Cost to ship a car from Lafayette to San Jose

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,081 miles from Lafayette to San Jose ranges from $1,264 to $2,079. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in San Jose, 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 Jose to Lafayette car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Lafayette to San Jose car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Hub City to the Man Jose — approximately 2,081 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 Lafayette and San Jose can impact car shipping prices.

It's best to plan your move to Lafayette during April, October and November.

San Jose, like most of the Bay Area, has warm to hot, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters. The city is somewhat more sheltered from rain, giving it a semi-arid feel

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Lafayette to San Jose 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 2,081-mile distance between Lafayette and San Jose 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 Lafayette to San Jose 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.

Lafayette to San Jose car shipping companies

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

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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 Lafayette and San Jose vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Lafayette: Make sure to check with the City of Lafayette for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move.
  • San Jose: Residential Permit Parking (RPP) zones began to reactivate at the end of 2021. We are currently in the process of reactivating remaining RPP zones. If you live in one of these zones, please register for and purchase your virtual parking permit at sanjose.getapermit.net. Instructions on how to register for, purchase, and manage your residential permit were mailed to all eligible addresses within some of these zones on Monday, February 28, 2022.

Car insurance requirements

  • Lafayette: The insurance limit represents the maximum payout for a claim, and in Louisiana, the minimum liability limits are $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage; these limits can be raised beyond the state-mandated minimums.
  • San Jose: 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

  • Lafayette: In Louisiana, the annual safety and emissions inspection includes checks on the vehicle's safety equipment, anti-tampering of emissions systems, and a test on the integrity of the gas cap.
  • San Jose: 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

  • Lafayette: New residents in Louisiana must transfer their out-of-state driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.
  • San Jose: 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 Lafayette to San Jose?

The cost to ship a car from Lafayette, LA to San Jose, 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 Lafayette to San Jose will range from $1,264 to $2,079.

How long will it take to ship my car from Lafayette to San Jose?

It will take approximately 4–12 days to ship your car the 2,081 miles from Lafayette to San Jose. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Lafayette to San Jose?

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

Helpful Lafayette resources