickup date options to choose from

Peak season tip: During summer months and winter holidays, book 3-4 weeks ahead. Many families move during these times, creating higher demand.

Need to ship sooner? We can often accommodate rush orders, but expect higher costs and fewer carrier choices. Contact us today to discuss your specific timeline and get a free quote for your California to Indiana car shipment.

No payment is due at the time of booking. We do require a payment method on file so that it is available to charge once a carrier is secured. We accept all major debit and credit cards, including Mastercard, Visa, Discover and American Express. The most convenient option is to pay for your shipment in full by credit card at the time a carrier is secured.

We also allow you to pay for your Initial Payment via credit or debit card and then pay the outstanding balance on delivery day via cash or a certified check made out to the carrier.

Your Sherpa shipment includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If you are shipping to or from a port or your shipment includes ocean transit, your vehicle must be emptied of all items. Sherpa and your assigned carrier cannot be responsible for personal items left inside the vehicle. See our Vehicle Shipping Tips for more details.

Yes. It is important that you, or another adult that you trust, is there for pickup and delivery of your vehicle. This designated person plays an important role in the shipping process including documenting the state of the vehicle and signing the Bill of Lading, which acts as a receipt of the vehicle’s condition.

Open transport uses standard car carriers where your vehicle is exposed to weather and road debris. This is the most common and affordable option, costing significantly less than enclosed transport.

Enclosed transport protects your car inside a covered trailer, shielding it from weather, dust, and road hazards. This premium service costs 40-60% more than open transport but provides maximum protection for your vehicle during the California to Indiana journey.

Choose open transport if: You have a standard daily driver and want to save money. Most cars ship safely this way with minimal risk.

Choose enclosed transport if: You own a luxury car, classic vehicle, exotic car, or have custom paint work that needs extra protection during the long cross-country trip.

For most California to Indiana moves, open transport works perfectly fine and saves you hundreds of dollars. See our complete open vs enclosed auto transport guide for detailed comparisons and pricing.

Yes, Sherpa Auto Transport offers convenient door-to-door auto transport service for shipments from California to Indiana. This means we’ll pick up your vehicle directly from your home, office, or preferred location in California and deliver it right to your doorstep in Indiana.

When you book your California to Indiana car shipping, simply provide us with your pickup and delivery addresses. Our professional carriers will handle the rest, making your cross-country move as smooth as possible.

Important to know: In rare cases where large trucks cannot safely access your specific address due to narrow streets, low bridges, or residential restrictions, our carrier will work with you to find a convenient nearby location like a shopping center or gas station. This ensures your vehicle stays safe while maintaining maximum convenience for you.

Door-to-door service is included in most of our California to Indiana shipping quotes at no extra cost, making it the most popular choice for customers relocating between these states.

Many Auto Transport companies try to tease customers with lower rates, only to surprise you with “hidden costs” later. At Sherpa Auto Transport, we do things differently. We provide one locked-in price upfront and stick to it. If unexpected costs arise, we pay them out of our own pocket.

While we may not always be the cheapest option at first glance, our commitment to transparency and reliability offers exceptional value. As a premium service, we ensure an stress-free experience from start to finish.

We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, vans and motorcycles across the nation, including service to Alaska and Hawaii. At this time, we do not service boats, golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship both operable and inoperable vehicles so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. We can also ship electric vehicles.

Visit Sherpa’s FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!