Cost to ship a car from Virginia Beach to Wilmington

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 244 miles from Virginia Beach to Wilmington ranges from $466 to $582. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Wilmington, DE in 1–4 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 Wilmington to Virginia Beach car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Virginia Beach to Wilmington car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

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

Distance and route

The distance from the Neptune City to the Chemical Capital of the World — approximately 244 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 Virginia Beach and Wilmington can impact car shipping prices.

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.

Wilmington has with hot and humid summers, cool to cold winters, and precipitation evenly spread throughout the year.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Virginia Beach to Wilmington 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 244-mile distance between Virginia Beach and Wilmington 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 Virginia Beach to Wilmington typically takes between 1 and 4 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Virginia Beach to Wilmington car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Virginia Beach to Wilmington:

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 Virginia Beach and Wilmington vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • 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.
  • Wilmington: Meters accept nickels, dimes, and quarters. Parking rates are posted on each meter. You may purchase 15 minutes of parking for a quarter, 6 minutes of parking for a dime, and 3 minutes of parking for a nickel. You may park at a meter for up to two hours.

Car insurance requirements

  • 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.
  • Wilmington: Delaware mandates that vehicle owners carry a minimum of liability car insurance of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury liability in case of an accident involving multiple people and $10,000 for property damage per accident.

Vehicle inspections

  • 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.
  • Wilmington: In Delaware, vehicles are required to undergo an emissions inspection every two years, unless the vehicle is less than seven years old. Additionally, a vehicle inspection is required every time you register or re-register your vehicle, but it must be completed within 90 days of the registration date to be valid.

Driver’s license

  • 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.
  • Wilmington: Drivers moving to Delaware from another state must update their driver's license within 60 days of becoming a resident.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Virginia Beach to Wilmington?

The cost to ship a car from Virginia Beach, VA to Wilmington, DE 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 Virginia Beach to Wilmington will range from $466 to $582.

How long will it take to ship my car from Virginia Beach to Wilmington?

It will take approximately 1–4 days to ship your car the 244 miles from Virginia Beach to Wilmington. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Virginia Beach to Wilmington?

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

Helpful Virginia Beach resources