One of the first concerns someone has when shipping their vehicle overseas is security. What if something happens with it? All orders shipped internationally are automatically insured, except when the customer specifically declines it.
International transport is likely to involve several carriers, long distances, international law and the risk that goods will be damaged or lost in transit, so insurance is an important subject.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about international car shipping insurance, whether or not it’s included in your shipping quote, and how to get the most thorough coverage for your vehicle. If you’re looking to ship your car abroad, ShippingCars.org is a great place to start.
Understand What Automatic Insurance Is—and Isn’t
The biggest misconception in overseas vehicle transport is that all overseas vehicle shipments come with full-coverage insurance. This is false, as a rule.
What is automatic:
Most major international carriers offer basic liability coverage, the minimum required to be a legal international shipper, which typically includes:
- Damage caused by the carrier’s negligence
- Accidents that are directly related to the mishandling
- Problems with structure during loading/unloading
Basic liability does not cover:
- Natural disasters
- Stealing from inside the vehicle
- Poor weather damage
- Fire not caused by negligence
- Mechanical issues
- Pre-existing damage
Liability coverage provides partial coverage, meaning you will need additional coverage for full protection of your personal property and assets.
Learn the Types of Insurance Available for International Deliveries
In answer to the question “Are international deliveries insured automatically?”the answer is yes, to the legal limit.
Marine Cargo Insurance
This is the most comprehensive coverage available for overseas shipping. It protects against:
- Damage from storms
- Container shifts
- Theft or vandalism
- Fire
- Total loss
Marine insurance can be purchased through:
- Your transport company
- A third-party insurer
- Your personal insurance provider (sometimes).
All-Risk Coverage
This is the highest level of protection. It covers:
- Any accidental damage
- Scratches and dents
- Partial losses
- Repairs
- Theft
It also requires pre-shipment photographs and inspections.
Total Loss Coverage
Ideal for budget-conscious shippers.
This only protects your vehicle if it is:
- Lost entirely
- Destroyed
- Not recoverable
It is cheaper, but even that is scant comfort. ShippingCars.org works with a wide variety of experts to help customers ensure they select the right protection level for their shipment.
Know When Additional Insurance Is Highly Recommended
While additional coverage isn’t mandatory, certain situations make it a smart investment.
| Scenario | Description |
| Shipping high-value vehicles (classic, exotic, luxury) | Higher risk due to vehicle value and sensitivity |
| Shipping to countries with strict customs inspections | Increased chance of delays, inspections, and handling |
| Using open transport containers | More exposure to weather and environmental elements |
| Shipping during storm seasons | Higher likelihood of weather-related damage |
| Shipping through high-theft regions | Increased security risk during transit |
| Shipping a new car for resale or corporate fleet delivery | Requires maximum protection to mai |
Consider insurance as a small cost compared to potential repair or replacement expenses.
Understand What Automatic Coverage Requires
Even when liability coverage is included, it usually comes with certain conditions.
You must ensure:
- Inspection pictures of the car still exist.
- Pre-existing damage is recorded
- The vehicle is completely empty (many insurers do not cover personal items)
- Confirm vehicle identification number and title
- Delivery instructions were exactly followed
If one of these conditions is absent, your automatic insurance may not be valid.
Working with well-known brokers such as ShippingCars.org helps make sure everyone is taken care of before the vehicle leaves the country.
Request a Copy of Your Insurance Certificate
Many shippers believe they are covered automatically because a carrier may have “limited liability” for lost or damaged cargo; however, this is not always true.
Your certificate should include:
- Policy number
- Coverage dates
- Coverage limits
- Deductibles
- Transport method (container, RoRo, etc.)
- Ports of origin and destination
- Insurer name
You should always ask for this certificate before loading your vehicle onto a ship, otherwise you may want to consider purchasing separate insurance immediately.
Evaluate Risk Based on Transport Method
Some forms of transport may be intrinsically riskier, and base insurance may not reflect this. For example, Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping – where a vehicle is driven directly onto a ship – generally has a lower minimum insurance fee but a higher exposure to the elements during transport. Shared container shipping means a better protection but still the possibility of damage from vehicles parked next to your car. The right choice is an exclusive container shipping when shipping a luxury, sports, desired or vintage car or upgrading to thorough all-risk cover. ShippingCars.org specialists can assist you in finding the type of insurance needed for your vehicle depending on the transportation method being used.
Understand How Claims Work
Even if you have automatic insurance, the claims process can be complex.
To file a successful claim:
- Document the vehicle before shipping
- Take photos during pickup
- Inspect immediately upon arrival
- Report any damage within 24 hours
- Keep all shipping documents and inspection forms
Claim delays are usually due to the shipper not sufficiently documenting their vehicle.
Are International Deliveries Insured Automatically?
Here’s the honest answer:
International deliveries also include automatic liability coverage, but do not include full insurance unless specified otherwise.
For real peace of mind, you need to insure your vehicle with marine or all-risk insurance if you’re shipping a high-value vehicle or shipping at a peak time of year.
ShippingCars.org is a trusted expert in transparent overseas car transport and can help with everything from transport to choosing the right insurance.
To protect your vehicle, know about the coverage, and ship anywhere with confidence.
