Global Protection Program(GPP)

Submit a GPP damage report.

To submit a GPP damage report, follow the link to the contact page, select the appropriate subject, and fill in all the necessary details. We will contact you as soon as possible to explain the next steps.

Contact us


About the GPP

SBT offers the world's first comprehensive protection program to customers worldwide. This innovative initiative sets new standards in the trade industry and provides unprecedented protection and support for global maritime trade activities.

GPP’s coverage period

From the moment your used vehicle begins to leave the port (on deck) until it safely arrives at its final destination, your vehicle is fully covered for accidental damage. You can rest assured that your vehicle is protected at every step until arrival!

Convincing coverage cost

Coverage starts from only $30!
GPP fully covers the cost of repairs due to shipping accidents up to the total value of the vehicle (FOB). Actual coverage rates can be checked instantly from our “total price calculator”.

Examples of cases covered by the GPP







When an accident occurs

SBT has designed a systematic process to ensure complete transparency that allows us to maintain a standard procedure for handling post-damage situations.

1. Complaint verification

  • When you register a complaint, your complaint is forwarded to SBT`s customer service department, who will promptly contact you.
  • You will be asked to provide all available evidence to support your claim.
  • SBT’s team will thoroughly examine every aspect of the case to validate its legitimacy.
  • A report detailing your registered complaints will be generated and forwarded to our Sales Team for additional verification.

2. Compensation Decision

  • After reviewing the report, the Customer Support Team communicates with all the transaction’s stakeholders to validate your complaint.
  • When the damage claim is approved, compensation for the damage is determined.
  • Please note that compensation varies from case to case and is negotiated by the Sales Team and the underwriting authority based on the severity of the case.

3. Offering Repair or Compensation

  • Eventually, SBT schedules a meeting with you to discuss and provide compensation or repair options, along with a detailed explanation and breakdown of all damage incurred.
  • The decision on compensation or repair is based on the severity of the case.
  • SBT takes measures to prevent similar issues from happening in the future, as SBT value your trust and confidence.

4. SBT evaluates vehicle damage (additional details may be requested). *Evaluation takes approximately 3-4 business days.

5. When the claim is approved, the compensation amount will be transferred. *Approximately 7-10 business days.

Scope of coverage

GPP covers from the time the vehicle is shipped until it reaches the final destination.

  • Fire, explosion, sinking or stranding of a vessel or barge, overturning or derailment of land transportation equipment, damage caused by a collision of the transportation equipment or vehicle itself, joint marine casualty loss, or other single units total loss.
  • Theft of a vehicle, theft of parts of the vehicle, special provisions for undelivered parts including keys (except for DHL shipments sent separately).
  • War risk clause.
  • Strike risk clause.
  • Damage to the vehicle body, dents and bends (scratches are excluded).

Exclusions

- Liability for third-party bodily injury or property damage
- Damage caused by intentional or illegal acts
- Damage due to incomplete packaging or improper loading within a container (except if done by someone other than the insured or their employees after the risk has started)
- Damage due to inherent defects or nature of the cargo (natural wear and tear, heating, spontaneous combustion, decay, deterioration, rust, etc.)
- Damage to the mechanical/engine (such as engine, gearbox, computer-related issues, air conditioning failures, etc.)
- Damage due to delay in voyage or transportation
- Indirect costs (compensation, fines, disposal costs, debris removal costs, etc.)
- Damage due to war risks while the cargo is on land
- Damage due to nuclear or radioactive contamination risks
- Damage due to chemical, biological, biochemical, or electromagnetic weapons
- Damage due to terrorism risks while in storage outside the transport process
- Damage due to the insolvency or financial default of the ship owner, manager, charterer, or operator (only if the insured knew or reasonably should have known that such insolvency or default could prevent the normal continuation of the voyage)
- Damage directly or indirectly caused by cyber-attacks (if the insured is a business entity, including sole proprietors)

Frequently Asked Questions

(1) Are there any vehicle types not covered by compensation? 

No. The basics are as described in the insurance contract. However, since the GPP is based on the premise of used cars, it may not be applicable when transporting or loading used vehicles such as agricultural machinery or heavy machinery.

(2) Is there a difference in coverage between personal vehicles and commercial vehicles?

No.

(3) Are construction machinery, heavy equipment, and agricultural machinery covered?

Yes.

(4) Are vehicles departing from ports outside Japan covered?

Yes.

(5) Is there a difference in compensation between RORO (car carrier) and when it is loaded on a container?

No.

(6) Is there a deadline for filing a GPP claim?

Yes, claims must be submitted within 100 days from the date the vehicle is picked up from the port.

(7) Are there any countries where the GPP does not apply?

Generally no, but there may be special cases where the GPP does not apply depending on the country, please confirm with our representative.

(8) Are there any differences in the required documentary evidence depending on the country? 

No.

(9) Inexpensive parts and repairs in Japan may be expensive locally, but how is the adequacy of the compensation amount determined?

Generally, the application is accepted as it is. However, if it is expensive, it may be examined.

(10) Will I be covered even if the replacement parts I need are new instead of used?

Yes.

(11) When there are no substitute parts locally and I must order them from Japan or other countries, will I still be eligible for compensation?

Compensation will be provided. However, the calculation of transportation costs at the time of order is based on sea freight, and any additional costs incurred for air transport or other methods exceeding this amount are not covered by the compensation.

(12) If the scratch or dent is mild, may not be covered?

Dent damages are covered, scratches are excluded.

(13) Will I be compensated if mold occurs during transportation?

In general, natural phenomena are not covered by the GPP. However, if a vehicle becomes submerged in water and mold develops, it may be covered by the GPP.

(14) Is wheel damage also covered?

Yes.

(15) Are lost keys or other items resulting from separate shipping covered by compensation?

No.

(16) Will I receive a certificate of coverage when applying for the GPP?

No, a certificate of coverage will not be issued. However, if you purchase a vehicle with the GPP, the invoice will list 'Protection Program' in the 'Amount Breakdown' section.

(17) Are engine, gearbox, computer-related, and air conditioner failures covered?

No.

Important notices

Please ensure all information in the damage report application form is accurate. If the information is inaccurate or misleading, SBT may not be able to process your GPP claim.

GPP does not cover explosions or damage caused by batteries of electric vehicles (EVs), such as lithium-ion batteries.

The terms, definitions, and explanations provided are for informational purposes only and do not replace or modify the definitions and information contained in individual insurance contracts, policies, or declaration pages.