Insuring Your Car for International Shipping to Togo

Shipping a car internationally can be an exciting process. I remember the first time a friend asked me to help him bring his Toyota Corolla from the US to Togo. He was thrilled at the prospect of finally getting his hands on a car he had found online, but the moment we started looking into shipping logistics, things got complicated. One of the first—and probably most overlooked—questions was: how do you insure a car while it’s in transit across oceans?

Insurance might feel like an extra expense, something you hope you’ll never need. But when your car is leaving one continent and heading toward West Africa, it’s not just a nice-to-have—it’s essential.

Why Car Shipping Insurance Matters

Think about it: the journey from the US to Togo isn’t short. Vehicles travel thousands of miles, often spending weeks at sea on RoRo ships or in containers. They’re exposed to a variety of risks: harsh weather conditions, potential collisions with other cargo, loading and unloading accidents, or even theft.

Even if your shipping company is highly reputable, accidents happen. I recall a case where a small sedan was loaded onto a container for shipment to Lomé, Togo. Everything seemed fine until the car was unloaded at the port, only to reveal a dent from shifting during transit. The shipping company accepted partial responsibility, but the insurance coverage made a huge difference in covering repairs. Without it, the owner would have had to pay out of pocket.

Insurance essentially gives you peace of mind. You’re paying a small premium to mitigate a potentially very large financial loss.

Types of Car Shipping Insurance

When it comes to insuring your car for international shipping, there are a few main types to consider:

1. Carrier Liability: Most shipping companies provide a basic level of coverage. It usually only covers damage caused directly by the carrier’s negligence. That might sound sufficient, but here’s the catch: the coverage is often minimal and may not include damages caused by weather, natural events, or mishandling by third parties.

2. Marine Cargo Insurance: This is the more comprehensive option. Marine insurance covers your car while it’s in transit, whether by sea, truck, or rail. Policies can cover accidental damage, theft, loss at sea, and sometimes even delays caused by port congestion. For international shipping, this is usually the safer bet.

3. Third-Party Insurance: Some independent insurers specialize in international auto shipping. They often offer flexible policies that allow you to tailor coverage for your vehicle’s value, shipping route, and method of transport (RoRo or container).

From experience, relying solely on carrier liability is risky. It’s tempting to save money upfront, but the potential loss far outweighs the cost of comprehensive coverage.

Factors That Affect Insurance Costs

Insurance premiums aren’t a flat rate—they vary depending on several factors:

Value of the car: High-value vehicles cost more to insure. A luxury SUV or sports car will carry a higher premium than a standard sedan.

Shipping method: RoRo shipping is often cheaper, but because cars are exposed to more risk, insurers may charge more. Container shipping is more controlled, and sometimes premiums are lower.

Route and distance: Longer journeys and rougher shipping routes may result in higher premiums. For Togo, transit usually involves the Atlantic crossing, which insurers consider moderately risky.

Declared coverage: If you want insurance to cover the full replacement value of your car, your premium will be higher than if you only cover basic damages.

I remember helping someone ship a second-hand Land Cruiser to Togo. Because the vehicle was older, the premium was surprisingly low, but we still chose comprehensive coverage. You never know when bad weather or rough handling might cause damage.

Choosing Between RoRo and Container Insurance

Your shipping method significantly impacts insurance decisions.

RoRo Shipping: Since the car is driven onto the vessel and parked in a common cargo area with other vehicles, it’s more exposed to potential scratches, dents, or shifting during transit. Insurance for RoRo often needs to explicitly cover these risks, and policies may have stricter requirements, like ensuring the car’s battery is disconnected or that fuel tanks aren’t more than a quarter full.

Container Shipping: A container isolates your car from the rest of the cargo and provides better protection from the elements. Insurance premiums may be slightly lower because the risk of damage is reduced, but there’s still a chance of mishaps during loading or unloading. Some owners even choose a “double-container” option for high-value vehicles—basically an extra layer of protection.

When my cousin shipped a used SUV to Togo, we debated between RoRo and container options. The container added a few hundred dollars but saved us stress. Considering insurance, it felt like a small price to pay for the added security.

Documentation and Policy Details

One common mistake is not paying attention to the fine print. Insurance policies have specific requirements:

Proper valuation: Ensure you declare the correct value of the car. Under-declaring might lower premiums but could leave you undercompensated in case of damage.

Inspection reports: Some insurers require photos or a third-party inspection before shipping. This documents the car’s pre-shipping condition.

Coverage scope: Check if your policy covers natural disasters, theft, collision, or port mishandling. Not all policies are created equal.

I’ve seen cases where cars arrived damaged and owners thought they were covered, only to discover the insurer excluded certain types of transit damage. It’s a harsh lesson: always read the policy carefully.

Tips for Reducing Risk

While insurance is crucial, you can also take practical steps to reduce potential problems:

Use a reputable shipping company: Experience matters, especially with Togo-bound shipments. Ask for references or past client experiences.

Photograph your car thoroughly: Capture every angle, interior, and mileage reading before it leaves. It simplifies claims if damage occurs.

Secure loose parts: Remove or secure items like antennas, spoilers, or aftermarket accessories. Damage to these is sometimes not fully covered.

Track your shipment: Many carriers offer online tracking or GPS monitoring. Staying informed lets you react quickly to any issues.

These steps complement insurance—they don’t replace it, but they make claims smoother and more likely to succeed.

Costs and Budgeting

How much should you expect to pay? Costs vary, but here’s a rough estimate:

RoRo insurance for a mid-sized sedan: $150–$350

Container insurance for a similar vehicle: $250–$500

Higher-value vehicles (SUVs, luxury cars): $500–$1,500 depending on coverage and declared value

The key takeaway is that insurance is a relatively small fraction of the total shipping cost, but its value far exceeds its price if anything goes wrong.

Real-Life Lessons

From my experience helping friends and clients, the most common mistakes are underestimating insurance needs and trusting carriers blindly. Even reputable companies can face accidents or mishandling. One friend opted out of insurance for a cheaper RoRo shipment, only to find minor but costly scratches on his vehicle when it arrived in Lomé. It wasn’t catastrophic, but it was preventable—and covered if he had opted for insurance.

Final Thoughts

Insuring your car for shipping to Togo is about more than just paying a fee. It’s a combination of preparation, documentation, understanding risk, and making informed choices about shipping methods and coverage. RoRo is cost-effective but riskier, while container shipping provides more security but at a higher price. Choosing the right insurance, documenting your car’s condition, and working with reputable shippers are all part of a smart strategy.

If I learned anything from helping multiple people ship cars internationally, it’s this: peace of mind doesn’t come from luck. It comes from planning, preparation, and a little investment in protection. A properly insured vehicle not only arrives safely but saves you stress, money, and frustration along the way.

Published on: Sep 07, 2025

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