Preparing your car before shipping isn't complicated — but it matters. The right prep protects your vehicle, makes any claim straightforward, and ensures smooth handling. Here's our quick checklist.
Quick Checklist
Marine insurance covers the vehicle, not the items inside it. Take everything out — documents, cash, electronics, personal belongings.
Record the car's condition before shipping — front, back, sides, roof, and any existing scratches/dents. Key evidence if you ever need to make a claim.
Write down the mileage before shipping (and check again on delivery). A simple record for peace of mind.
The car needs to be driven on/off the vessel, so about ¼ tank is enough. No need to fill up — a low level is safer for the sailing.
Take out the SmartTAG or Touch ’n Go from the windscreen so it isn't lost or charged during handling.
The battery must work for loading/unloading. We inspect before loading, but make sure it's in good shape.
Turn off or deactivate the alarm system so it doesn't go off during handling and transit.
Each Step Explained
- 01
Remove personal & valuable items
Marine insurance covers the vehicle, not the items inside it. Take everything out — documents, cash, electronics, personal belongings.
- 02
Take photos from all angles
Record the car's condition before shipping — front, back, sides, roof, and any existing scratches/dents. Key evidence if you ever need to make a claim.
- 03
Note the odometer reading
Write down the mileage before shipping (and check again on delivery). A simple record for peace of mind.
- 04
Leave a quarter tank of fuel
The car needs to be driven on/off the vessel, so about ¼ tank is enough. No need to fill up — a low level is safer for the sailing.
- 05
Remove the toll tag
Take out the SmartTAG or Touch ’n Go from the windscreen so it isn't lost or charged during handling.
- 06
Check the battery
The battery must work for loading/unloading. We inspect before loading, but make sure it's in good shape.
- 07
Deactivate the car alarm
Turn off or deactivate the alarm system so it doesn't go off during handling and transit.
Why This Prep Matters
Every Rentaka shipment is covered by Allianz Marine all-risk insurance. But that protection is for the vehicle, not the personal items inside — which is why step one (remove your belongings) matters. Photos and an odometer record smooth any claim, while a low fuel level, a healthy battery, and a deactivated alarm keep handling safe at the port and on the vessel.
FAQ
Can I leave belongings in the car during shipping?
Not recommended. Marine insurance covers the vehicle, not personal items inside it. Remove all valuables, documents, and electronics before handing over the car.
Do I need a full tank of fuel?
No. About a quarter tank is enough — just enough for the car to be driven on/off the vessel. A minimum fuel level is safer for the sailing.
Why take photos of the car?
Photos from all angles before shipping document the existing condition (including scratches or dents). If you ever need to make an insurance claim, this evidence makes the process easier.
Should I remove the SmartTAG/Touch ’n Go?
Yes, best to remove it from the windscreen so it isn't lost or charged during handling. Keep it with you.
What about the battery and alarm?
Make sure the battery is healthy for loading/unloading, and deactivate the alarm so it doesn't go off during transit. We also inspect before loading onto the vessel.
What happens at handover?
On pickup day, we inspect the car with you, take photos, and sign a handover form. You receive a report + photos via WhatsApp for your records.
🔧 Car ready? Let's ship.
Make sure your documents are complete too, and we'll handle the rest from pickup to delivery.
// Rentaka Logistics — vehicle shipping since 2023
