Best International Car Shipping Auto Insurance in 2024 (See the Top 7 Providers)
Geico, USAA, and State Farm have the best international car shipping auto insurance for drivers. State Farm is our top pick for business owners. You need a specialized ocean marine auto insurance policy if you're shipping a car overseas, but you'll save 12% on auto insurance by garaging your car instead.
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Tim Bain
Licensed Insurance Agent
Tim Bain is a licensed insurance agent with 23 years of experience helping people protect their families and businesses with the best insurance coverage to meet their needs. His insurance expertise has been featured in several publications, including Investopedia and eFinancial. He also does digital marking and analysis for KPS/3, a communications and marking firm located in Nevada.
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UPDATED: Oct 25, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Oct 25, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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17,759 reviewsGeico is the best international car shipping auto insurance company with affordable overseas coverage.
Geico and USAA have the best international car shipping auto insurance if you’re going overseas. Check out State Farm’s flexible marine cargo add-ons for business and commercial auto insurance.
Our Top 7 Company Picks: Best International Car Shipping Auto Insurance
| Company | Rank | Shipping Policies | Garaging Discount | Best For | Jump to Pros/Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | #1 | Personal | 8% | International Shipping | Geico |
 | #2 | Personal | 12% | Military Members | USAA |
 | #3 | Business | 7% | Business Owners | State Farm |
 | #4 | Business | 10% | Customer Service | The Hartford |
 | #5 | Personal | 7% | U.K. Shipping | Clegg Gifford |
 | #6 | Business | 9% | Customized Coverage | Travelers |
 | #7 | Business | 11% | Multi-Policy Discounts | Liberty Mutual |
It’s hard to find international shipping car insurance, called marine cargo or marine auto insurance. Most insurers only sell this coverage to freighting companies. Drivers can find personal marine car insurance policies with Geico, State Farm, and Clegg Gifford, but State Farm offers customization for all types of businesses and vehicles.
Enter your ZIP code above to compare quotes from the top providers.
- Geico and USAA are two companies selling overseas insurance to ship cars
- State Farm offers flexible international car shipping auto insurance for businesses
- Most shipping companies provide affordable international car shipping insurance
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#1 – Geico: Top Pick Overall
Pros:
- Overseas insurance: Personal coverage for drivers moving or traveling abroad
- Cheap international rates: Affordable car insurance with an IDP
- Multi-vehicle discounts: Save 25% when insuring more than one car
- Garaging discount: Save 8% storing your car stateside instead
Cons:
- Poor claims satisfaction: Scores below average in annual J.D. Power survey
- Expensive high-risk insurance: Drivers with accidents pay more than with other companies. Learn more about Geico’s rates in our Geico auto insurance company review.
#2 – USAA: Best for Military Members
Pros:
- Overseas insurance: Personal coverage for drivers moving or traveling abroad
- Additional coverage: Overseas insurance covers valuables and household items in storage
- Vehicle storage protection: Biggest discount for drivers who store their car stateside
- Great customer service: Top-rated for claims with fewer customer complaints
Cons:
- Exclusive coverage: Only available to active military, veterans, and their families. See details in our USAA auto insurance review.
- No 24/7 customer service: Customer service not available on Sundays
#3 – State Farm: Best for Business Owners
Pros:
- Customized policies: Covers different classes of property, from autos to art and animals
- Flexible coverage: Six-month policy, 12-month policy, or BOP endorsement options
- Cheap international rates: Affordable rates with an international permit
- Garaging discount: Drivers save 7% storing cars stateside instead (See More: State Farm Auto Insurance Discounts)
Cons:
- No personal coverage: International car shipping auto insurance only for businesses
- No gap insurance: No coverage to protect auto loans on new cars
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#4 – The Hartford: Best for Customer Service
Pros:
- Customizable coverage: Policies for large and small business owners
- Policy extensions: Get inland and warehouse coverage with ocean cargo insurance
- In-house claims team: Fewer complaints than other companies regarding processing times
- Great customer service: Top five company for customer satisfaction in most regions. Our auto insurance experts share more in our The Hartford company review.
Cons:
- No personal coverage: International car shipping auto insurance only for businesses
- Expensive high-risk insurance: Drivers with tickets pay more than with other insurers
#5 – Clegg Gifford: Best for Shipping to the U.K.
Pros:
- Overseas insurance: Personal coverage for drivers moving or traveling to the U.K.
- Customizable coverage: Short-term and annual personal policies available
- Garaging discount: Drivers save 7% storing cars in the U.K.
Cons:
- Multiple exclusions: More country and property exclusions than other insurers
- Not available in the U.S.: International car shipping auto insurance to/from U.K. only
#6 – Travelers: Best for Customizable Policies
Pros:
- Elite policies: Elite and Elite Express come with flat rates and additional protections
- Special coverage: Unique shipping policies for chemicals and pharmaceuticals
- Garaging discount: Drivers save 9% storing cars stateside
Cons:
- No personal coverage: International car shipping auto insurance only for businesses
- Poor claims satisfaction: Scores below average in annual J.D. Power survey. Read more about Travelers’ ratings in our Travelers insurance review.
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#7 – Liberty Mutual: Best for Multi-Policy Discounts
Pros:
- Multi-year policies: Lock in cheap shipping auto insurance rates without annual renewals
- Multi-policy discounts: Save $950/yr when bundling home, auto, and business policies
- Customizable coverage: More add-ons and coverage options than other providers. You can learn more about Liberty Mutual’s insurance options in our complete guide: Liberty Mutual Auto Insurance Review.
Cons:
- No personal coverage: International car shipping auto insurance only for businesses
- Poor customer service: Receives twice the customer complaints than insurers its size
Types of International Car Shipping Auto Insurance
Not all vehicle shipping insurance policies are the same. For example, if you carry full coverage auto insurance, your comprehensive policy might provide some coverage. But most companies require additional overseas insurance to cover the unique risks of international shipping, including Geico.
Take a look at the different types of auto transport insurance to determine what kind of policy you need:
- Marine car insurance: Also known as overseas insurance or international car shipping insurance, covers a vehicle while it is in transit
- Inland marine insurance: Usually for business or fleet owners, covers a vehicle stored at a warehouse in between shipments
- Total-loss insurance: Provided by shipping companies, pays if your vehicle is lost at sea or considered a total loss after being damaged in transit
- All-risk shipping insurance: Provided by shipping companies, comprehensive cover for all listed damages, including minor scratches and dents to total loss
Many shipping couriers will provide total-loss and all-risk insurance for overseas car shipping, so compare quotes from all types of providers to get the best rates.
Once you’re abroad, check with your insurance provider to make sure you’re still covered. Read our expert guide to learn how much international auto insurance costs.
Learn more in our auto insurance company reviews:
- State Farm Auto Insurance Review
- USAA Auto Insurance Review
- Geico Auto Insurance Review
- The Hartford Auto Insurance Review
- Liberty Mutual Auto Insurance Review
- Travelers Auto Insurance Review
How to Save Money on Vehicle Shipping Insurance
International car shipping auto insurance rates will vary based on the value of your vehicle. Most companies determine rates based on the destination and a percentage of the car’s actual cash value. Use our totaled car value calculator to determine what your car is worth.
On average, it costs between $1,000 and $8,000 to ship a car overseas, not including insurance rates. Most drivers pay between $250 and $500 monthly for ocean marine cargo insurance.Michael Vereecke Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist
The cheapest way to save money on car shipping insurance is to store your car instead. This way, you can take advantage of garaging and storage auto insurance discounts. USAA offers the biggest garaging discount of 12%.
Best International Car Shipping Auto Insurance Discounts by Provider
| Company | Garaging | Low-Mileage | Student-Away | Pleasure Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geico | 8% | Up to 30% | Up to 5% | Up to 10% |
| USAA | 12% | Up to 20% | Up to 8% | Up to 15% |
| State Farm | 7% | Up to 30% | Up to 4% | Up to 12% |
| The Hartford | 10% | Up to 10% | Up to 6% | Up to 8% |
| Clegg Gifford | 7% | Up to 5% | Up to 3% | Up to 10% |
| Travelers | 9% | Up to 10% | Up to 7% | Up to 12% |
| Liberty Mutual | 11% | Up to 30% | Up to 10% | Up to 14% |
Other discounts you can earn by not driving your car are low-mileage and student-away-at-school discounts, which can help college students studying abroad save money on auto insurance. Another option is to reduce your coverage or choose a pleasure-use policy.
Read More: Do you need auto insurance if you don’t drive your car?
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How to Ship a Car Overseas
You might ship your car internationally if you’re moving permanently or planning a long-term trip abroad. The first step is gathering all the necessary documents:
- Vehicle title and registration
- Copy of vehicle appraisal
- Copy of driver’s license
- EPA form
- Bill of lading (shipping inventory list)
Then, find a shipping courier that will transport your vehicle. You can hire a plane, but it’s very expensive and more difficult to find carriers who ship personal vehicles by air. Most cars are shipped by boat, and overseas auto shipping companies give drivers two freight options:
- Roll On/Roll Off: Vehicles are driven onto the ship and secured to the car deck.
- Containerized: More expensive, but shipping containers better protect vehicles from weather, water damage, and thieves.
When the delivery method is settled upon, it will be time to deliver the car to the port of exit. The carrier may provide a pick-up service or require you to drop off the vehicle at the port.
Military members with permanent change of station orders (PCS) will have assistance with USAA car shipping and other companies. Read our guide to the best auto insurance for military families and veterans to learn more.
Prepare Your Vehicle for International Shipping
Along with meeting any auto transport insurance requirements, your vehicle must also be properly cleaned and packed for shipment. Before a car leaves the U.S., drivers must:
- Remove personal belongings. Vehicle shipping insurance will not cover any personal items lost or damaged inside your car.
- Empty the gas tank. Cars traveling across the ocean must have a quarter tank of fuel or less.
- Get repairs and inspections. Most overseas shipping companies will not transport a damaged vehicle.
Be aware that it can take six weeks or more to ship a car internationally, so have a rental car available when you arrive if you need a vehicle right away.
Learn More: Does my auto insurance cover rental cars?
Tips for Shipping a Car Overseas
In order to streamline the process, overseas vehicle shippers will want to do the following:
- Learn about the import and export laws of the applicable countries. Different countries have different requirements about which vehicles may be imported, what kind of car insurance needs to be carried by these vehicles, and may require drivers to pay import taxes or duties.
- Learn about the export laws currently in force in the United States. The fees and paperwork requirements can change quickly, so having up-to-date information about documentation and taxes is a necessity. Paperwork may include declaration forms and permissions.
- Locate an overseas shipping company that is both reputable and affordable. These kinds of companies will have specialized equipment and methods that can help to ensure that vehicles arrive at their destinations on time and in the same condition in which they were sent.
- Ensure that vehicles are properly insured for the journey. Compare quotes from your provider and the best international car shipping auto insurance companies on this list to find the best policy.
- Consider buying car insurance from the shipping company itself. Shipping carriers often provide total-loss and all-risk shipping insurance to cover personal vehicles and may be cheaper than your insurance provider. Some carriers also take care of any required paperwork and ensure that the vehicle complies with local customs regulations.
Vehicle owners should ensure that the vehicle has been prepared for its journey. This preparation can include draining certain fluids and ensuring that other fluids are topped up.
Read More: Does auto insurance cover you when driving abroad?
Getting the Best International Car Shipping Auto Insurance
Drivers who need to ship a personal vehicle overseas might have a hard time finding the right policy. Most companies only offer this kind of coverage to businesses.
State Farm has the best options for small and large businesses, while Geico and USAA offer affordable overseas insurance to drivers and families moving or traveling abroad.Melanie Musson Published Insurance Expert
Clegg Gifford offers the best coverage to drivers traveling to the U.K., but most drivers will have better luck comparing international car shipping insurance quotes online. Enter your ZIP code below to see which company has the best international car shipping auto insurance rates near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need auto insurance to ship a car?
While car insurance is not always legally required when shipping a car overseas, it is highly recommended to have proper insurance coverage to protect against potential damage or loss during transit.
How much does marine cargo auto insurance cost?
Monthly international car shipping auto insurance rates will vary between $250 to $500 or more depending on the value of the vehicle and where it is going.
Which auto insurance company is better for international shipping?
Geico, USAA, and State Farm are the best companies for international car shipping auto insurance.
What is ocean Marine cargo insurance?
Marine cargo insurance covers vehicles and other personal belongings being shipped abroad by a third party.
What is not covered in marine cargo auto insurance?
Most companies will not cover vehicles damaged by negligence or criminal behavior, including improper packaging or any damages caused by rioting.
What is the difference between inland marine and ocean marine cargo insurance?
Inland marine insurance typically covers vehicles and other property stored in a warehouse after or awaiting shipment, while ocean marine cargo insurance covers vehicles during transport.
Can I use my existing car insurance policy to cover my vehicle during overseas shipping?
Few companies may provide some coverage if you have a full coverage or comprehensive policy, but certain exclusions will apply.
Does international car shipping auto insurance cover damage caused during loading and unloading?
Car insurance for overseas shipping may cover damage that occurs during loading and unloading, but it’s important to review the policy terms and conditions to understand the extent of coverage.
Are there any restrictions on the age or condition of the vehicle for overseas shipping insurance?
Some insurance providers may have restrictions or limitations based on the age, condition, or value of the vehicle. It’s important to inquire about any such restrictions when obtaining insurance quotes.
How expensive is it to ship a car internationally?
Most drivers can ship a car overseas for $1,500. However, depending on the type of vehicle and how far you need to send it, you could pay upwards of $7,500.
How long does it take to ship a car overseas?
On average, it will take a month to ship a car overseas. You can expect the process to take up to 40 days or more when considering loading, unloading, and customs clearances.
Can I ship my car to Europe and drive it?
You will need an International Drivers Permit (IDP), up-to-date insurance coverage, and to pass required safety inspections to drive your U.S. car in Europe.
Are shipping brokers worth the extra expense?
Prospective car shippers may find that there are seemingly large numbers of potential car shipping companies out there. Some smaller companies actually act as brokers between large shipping companies and people who need to ship their vehicles, and can charge exorbitant fees. In order to avoid these predatory brokers, make sure that the shipping companies that you choose are the actual service providers.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Tim Bain
Licensed Insurance Agent
Tim Bain is a licensed insurance agent with 23 years of experience helping people protect their families and businesses with the best insurance coverage to meet their needs. His insurance expertise has been featured in several publications, including Investopedia and eFinancial. He also does digital marking and analysis for KPS/3, a communications and marking firm located in Nevada.
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.