Shipping a car internationally is an exciting step, whether you’re relocating, selling overseas, or adding to your collection. But before your vehicle crosses oceans, one essential question needs answering: “What insurance options for global car shipping do I need?”
International transit involves multiple hand-offs, various ports, and unpredictable elements like weather, loading damage, or accidents at sea. That’s why choosing the right insurance coverage is critical. At Shipping Cars, we help customers ship with confidence by guiding them through comprehensive, customizable insurance options. This guide explains how to protect your vehicle every mile of the journey.
Know the Basic Types of Global Car Shipping Insurance
When you ship a car overseas, most carriers provide basic liability coverage, but this often covers a fraction of your vehicle’s actual value and applies only to damage caused by the carrier’s proven negligence. To fully protect your investment, you should consider supplemental coverage.
Here are the main types of insurance available:
All-Risk Insurance
- Offers the highest level of protection
- Covers physical damage, loss, theft, and more
- Typically requires a recent appraisal or vehicle value documentation
Total Loss Insurance
- Covers you only if the vehicle is completely lost or destroyed
- Lower premiums, but no compensation for partial damage
Named Perils Coverage
- Covers only specific events listed in the policy (e.g., fire, collision, theft)
- Less common for car shipments but may be used for high-risk zones
Expert Tip: Choose all-risk insurance if your car is high-value, rare, or sentimental. For standard vehicles, total loss may be sufficient, especially if shipping via container.
Evaluate Coverage Based on Shipping Method
The type of insurance you need often depends on how you’re shipping your vehicle. The risk level varies greatly between RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) and Container Shipping.
RoRo Shipping
- Vehicles are driven onto the ship and secured on a shared open deck
- Slightly higher risk of scratches, dents, or theft
- Strongly recommended to get all-risk coverage
Container Shipping
- Vehicle is placed in a sealed 20-ft or 40-ft container
- Offers higher protection from external elements
- May qualify for reduced premiums
At Shipping Cars, we help you assess risk based on your route, destination, and vehicle type to recommend the ideal shipping and insurance combo.
Understanding What’s Typically Covered and What’s Not
Before you sign any insurance agreement, review the policy carefully. Knowing what’s covered—and what’s excluded—will help you avoid headaches later.
Usually Covered:
- Vehicle damage from accidents, handling, or port incidents
- Theft or total loss at sea
- Damage from natural events like storms or flooding
Usually Not Covered:
- Pre-existing damage or mechanical issues
- Minor cosmetic issues like small paint chips
- Personal belongings left inside the vehicle
- War, strikes, or civil unrest in certain regions (unless extended coverage is added)
Pro Tip: Always remove all personal items and document the vehicle’s condition with photos before shipping. This can help in case of a claim.
Determine the Right Coverage Amount for Your Needs
When insuring your vehicle, coverage is usually based on its declared value. This can be based on the purchase price, a recent appraisal, or agreed market value.
Be honest but strategic:
- Under-declaring may reduce your premium but result in less compensation
- Over-declaring may raise red flags or increase your insurance unnecessarily
Insurance companies often require a bill of sale, registration, or a third-party valuation to verify the declared value. For classic or modified cars, an independent appraisal may be necessary.
At Shipping Cars, we help our clients document and declare their vehicle’s value accurately so insurance policies match the real-world risk.
Work with a Provider Who Offers Reliable Claims Support
Unfortunately, not every shipping story goes smoothly. If your vehicle is damaged or lost, you want a team that helps—not hinders—your claim process. That’s why choosing the right insurance provider and shipping company is just as important as the policy itself.
At Shipping Cars, we partner with top-rated insurers who specialize in international vehicle shipments. Our clients get:
- Quick policy setup at competitive rates
- Clear explanation of terms and conditions
- Hands-on assistance if a claim is needed
- Flexible options for individual and commercial fleet owners
From exotic cars to everyday sedans, we help protect what matters most during its journey across the globe.
Final Thoughts on Insurance Options for Global Car Shipping
Global car shipping opens up exciting opportunities—but also introduces risk. From dockside dings to container loss, things can go wrong. The right insurance turns that risk into peace of mind.
Start by choosing the correct coverage type, understanding your route’s risks, and working with an experienced shipping provider who can help guide your insurance decisions.
Need help picking the best insurance options for your global car shipping? Contact Shipping Cars today. We’ll help you protect your investment with tailored insurance coverage and reliable transportation services you can trust.
Get a free quote now and ship your vehicle with confidence.
