It rarely happens, but it does happen: a scratch while maneuvering to board the ship, the door of the car next to you being opened too forcefully, or a car that isn’t secured properly shifting in rough seas. By the time you discover the damage, you’re usually already disembarking, with the crew in a hurry and a line of cars waiting behind you.
In this guide, we’ll look at who is liable for damage to a car on board a ferry, what the Navigation Code and European Regulations say, what insurance policies actually cover in Italy and abroad, and—most importantly—what to do in the minutes and days that follow, because the deadlines for asserting your rights are very short.
The Navigation Code or the Highway Code: Which Law Applies on the Ferry?
The first thing to clarify is which law applies. The Highway Code governs traffic on roads and in areas open to the public: a ship’s hold is neither of these. Once parked on board, the car is considered a transported vehicle, and the relationship is governed by the contract of carriage (the ticket and the company’s general terms and conditions), the Navigation Code, and, for many routes, European Regulation 392/2009.
The Highway Code does not disappear entirely. Ramps, docks, and boarding areas are generally treated as roadways: a collision that occurs while driving up or down these areas is handled like a normal accident, involving the exchange of information, a CID form (amicable accident report), and the involvement of the at-fault party’s auto liability insurance.
Car Damage on a Ferry: The Ferry Company Is Liable
For Italian courts, the transport of a car as cargo is generally considered a contract for the carriage of goods, governed by Articles 419 et seq. of the Navigation Code. The carrier—that is, the shipping company—is liable for loss and damage from the moment it takes delivery of the vehicle (i.e., upon loading) until it returns it (i.e., upon unloading), unless it can prove one of the grounds for exemption provided by law.
In short: if your car is damaged while it is on the ship or during loading and unloading, your first point of contact is the shipping company, not the other passenger.
The Code also sets a limit on compensation. If the passenger has not declared the value of the vehicle before boarding, Article 423 sets a cap of 103.29 euros per cargo unit, a figure that has remained unchanged since it was 200,000 lire. This limit is exceeded by declaring the value of the car to the carrier before boarding, and it does not apply in cases of willful misconduct or gross negligence on the part of the carrier, as established by the Constitutional Court in Ruling 199/2005. This cap applies under the provisions of the Navigation Code: on ships subject to the EU Regulation (see below), the limits set forth in that regulation apply. In the event of significant damage, it is advisable to seek assistance from an attorney or a consumer association.
The general terms and conditions of carriage of shipping companies typically refer to the Navigation Code, European regulations, and the Athens Convention, and include provisions regarding the loading and unloading of vehicles, securing them on board, exclusions of liability, and limits on compensation. Before departing, it is worth reading the section on vehicles in tow.
Compensation for Car Damage: The Limits of EU Regulation 392/2009
Since 2013, Regulation (EC) No. 392/2009 has implemented the rules of the Athens Convention (2002 version) in Italy. It applies to international voyages departing from or arriving in an EU member state and to domestic voyages carried out by Class A ships and, since 2016, Class B ships. For Class C and D ships—typically those operating on short, coastal routes—the Navigation Code remains in effect. The ship’s class is not usually indicated on the ticket; if in doubt, contact the shipping company.
The regulation sets the following limits: 12,700 SDRs per vehicle, including luggage carried inside the vehicle, and 3,375 SDRs for luggage not carried inside the vehicle. The SDR (Special Drawing Right) is the International Monetary Fund’s unit of account, so its value in euros fluctuates daily based on the exchange rate. Each carrier may also apply a deductible. The maximum limit does not constitute an automatic reimbursement and does not necessarily correspond to the market value of the vehicle.
The rules are more favorable to the passenger when the damage results from a maritime accident: shipwreck, collision, grounding, explosion, fire, or a defect in the vessel. For other types of damage—such as an on-board collision caused by improper rigging—it is necessary to prove the fault or negligence of the carrier and its employees. This is why photos, videos, and witness statements make all the difference.
Car Damaged Due to Rough Seas: Will the Insurance Company Pay?
The first point of contact is the shipping company, which is liable for damage to the vehicle from boarding to disembarkation (Art. 422 of the Navigation Code).
Accident or force majeure?
The carrier is not liable if it can prove that the damage resulted from a cause beyond its control, such as anexceptional and unforeseeable maritime event. Ordinary rough seas are part of the normal risk of a crossing: if the car shifts and strikes another vehicle or a bulkhead because it was not properly secured—where the company’s procedures require it—the company’s liability may be disputed. The general terms and conditions of many shipping companies address the securing of vehicles: read what they say.
The amount the insurance pays depends on the applicable plan
Under Regulation 392/2009, the maximum limit is 12,700 SDRs per vehicle, but rough seas do not in and of themselves constitute a maritime accident: you must prove the carrier’s fault or negligence. Under the Navigation Code, if you have not declared the value of the car, the limit is 103.29 euros, which does not apply in cases of gross negligence on the part of the carrier. A policy from the shipping company or your own comprehensive auto insurance may cover the difference, provided they do not exclude such an event.
On board, immediately report the damage to an officer and have a signed report drawn up. Take photos of the car in its current position, the distance from other vehicles, the wheel chocks, and any damage to nearby cars: if the incident involved multiple vehicles, this is an indication that safety precautions were not taken. If possible, take the photos before moving the car, but don’t refuse to move it if it’s blocking the disembarkation area: the crew will give you instructions, and you just need to document everything and have the damage recorded in the report.
Claim for Damage to a Car on a Ferry: How Soon Must It Be Filed?
This is the trickiest part, because the deadlines are tight and it’s easy to miss them.
According to the Navigation Code (Art. 435), visible damage must be reported at the time of return, that is, upon unloading. Hidden damage must be reported within three days, either in writing or in a joint inspection with the carrier, under penalty of forfeiture. The right to bring a claim expires six months after delivery (Art. 438) for shipments within Europe and the Mediterranean.
Under Regulation 392/2009, visible damage must be reported in writing to the carrier before or at the time of disembarkation; non-visible damage must be reported within 15 days. The statute of limitations for such claims is two years.
From the ship’s deck, it’s unclear which policy applies, so there’s only one rule of thumb: report the damage on board before leaving the ship’s garage and submit a written claim within three days.
Auto Liability Insurance, Comprehensive Insurance, and Shipping Company Insurance
Auto liability insurance. It is mandatory and covers damage you cause to others while driving, not damage to your own car. If another driver damages the side of your car, their auto liability insurance may come into play, which is why you need their information and that of their insurance company. Whether and how it applies depends on the circumstances of the accident, and this is assessed by the insurance companies and, if necessary, a lawyer.
Comprehensive coverage, collision, accidental damage. If you have coverage for damage to your vehicle, read the definition of “use on the road” and the section specifying where coverage applies: some policies only cover damage that occurs while the vehicle is in use on the road, and it’s not a given that transport by ship is included. Also check the deductibles and coverage limits.
Theft and Fire. They cover vehicle fires, but here, too, the circumstances and the timing of the event matter.
Insurance Policies Offered by Various Providers
Many companies offer an optional policy, separate from auto liability insurance, that covers property damage to the car during loading, transit, and unloading.
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Grimaldi Lines: a premium of 4 euros for vehicles up to 6.5 meters long and 8 euros for longer vehicles; a maximum coverage of 5,000 euros per vehicle and 100,000 euros per incident; coverage includes the body, tires, windows, and exterior accessories (terms and conditions apply).
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GNV: premium of 7.50 euros for cars and motorcycles, with the same coverage limits and the same items covered. The 2026 terms and conditions specify that coverage applies to embarkation and disembarkation in Italy, other European Union countries, Morocco, Tunisia, and Albania (terms and conditions).
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Moby: A flat rate of 4 euros for vehicles up to 6.5 meters and 8 euros for those longer, covering the body, tires, windows, and exterior accessories (terms and conditions apply).
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Tirrenia: listed premium of 4 euros per leg
Exclusions are just as important as the premium. For Moby, the policy does not cover fire, shipwreck, or sinking; damage occurring in the port area before boarding or after disembarking; indirect damage, such as that caused by wind-blown objects; theft (including attempted theft); or vehicles registered more than twenty years ago. It also requires that the car have valid auto liability insurance and that the damage be reported to the captain or a ship’s officer during the stopover or before disembarkation. Coverage costing just a few euros is intended for a scratch or a dent, not for the total loss of the vehicle.
Is it worth purchasing this coverage? If you have a new car, a high-value vehicle, or one that’s expensive to repair—and the premium is reasonable—it can be a sensible precaution. First, check whether your insurance policy already includes coverage for maritime transport, and verify the coverage limit, deductible, and claims procedures. Premiums and terms vary depending on the route and over time: be sure to read the information brochure provided at the time of booking.
Car Insurance on Ferries Abroad: Green Card and International Routes
Italian auto liability insurance is valid throughout the European Union and the European Economic Area, but it covers only the mandatory coverage. Outside this area, you’ll need a Green Card, which is required, for example, in Albania, Morocco, Tunisia, and Turkey. The list of countries is subject to change, and some agreements have been suspended; furthermore, not all Italian insurance companies issue the Green Card for every country—it must be requested in advance. Optional coverage (comprehensive, theft, and fire) is valid within the territorial limits specified in the policy.
However, when it comes to damage sustained on board, the contract of carriage and the shipping company are more important than the country where the ship is located. The European regulation also applies to international routes departing from or arriving in a member state, such as Italy-Greece, Italy-Croatia, or Italy-Spain. On routes to non-EU countries, such as Tunisia, Morocco, and Albania, protections may vary and depend on the company’s general terms and conditions and the applicable law: in these cases, it is advisable to document everything with even greater care and to submit a written complaint immediately.
Procedures vary from company to company. Corsica Ferries requires that any damage to the vehicle be reported immediately on board and that a written report be filed with the staff. Scandlines, which operates routes between Germany and Denmark and Sweden, advises passengers to report the damage before leaving the ferry: staff will record the passenger’s information, the time, the location, and a description of the incident. Don’t assume that a policy for a domestic route also covers international travel: check the coverage area, limits, and exclusions before purchasing it.
Car Damaged on a Ferry: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Before you leave, take photos of the car from all sides, with the license plate visible, and snap a few shots of the interior and the trunk. These will serve as proof of the vehicle’s condition at the time of boarding.
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Before leaving the ship, inspect the car. If you notice any damage, do not leave the ship’s garage: once you’re outside, it becomes much harder to prove that the damage occurred on board.
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Call a crew member or the purser and report the damage. Ask for a written report or have a copy of your claim signed and dated, and read it carefully before signing any forms.
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Document everything: take photos and videos of the damage, the car’s position, other nearby vehicles, and how the vehicles are positioned. Also note the sea conditions and look for any witnesses.
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If another vehicle is involved, note the license plate number, the driver’s name, and the insurance company. The CID form was designed for traffic accidents, but it’s useful for putting the facts and details in writing.
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Keep your ticket and boarding pass: some companies require them to process your claim.
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Within three days, send a written claim to the company via certified email (PEC) or registered mail with return receipt, attaching photos, the onboard report, a copy of your ticket and boarding pass, and—if already available—a repair estimate. Specify the amount you are claiming and reserve the right to take any further action.
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Notify your insurance company, especially if you have comprehensive coverage or a specific ferry policy: the deadline for reporting a claim is only a few days, so be sure to check your policy.
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If the company does not respond or refuses, send a written reminder and contact a consumer advocacy group or a lawyer before the six-month or two-year statute of limitations expires.
How to Prevent Damage to Your Car on a Ferry
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Put the car in gear and pull the parking brake all the way.
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Turn off the car alarm or volumetric sensors, which may sound continuously due to the ship’s movement.
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Don’t leave valuables in the car: compensation limits also apply to items inside the vehicle, and it’s best to take valuable luggage with you into the cabin.
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Leave enough space to open the doors without hitting the car next to you, and do the same when you get out.
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Follow the crew’s instructions for positioning the car, and do not move it on your own once it has been positioned.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Damage on Ferries
In short, if you discover damage to your car while it’s on a ferry, the first thing you should do is take photos and notify the crew. Generally, the ferry company should compensate you for damaged cars, not your auto liability insurance, which only covers damage caused to others—but with compensation limits and very strict deadlines for filing a claim. If you have any other questions, try searching the FAQs, or leave a comment and we’ll get back to you quickly.
Who pays if another vehicle crashes into me on the ferry?
The first point of contact is the insurance company, which is responsible for the vehicle during transport. If the damage is caused by another driver, that driver’s auto liability insurance may also be held liable: you’ll need the driver’s information, the incident report, and supporting evidence.
Does auto liability insurance cover damage to my car on the ferry?
No. Auto liability insurance covers damage caused to others, not damage to your own vehicle. For damage to your car, you’ll need comprehensive coverage or a specific policy, or compensation from the party at fault.
Does the company’s supplemental insurance also cover shipwreck?
Not necessarily. A policy covering physical damage to the vehicle’s bodywork does not protect against every possible event: Moby’s policy, for example, excludes fire, shipwreck, and sinking. Always read the exclusions.
Is it worth purchasing the shipping company’s insurance policy?
This might make sense for a new car or one that’s expensive to repair, if the premium is reasonable and your insurance doesn’t already cover shipping. Check the coverage limit, deductible, and claims procedures.
What happens if my car catches fire on the ferry?
In terms of liability, the fire is classified as a maritime incident under Regulation 392/2009; therefore, the more favorable compensation rules described above apply to damage to passengers’ vehicles, subject to the applicable compensation limits. If the fire originates in a vehicle, the company and the other passengers may also seek recourse against the owner of that vehicle and the owner’s insurance provider.
When it comes to insurance, check three things. The insurance company’s policy may exclude fire damage: Moby’s policy, for example, excludes it. The theft and fire coverage in your policy covers the car, but it may not apply during maritime transport. Some auto liability policies include coverage for third-party damages caused by an explosion or fire involving the vehicle, often with a lower limit than the overall maximum coverage.
Do electric cars have different rules on ferries?
Yes, but the rules are set by the shipping companies. In Italy, transporting electric, hybrids, LPG, and natural gas vehicles is not prohibited, and these vehicles are allowed on all ships, provided they comply with the shipping company’s conditions, which may include a battery charge limit upon boarding (typically between 20% and 50%) and designated parking areas. In Greece, starting in 2024, the limit for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles is 40% How the 40% limit works in Greece</strong>). Outside of Italy, some operators ban them entirely, such as the Norwegian company Havila Kystruten.
The available data does not indicate that electric cars catch fire more often than gasoline or diesel cars, but a battery fire is harder to extinguish, which is why these rules exist. Restrictions and prohibitions vary: check with the company before each trip. To be ready for boarding, read the guide on how to prepare your electric car for boarding.
Are you planning a trip and want to bring a vehicle on the ferry? On FerryFinder, you can compare ferry companies’ departures and fares while including your car in the reservation. The ferryfinder.com search engine is directly connected to the carriers’ databases, so you can check the available options for your destination and choose the most convenient one.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice from a lawyer or your insurance provider.
