Is transit insurance mandatory when importing a car?

Transit cargo insurance is not legally required, but RSAuto includes it in the standard import process. Ocean transit is the highest-risk stage: storms, fires on board, and container theft are real events. Without cover, any damage to the car in transit is paid entirely by the client.

How much does transit insurance cost?

The cost of transit insurance is included in the total shipping fee and is not broken out as a separate line item. The exact amount depends on the declared value of the car - the RSAuto manager calculates it for each specific lot.

What is ОСЦПВ and why is it needed?

ОСЦПВ is mandatory third-party liability insurance for vehicle owners in Ukraine. Without it, you cannot legally drive on Ukrainian roads or register the car at the Service Centre of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. RSAuto arranges ОСЦПВ after the car is delivered.

What does transit insurance cover?

Transit insurance covers total constructive loss, damage from external causes during transit - storm, fire on board, container flooding, theft. It does not apply to damage that existed before loading, which is documented by auction photos and the CARFAX report.

What happens if the car is damaged during delivery?

RSAuto documents the car's condition at loading and at receipt. If new damage is found during transit, we initiate an insurance claim and coordinate the settlement. The client receives compensation or repairs at the insurer's expense.

Can I get comprehensive insurance (КАСКО) after delivery?

КАСКО for cars with Salvage or Rebuilt title is often difficult or expensive to arrange with Ukrainian insurers - most companies decline or charge significantly higher premiums. RSAuto does not arrange КАСКО, but can recommend insurers who work with such vehicles.

Insurance Guide 2026

Car Insurance When Importing from the USA

RSAuto arranges two types of insurance: cargo cover during ocean transit and mandatory liability insurance (ОСЦПВ) after delivery to Ukraine. No separate insurer search needed - it is part of the service.

Two types of cover

What insurance you need when importing a car

Importing a car from the USA involves two separate risk windows: the ocean transit and the first drive in Ukraine. RSAuto covers both.

Transit cargo insurance

Covers damage or total loss of the car during ocean transit from a US port to Klaipėda, Lithuania. Active from loading onto the vessel until unloading.

ОСЦПВ - mandatory liability

Mandatory third-party liability insurance required by Ukrainian law. Needed to register the car at the Service Centre of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and drive legally.

What transit insurance covers

Total constructive loss, body damage from external causes, fire on board, flooding, theft from container. Does not cover damage that existed before loading.

When cover begins

Transit insurance - from the moment the car is loaded onto the vessel in the US. ОСЦПВ - arranged by RSAuto after delivery to Lviv, before the client's first drive.

Coverage by damage type

DamageCoveredNot covered

How it works

Insurance within the RSAuto import process

Insurance is part of the standard import process. No separate action is required from the client.

1
Winning the auction
After successful bidding, RSAuto begins document processing and preparation for shipping from the auction yard to the US port.
2
Arranging transit insurance
Before loading the car onto the vessel, RSAuto arranges a cargo insurance policy. The cost is included in the shipping fee - no separate step for the client.
3
Ocean transit under cover
The car crosses the ocean insured. If damage occurs during transit, RSAuto initiates the insurance claim and coordinates the settlement.
4
Delivery to Lviv
After unloading in Klaipėda, the car is trucked to Lviv. By this point the transit insurance has fulfilled its role.
5
ОСЦПВ and handover
RSAuto arranges ОСЦПВ in the client's name. After registration at the Service Centre of the MIA, the client receives the car and all documents including an active insurance policy.

Good to know

What happens without insurance

A car without cover at any stage of the import is a financial risk that falls entirely on the owner.

Storm damage at sea

Ocean storms are a real cause of damage to cars in containers. Without transit insurance, any repair is paid entirely by the client.

Fine and blocked registration without ОСЦПВ

Driving without ОСЦПВ is an administrative offence. Without a valid policy the Service Centre of the MIA will refuse to register the car.

Insurer rejection due to paperwork errors

When arranging foreign cargo insurance independently, clients often face rejections due to incorrectly prepared documents or policy terms that do not match the shipment.

Double loss with no cover

If the car is damaged in transit without insurance, the client loses both the car's value and money already paid for shipping and processing.

RSAuto solution

Insurance is part of our turn-key service

RSAuto arranges both types of insurance as part of the standard import process. Clients do not need to find an insurer, review policy terms, or file documents - we handle it.

Learn more about the full import cycle from the USA →

Transit cargo insurance included in the process - no surcharge
ОСЦПВ arranged before the client's first drive
All documents handed over together with the car in Lviv
In the event of a claim - RSAuto coordinates the settlement

FAQ

Common questions about car insurance on import

Have another question? Our manager replies within 15 minutes.

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