($1,343) Cost to ship a car from Chicago, IL to Chula Vista, CA
Quick answer: Expect to pay around $1,343 to $1,955 to ship your car 2,082 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Chula Vista, California. The actual cost depends on factors like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For a customized estimate, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chula Vista to Chicago car shipping guide.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
The best Chicago to Chula Vista car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Chicago to Chula Vista:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
Top local car shippers in Chicago
If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Chicago, IL:
- Van 3 Auto Transport & Car: 3.92 out of 5 stars
- Karma Auto Transport: 3.78 out of 5 stars
- All Day Auto Transport: 3.76 out of 5 stars
- Chicago Auto Shipping Group: 3.76 out of 5 stars
- BKK TRANSPORT: 3.72 out of 5 stars
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
Car shipping alternatives from IL to CA
Getting your car from Chicago to Chula Vista can be done in a few different ways. Here’s a breakdown of your top car shipping options that highlights their advantages and drawbacks.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re moving from Chicago to Chula Vista, many of the best interstate movers work with trusted car shipping companies. They can coordinate your vehicle transport as part of the full-service moving package, but you’ll be limited to their chosen provider and pricing.
Drive your car
When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 2,082 miles from Chicago to Chula Vista can save money and even turn into a memorable trip. On the flip side, the extra miles mean more vehicle wear and the chance of running into bad weather or hazards on the road.
Use a driving service
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Illinois to California. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Chicago. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Chula Vista.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Chula Vista is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.
Factors affecting Chicago to Chula Vista car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Chicago to Chula Vista, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
When it comes to moving your car from Chicago to Chula Vista, you’ll typically choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The best option depends on the type of vehicle you’re shipping.
Open carriers are the most economical choice, while enclosed shipping gives extra security for luxury or classic models. To weigh the options for your move to Chula Vista, visit our guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping costs out of Chicago will be determined in large part by what kind of car you have. As you might guess, the bigger the vehicle, the more it will cost. This is simply because it takes up more space and adds more weight to the carrier. So, a full-size SUV will be more expensive to ship to Chula Vista than a compact car.
Distance and route
To put it simply, the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as added costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 2,082 miles from Chicago to Chula Vista will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Illinois.
Where you’re shipping your car matters, too. Rates are usually lower for routes along major highways and higher for more remote areas.
The time of the year
Both seasonal trends and local weather in Chicago and Chula Vista can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime.
Like the rest of lowland San Diego County, Chula Vista has a semi-arid climate, with Mediterranean characteristics, though the winter rainfall is too low and erratic to qualify as an actual Mediterranean climate.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Chicago to Chula Vista during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 2,082 miles between Chicago and Chula Vista, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Chicago to Chula Vista typically takes between four and twelve days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing Chicago and Chula Vista vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Chicago: For a fee of $25, CDOT will provide ticket and tow enforceable signs to eligible moving companies for the day of the move. This requires 72 hours.
- Chula Vista: Park cards are available for the Downtown Parking District. Cards are available for purchase at the Chula Vista Finance Department. Park cards can be purchased in any denomination and can be used at any on-street meter or municipal parking lot.
Car insurance requirements
- Chicago: The liability insurance minimums for Illinois are $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $20,000 property damage liability per accident.
- Chula Vista: 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
- Chicago: In Illinois, emissions inspections are mandatory on a yearly basis for eligible vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis metropolitan areas. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency conducts tests on automobiles before residents can renew their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State's office.
- Chula Vista: 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
- Chicago: Even if your out-of-state driver's license is valid, you must still pass a vision test and written exam if you are moving to Illinois. Within 90 days of becoming a resident in the state, you must convert your license to an Illinois non-commercial license.
- Chula Vista: 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 Chicago to Chula Vista?
The cost to ship a car from Chicago, IL to Chula Vista, CA varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Chicago to Chula Vista will range from $1,343 to $1,955.
How long will it take to ship my car from Chicago to Chula Vista?
It will take approximately four to twelve days to ship your car the 2,082 miles from Chicago to Chula Vista. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Chicago to Chula Vista?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Chicago to Chula Vista. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Chicago to Chula Vista?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Chicago to Chula Vista than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 2,082-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.
106 Meadow Dr, Countryside, IL 60525 US
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