Shipping a Car from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA ($1,308 – $2,004)

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

• Get multiple quotes. Moving your car 2,076 miles is a significant decision, so don't rush into choosing the first shipping company you come across. By using instant online quotes, you can efficiently compare a variety of rates and services offered by different shippers. It's important to scrutinize what each quote includes, as some less expensive options may only cover basic needs. Ensure you're evaluating comparable packages so you secure the best deal for your journey.
• Ask about discounts. Auto transport services frequently extend discounts to various groups, including military members, students, and the elderly. New and returning clients might also find special offers. Check with your transport service about current promotions. These savings can be quite beneficial.
• Ask about add-on fees. It's not uncommon for car shipping companies to include extra fees after providing a quote, so it's essential to ask about any hidden charges upfront. Typical surcharges like tolls, fuel costs, and terminal fees can quickly escalate, particularly for cross-country transportation. Always ask for a full written list of potential costs before signing, ensuring no surprises when the final bill arrives.
• Book early. Get started on booking your car transport early to lock in the most affordable charges — procrastination could lead to higher fees. When you've settled on a moving firm, aim to book your reservation quickly to benefit from the best rate.
• Don't ship during peak season. To keep costs down and sidestep the crowds, skip shipping your car during peak times like spring, early summer, or big holidays — prices jump when everyone's on the move. Aim for off-peak months instead for lower rates and more flexible scheduling.
• Choose open transport. Opting for open trailer transport rather than enclosed shipping can reduce your car transport expenses by as much as half. While enclosed trailers provide additional protection, they significantly raise the cost. Open trailers are a more economical choice, and despite the exposure to elements and road hazards, they offer a secure method for transporting your vehicle.
• Choose terminal-to-terminal shipping. Going with door-to-door car delivery offers ultimate convenience, albeit with a steeper fee. Looking to cut expenses? Opt for terminal-to-terminal service and manage the drop-off and retrieval at specified spots yourself.

The table below compares the percentage of car shipping companies offering each discount in Chicago to the averages in Illinois and nationwide.

Shipping your car from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA offers the flexibility of choosing between open and enclosed transport:

Open Car Transport

For budget-friendly cross-country car shipping, open transport is ideal. It allows your car to travel the 2,076 miles between Chicago and San Diego economically. Expect your vehicle to arrive in approximately 4 to 12 days.

Enclosed Transport

Enclosed transport is the perfect choice when transporting luxury or antique vehicles, offering excellent protection en route. Your car will cover the 2,076 miles from Chicago to San Diego and typically arrive within 12 days. Although it's more costly, the peace of mind it provides is unmatched.

Experience and Route Expertise:

Go with a service that focuses on interstate vehicle shipments between Chicago and San Diego. The top companies will be familiar with California's requirements and have the 2,076-mile route finely tuned, guaranteeing a smooth and worry-free delivery of your car. An extensive portfolio and numerous successful transports are clear signs of a company you can depend on.

Customer Reviews and Reputation:

Review a car shipping company's ratings, reviews, and certifications before deciding. Leading companies are known for their high scores on platforms like Google, the BBB, and Transport Reviews. Industry awards and commendations from authoritative bodies are signs of a trustworthy choice.

Pricing and Transparency:

Everybody loves a good deal, but some low-price offers are too good to be true. Trustworthy car shipping companies are upfront about their costs and offer reasonable rates, with no hidden fees or last-minute surprises. Perks like price-lock guarantees or not-to-exceed quotes are especially valuable for a long-distance car shipment from Chicago to San Diego. Make sure you know exactly how and when you'll need to pay, whether a deposit is involved or if payment happens at delivery. Don't forget to review the cancellation policy, because some companies may charge if you have to back out after booking.

Services Offered:

Ensure that the company you select can provide the specific services your Chicago to San Diego vehicle shipment requires. Some transporters might not offer enclosed shipping, urgent pickups, oversized vehicle handling, or transportation for inoperable cars. Verifying these services beforehand will prevent any surprises during the process.

Insurance and Liability:

Vehicle transport companies must provide liability and cargo insurance to safeguard your car throughout its 2,076-mile journey from Chicago to San Diego. Coverage specifics can vary, so always ensure you understand what your quote covers. Good movers answer your questions directly. If your car is particularly valuable, inquire about additional insurance or verify if your personal policy can address any lack of coverage. Prior to departure from Chicago, capture detailed images of your vehicle's condition, as they could be essential for claims once your car reaches San Diego.

Communication and Customer Service:

Consider how a company interacts—do they reply to your questions without delay? Will they offer consistent updates or allow you tracking access as your car travels the 2,076-mile distance from Chicago to San Diego? With your vehicle's delivery span reaching about 12 days, it's key to work with a company lauded for efficient communication, clear updates, and helpful, experienced service. Being informed and having your concerns resolved promptly makes the entire experience smoother.

Ensure a smooth long-distance car shipping process from Chicago to San Diego by doing the following:

• Detach any toll tags
• Deactivate the car alarm
• Document your car's condition with photos
• Review emission or inspection standards for both Illinois and California (Some regions may have particular requirements before shipping)

When your vehicle gets to San Diego from Chicago:

• Verify its correspondence with the delivery log
• Inspect to ensure it's returned in good condition
• Quickly document any faults observed
• It's prudent to arrange a mechanical inspection following a long haul

Shipping My Car

Shipping your car is definitely the easier choice for a relocation from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA. You can expect to pay between $1,308 and $2,004.

Choosing to ship your car instead of driving it might take a bit more time, but it relieves you from the hassle and deterioration your vehicle may face on the 2,076-mile journey to San Diego. You can fly to your destination with ease and jump right into settling into your new place. Additionally, when moving across the country, car shipping often turns out to be a more economical option.

Driving My Car

Embarking on a cross-country journey? Driving might not always be your ideal option, especially if you're dealing with a second car, a temporary move, or looking to offload your vehicle after arriving.

Transporting your car from Chicago to San Diego could be more economical. Keep in mind that a road trip entails more than just fuel costs. Think about daily meal expenses (about $35), hotel rates (averaging $150), and wear on the vehicle. Fuel might set you back $150 for each 1,000 miles driven.