Two separate protections matter: cargo insurance and contractual risk transfer. Cargo insurance: for container or RoRo shipments, buy marine cargo insurance covering total loss and damage, typically 110% of the CIF value (average cost 0.3%–0.8%). Check exclusions — many policies exclude pre-existing damage, so a pre-shipment inspection report is essential to prove the car's condition at loading. Incoterms define who bears risk and cost at each stage: 1. FOB (Free On Board): exporter pays until the car is loaded on the vessel; risk passes to you at that point. You pay ocean freight and insurance. Common and usually cheapest if you have your own freight forwarder. 2. CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight): exporter pays freight and minimum insurance to your port. Convenient but the insurance coverage is basic — consider topping it up. 3. EXW (Ex Works): you handle everything from the exporter's yard; only choose this if you have a trusted agent in China. Put the agreed Incoterm and port clearly in the contract, and never release final payment before the Bill of Lading is issued.

A proper third-party inspection has four parts, and you should insist on all of them. 1. Lift inspection: the car goes on a hoist to examine the underbody, frame rails, suspension arms and oil pan for impact damage or leaks — areas no photo set can cover. 2. Paint thickness check: a gauge reading from every panel. Inconsistent or very high values reveal repainting; structural points like the A/B/C pillars matter most because they indicate accident repairs. 3. OBD diagnostics: fault codes and live data from the engine, transmission, ABS and airbag modules. Stored historical codes often tell the truth the dashboard hides. 4. Road test: cold and warm driving to check shifting, braking and unusual noises. The report should carry the VIN, inspection date and the agency's stamp or digital signature. It costs very little compared to the price of the car, and it filters out most problem vehicles before your money moves.

RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) is cheaper and faster for a single car—you drive it onto the vessel and it is secured on the car deck. Container shipping costs more but offers better protection from weather, salt air, and handling damage, and allows you to load spare parts inside the car. Marine insurance is essential either way. Standard cover protects total loss and major damage, but read the exclusions: many policies do not cover pre-existing mechanical faults, cosmetic scratches below a deductible, or damage caused by improper securing (lashings). Ask for ICC(A) or All Risks coverage rather than basic total-loss-only policies. Practical tips: 1. Photograph and video the car thoroughly at loading, with the VIN visible 2. Note existing scratches on the bill of lading 3. Inspect immediately at destination—claims windows are often 3-7 days 4. For EVs, declare the battery; some insurers charge a supplement or exclude battery damage altogether