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.

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.

Think the economic crisis has put an end to car loans? Think again.

Not only are loans still available, but companies are hurting to the point where they are willing to offer better rates than ever in order to get you to sign with them. So if you are in the market for a new car, don’t let sellers pressure you into a bad deal with the argument that “you won’t get any better out there.”

When shopping for the right car loan, you may be better off doing so online. Companies like Capital One Auto Finance and CarsDirect Car Loans offer a variety of plans to fit your budget and credit history. If your credit history is particularly bad, though, you may want to do as much as you can to clean it up before you apply for a loan, so you can get better rates. Always get a copy of your credit report and credit score before you head to the dealer. If you’re shooting for a 0% APR, you need to make sure you have the right credit history to support that amount.

Even if you receive a high loan interest rate, you should be able to negotiate and refinance it (sometimes immediately after getting it) by going online at places such as FirstAgain.com.

Not matter what kind of car you have, maintenance is still key to extend the life of your car and avoid costly repairs down the line. Experts agree that there are four basic things you need to do in order to extend the life of your vehicle:

• Change the oil regularly. It will prevent the engine from overworking and prevent burns and overheating.

• Wash and wax your car often. This is more than a cosmetic issue. Dirt, especially when it involves certain chemicals, can accelerate the rusting process and lead to peeling paint or corrosion.

• Don’t settle for imitations. If you need to replace a part, use only original replacements. This is especially important in exotic, expensive cars. Imitations can be badly made, causing the car to overwork or damaging surrounding parts.

• Fix small problems as soon as you notice them. Little things can turn into big issues if you wait, leading not only to more expensive repairs but also to more difficult, involved ones that can get your car out of commission for days.