Shipping a Car from San Diego, CA to Phoenix, AZ ($534 – $737)

See our full list of top car shippers servicing California residents, or the top companies for car shipping from California to Arizona.

• Get multiple quotes. When searching for a car shipping service, take the time to explore your options. Most companies provide instant online quotes, allowing you to quickly compare prices and features. Remember to check the details. Some quotes may exclude certain services, and the cheapest option might not include everything you need. Ensure each comparison is fair to find the best deal for your transportation needs.
• Ask about discounts. Various car shipping companies extend discounts to groups such as military personnel, students, seniors, as well as new and returning customers. When choosing a car transport service, make sure to ask about available promotions or special deals to potentially lower your expenses.
• Ask about add-on fees. Frequently, vehicle transport providers delay mentioning extra fees until their quote is accepted. To stay ahead of unexpected charges, ask right away about potential extra expenses. Typical additional costs can be for fuel, tolls, and terminal handling. Securing a written outline of all expected charges before committing will help you avoid any surprise expenses later.
• Book early. To economize on car shipping, early booking is key. Delay, especially with urgent requests, often means higher expenses. Lock in your reservation quickly after choosing your transport company to capture the lowest possible cost.
• Don't ship during peak season. Shipping your car during peak times, like spring, early summer, or around major holidays, will cost you more since demand is high and spots fill up fast. To save money and have more flexibility, try to schedule your car shipment during the quieter months.
• Choose open transport. Opting for open shipping can significantly cut your car transport expenses by almost half. Although enclosed carriers provide superior protection, they can be expensive. Open carriers expose your vehicle to the elements and road hazards, but they are generally quite safe and much easier on your wallet.
• Choose terminal-to-terminal shipping. Choosing door-to-door car transport provides ease and comfort, but it often carries a higher cost than terminal-to-terminal service. By dropping off and collecting your car at the terminal locations, you can cut down on shipping expenses.

The table below compares the percentage of car shipping companies offering each discount in San Diego to the averages in California and nationwide.

When you ship your car from San Diego, CA to Phoenix, AZ you can choose between open and enclosed transport:

Open Car Transport

Choosing open car transport is the best value for money and is widely used. It fits the needs of most cars perfectly. When you schedule open transport for a 353 mile journey from San Diego to Phoenix, it usually takes just 1 to 4 days.

Enclosed Transport

For high-end or antique vehicles, enclosed transport gives the extra protection you might want. Transporting from San Diego to Phoenix in this manner is swift, taking no more than 4 days. Consider the extra expense of an enclosed carrier if your car is rare or valuable.

Experience and Route Expertise:

Choose a company with solid experience handling car shipments between San Diego and Phoenix. Companies familiar with this route know the logistics and understand Arizona regulations, making your car transport smoother. If a company has been around for years or has transported thousands of vehicles, you can bet they're doing something right.

Customer Reviews and Reputation:

Before deciding, investigate customer reviews, impressive ratings, and industry certifications. Leading car shipping firms typically boast a robust reputation, highlighted by excellent scores on Google, BBB, and Transport Reviews. Extra kudos if they’ve been recognized by reputable industry websites.

Pricing and Transparency:

While it's important to save, be wary of rates that appear unusually low. When something seems overly optimistic, it usually is. Dependable auto transport services will disclose all costs honestly and adhere to balanced, competitive pricing. Check for offerings like "price lock guarantees" or assurances that quotes won't be exceeded, for added confidence. Discuss payment terms upfront, such as whether a deposit is required or if payment is due upon delivery, and familiarize yourself with the cancellation terms. Some businesses might charge if you back out after arranging your shipment.

Services Offered:

Verify that the company’s services align with your needs for your vehicle transportation from San Diego to Phoenix. Think about whether you need special services like an enclosed trailer, fast pickup, or facilities for oversized or disabled vehicles. It's important to ensure these are available as many car shippers don't provide them.

Insurance and Liability:

All auto carriers must provide liability and cargo insurance for your shipment, but be aware that coverage limits can differ. Ensure you ask each company about the insurance details included in your service quote and what protection it entails. Credible shippers will address this openly. If you're dealing with a luxury vehicle, evaluate the need for more coverage or check if your personal auto policy fills coverage gaps. Remember to photograph your vehicle's condition before pickup in San Diego, in case a damage claim is necessary once it reaches Phoenix.

Communication and Customer Service:

Don't overlook how a company communicates. Are they quick to respond when you have questions? Do they provide shipment tracking or regular updates? Even though your move from San Diego to Phoenix shouldn't take more than 4 days, you'll want a company that keeps you in the loop and quickly addresses any concerns. Reliable, friendly, and knowledgeable support can make your move a whole lot less stressful.

Prepping ahead, even for quick shipments from San Diego to Phoenix, can make things go much more smoothly.

• Give your car a thorough cleaning, both inside and out
• Clear out any personal belongings
• Snap detailed photos for your records
• Review any car shipping regulations specific to California before pickup

Once your automobile arrives in Phoenix, AZ, you should:

• Perform a comprehensive check for damage
• Assess its condition against the initial inspection report and take fresh photos
• Confirm with Arizona regulations if a title transfer or inspection is necessary

Shipping My Car

Opting to have your car shipped is often simpler, but it also means paying a premium. The cost typically spans from $534 to $737.

Choosing to have your vehicle shipped, instead of driving it yourself, helps you avoid the trials of road travel and the physical toll it takes. While the shipping process might not race ahead as quickly as you, it shields your car from extra mileage. For trips over extensive distances, it becomes a wise investment, but for shorter jaunts, particularly those fewer than 500 miles, driving could still be suitable.

Driving My Car

Driving yourself is usually the more budget-friendly option for shorter routes such as moving from San Diego to Phoenix. While estimating costs can vary, expect to pay for gas, meals, and lodging. Typical expenses might include $35/day for food, $150/night for hotels, and $150 in gas per 1,000 miles, though these prices can fluctuate depending on your route and travel season.