From the Chinese port to destination, a car faces lifting, ocean swell, salt mist and transshipment handling — any failure can mean tens of thousands of dollars in losses. Marine insurance is cheap protection, but many buyers don't know what to buy or how to claim.
1. Three Basic Coverage Types
| Coverage | Protects Against | Best for | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| FPA | Total loss, general average | Low-risk short routes | ~0.05-0.1% |
| WA | FPA + partial loss from natural causes | Standard routes | ~0.1-0.2% |
| All Risks | WA + external causes in handling | Recommended for cars | ~0.15-0.3% |
2. Special Clauses for Car Exports
- Add-ons: TPND (theft) and on-deck cover for Ro-Ro shipments; consider rust cover for bare vehicles.
- Insured amount: Standard practice is CIF + 10% to cover freight and margin.
- Deductibles: Small scratches may fall below the threshold — photograph everything at delivery.
3. Claims in Five Steps
- Step 1: Photograph and video damage immediately; notify the insurer within 48 hours.
- Step 2: Obtain incident and tally reports from the carrier or port.
- Step 3: Cooperate with the surveyor for loss assessment.
- Step 4: Submit documents: policy, B/L, invoice, packing list, damage proof and repair invoices.
- Step 5: Claims must generally be filed within two years of discharge.
Shunwei Auto service: Every shipment we arrange is covered by All Risks plus add-ons, with a policy copy provided before departure and claims support on arrival. Visit www.shunweiauto.com.
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