Cost to ship a car from Louisville to San Diego

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,064 miles from Louisville to San Diego ranges from $1,330 to $2,120. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in San Diego, CA in 4–12 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 San Diego to Louisville car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Louisville to San Diego car shipping costs

Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Louisville to San Diego, these factors will influence the cost:

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the City of Beautiful Churches to the America's Finest City — approximately 2,064 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 Louisville and San Diego can impact car shipping prices.

Louisville has seasonal extremes in both temperature and precipitation are not uncommon during early spring and late fall; severe weather is not uncommon, with occasional tornado outbreaks in the region. Winter typically brings a mix of rain, sleet, and snow, with occasional heavy snowfall and icing. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your move.

San Diego's climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters, with most of the annual precipitation falling between December and March. The city has a mild climate year-round.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Louisville to San Diego 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 2,064-mile distance between Louisville and San Diego 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 Louisville to San Diego typically takes between 4 and 12 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Louisville to San Diego car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Louisville to San Diego:

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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 Louisville and San Diego vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Louisville: Building Moving Permit or Access to Open Space permits are required.
  • San Diego: Type 1 Moving Permits: Applications must be submitted at least 2 working days prior to the intended move $16.00 permit fee Type 2 Moving Permits: Applications must be submitted at least 5 working days prior to the intended move for extra -legal loads that do not meet each of the Type 1 criteria. These moves require route evaluations prior to issuance of the permit. $212.00 Permit review and route evaluation fee is required.

Car insurance requirements

  • Louisville: The insurance coverage includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability with limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and $25,000 respectively; Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage (not required); Personal Injury Protection with a limit of $10,000; and optional Collision and Comprehensive coverage for vehicle repair or replacement expenses, with no requirement.
  • San Diego: 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

  • Louisville: When moving to Kentucky from another state, a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is required. To complete the VIN inspection, bring the vehicle and its title to the Sheriff's office in the county where the car will be registered.
  • San Diego: 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

  • Louisville: New residents in Kentucky have a 30-day time frame to obtain a Kentucky driver's license.
  • San Diego: 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 Louisville to San Diego?

The cost to ship a car from Louisville, KY to San Diego, 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 Louisville to San Diego will range from $1,330 to $2,120.

How long will it take to ship my car from Louisville to San Diego?

It will take approximately 4–12 days to ship your car the 2,064 miles from Louisville to San Diego. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Louisville to San Diego?

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

Helpful Louisville resources