Aside from the standard full coverage insurance that protects your vehicle against dents or damages that occur during the shipping and delivery of your vehicle, there is also an additional type of coverage offered to water-shipped cars: total loss. Total loss insurance pays you back in case the boat sinks or your vehicle is stolen at the destination port. Total loss is optional and it will cost 1.5 percent of the total cost of the vehicle. There is no deductible here, though, if you need to cash in.

Full coverage insurance is needed if you want protection against smaller damage, such as scratches, dents and other small issues. Most companies shipping internationally will not include this in the price of the shipping and will require an additional payment of 2.5 percent of the cost of the vehicle in order to cover it. There is a small deductible for this type of insurance, usually between $500-1,000.

When contracting an auto shipping service, make sure you read the small print to find out what are you being offered and what is optional, so you can choose wisely based on the cost of your vehicle and the risks up ahead.

Motorcycles need to be less than 40” wide and 96” long in order to be shipped as a standard vehicle. Anything bigger than that will require special shipping arrangements, as the platforms used to secure motorcycles within enclosed shipping trucks cannot support other sizes.

The shipping company will also need to know the weight of your bike. There is no limit on this aspect, but you won’t be able to secure a space until the weight has been established. If you have the original manual for your bike, the weight and dimensions will be specified there. Otherwise, you can conduct a search online to find your bike’s model and see what the specifications are.

While you are required to leave some gas in the tank of a car, you should completely drain the tank of your motorcycle. Steering should be unlocked and all items from inside glove box should be removed. You don’t need to give the key either, as motorcycles are moved by towing, rather than driving them inside the transport truck.

Cleaning your car often does a lot more than making it look pretty. In fact, having a clean car can extend its life and save you lots of money in the long run. Other benefits:

• Wash and wax to prevent corrosion.

• Clean the inside of the car as well, as dirt particles, spilled food and liquids and other substances can be abrasive, causing damage that can amount to thousands of dollars.

• Apply leather protectant or use upholstery cleaners (depending on the material) to keep the seats in top shape.

• Wash the floor mats frequently. They are meant to prevent dirt and debris from getting into other parts of the car or flying around. They also provide insulation during the winter.

• Check the weatherstripping and make sure it’s in perfect condition. If you feel wind or rain coming in, repair the area immediately to avoid damage to the inside of your car.

• Fix windowshield cracks or chips. This is not merely a cosmetic issue, as cracks can let water in and turn into major (and costly) problems later on.

If you’re shipping your car internationally, there is a chance you may need to keep the vehicle in storage for a period of time. This can mean a nice, climate-controlled place in a storage unit, or it can mean a metal container on the dock. To make sure your car survives the storage process with no problems, there are some things you can do in advance:

1. Make sure the gas tank is not empty. That can cause condensation and lead to engine problems.

2. Find out where vehicles are stored and whether there is high humidity in the area. If so, ask if you can disengage the parking brake. Some companies may refuse, but if they don’t, this can help you avoid corrosion.

3. Make sure the car is clean. Wash it and wax it before shipping. This will protect the paint more than any other thing you do.

4. Ask whether the company can disconnect the battery for you at the destination port. Only do this if you expect the car to be in storage for over a month. It will keep the battery from draining.

5. Don’t put things in the trunk. Many companies will not allow this anyway, but even if they do, avoid storing things that can break, freeze or otherwise cause damage to your car.

It saves you money. While it’s true you are paying a large sum of money all at once, this is all inclusive. When driving, you can run into all sorts of additional expenses, from breakages to tolls to extra gas. It may feel like you’re paying less because you’re spreading the money over a longer period of time, but you’ll probably end up spending more.

It’s easier to plan your budget. Again, shipping your car requires a one-time payment, so you know what to expect. It’s a lot harder to factor in meals, tolls and other expenses for the drive.

You don’t add miles to your car. If you’re planning on selling your car in the future, saving miles can mean a nice price difference.

You avoid wear and tear. From bad roads to the chance of accidents or scratches to the simple wear and tear that comes with using your car everyday, shipping is a lot safer for your vehicle. If you choose enclosed car shipping, you are also protecting your car from the elements.

You get to rest. Moving is stressful, whether you’re shipping a car or not. Do you really want to add to add the physical demands of having to drive hundreds of miles across the country? Shipping your car means you can sit back and relax once the packing is done and before you get on your way to your new location.