Cost to ship a car from Des Moines to Chula Vista

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,750 miles from Des Moines to Chula Vista ranges from $1,278 to $1,801. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Chula Vista, CA in 3–11 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 Chula Vista to Des Moines car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Des Moines to Chula Vista car shipping costs

Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Des Moines to Chula Vista, these factors will influence the cost:

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Des Moines to Chula Vista, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Des Moines, 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 Chula Vista, 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 Des Moines. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Chula Vista will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.

Distance and route

The distance from the Hartford of the West to the Chula Vista — approximately 1,750 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 Des Moines and Chula Vista can impact car shipping prices.

September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.

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.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Des Moines to Chula Vista 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 1,750-mile distance between Des Moines and Chula Vista 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 Des Moines to Chula Vista typically takes between 3 and 11 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Des Moines 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 Des Moines to Chula Vista:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Established in 2007
  • No upfront payment
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup

Comparing Des Moines and Chula Vista vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Des Moines: special parking permits are issued by the Traffic and Transportation Division of the Engineering Department and are intended to provide for services or needs of an infrequent or unique nature. Examples include utility work, constructions, special events, etc.
  • 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

  • Des Moines: Iowa requires minimum liability insurance, covering $20,000 for individual injury or death, $40,000 for multiple individuals, and $15,000 for property damage in an 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

  • Des Moines: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
  • 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

  • Des Moines: New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Iowa license within 30 days of establishing permanent residency. To do so, visit the DMV with your former state license, as it will need to be surrendered for the new 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 Des Moines to Chula Vista?

The cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Chula Vista, CA 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 Des Moines to Chula Vista will range from $1,278 to $1,801.

How long will it take to ship my car from Des Moines to Chula Vista?

It will take approximately 3–11 days to ship your car the 1,750 miles from Des Moines to Chula Vista. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Des Moines to Chula Vista?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Des Moines to Chula Vista. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.

Helpful Des Moines resources