Cost to ship a car from Lafayette to Virginia Beach
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,186 miles from Lafayette to Virginia Beach ranges from $896 to $1,446. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Virginia Beach, VA in 2–8 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 Virginia Beach to Lafayette car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Lafayette to Virginia Beach car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Lafayette to Virginia Beach, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Lafayette to Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach 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 Neptune City — approximately 1,186 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 Virginia Beach can impact car shipping prices.
It's best to plan your move to Lafayette during April, October and November.
Virginia Beach has winters that are cool with light snowfall. Summers are hot and humid. The wettest season is summer, specifically July to early September, with August being the single wettest month.
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 Virginia Beach 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 1,186-mile distance between Lafayette and Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach typically takes between 2 and 8 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Lafayette to Virginia Beach car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Lafayette to Virginia Beach:
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best cross-country shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for quick pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best marketplace: uShip
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Comparing Lafayette and Virginia Beach 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.
- Virginia Beach: All permits can be purchased online via our Registration Portal. Every car must have a permit or decal registered to it to park in the Residential Parking Permit Zone after 8PM at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
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.
- Virginia Beach: It's crucial for drivers to have liability insurance, meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements: $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Elevate your road safety with mandatory uninsured motorist coverage, ensuring protection with matching limits. Stay road-ready by fulfilling these insurance obligations in Virginia.
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.
- Virginia Beach: All vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspections at DMV-approved stations. Vehicles that fail can be re-inspected for free within 60 days. Upon passing, a sticker is issued to indicate the vehicle's compliance.
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.
- Virginia Beach: To obtain a driver's license, individuals must pass written, vision, and driving tests. To be eligible, individuals must be at least 16 years old and have held a learner's permit for at least 9 months. Specialized license types such as motorcycle, commercial, and provisional for under 18 are also available. Drivers with a valid out-of-state license can convert it without taking the test. Driver's licenses are issued by the DMV and are valid for 8 years, and can be renewed online or in person.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Lafayette to Virginia Beach?
The cost to ship a car from Lafayette, LA to Virginia Beach, VA 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 Virginia Beach will range from $896 to $1,446.
How long will it take to ship my car from Lafayette to Virginia Beach?
It will take approximately 2–8 days to ship your car the 1,186 miles from Lafayette to Virginia Beach. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Lafayette to Virginia Beach?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Lafayette to Virginia Beach. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
