When Unexpected Risks Become Reality
Hello, welcome to Liga Asuransi! We’re delighted to welcome you back to our trusted information channel, covering various aspects of risk protection and insurance solutions for the business and transportation worlds. This time, we’re addressing a topic that’s quite extreme yet very real: car plunged into the sea during the shipping process. Cases like this are not only surprising but can also result in significant losses if not anticipated with proper insurance coverage.
This article has been published in the Insurance League with the title “Car Falls into the Sea: Real-Life Examples, Protection Tips, and the Right Insurance Solutions – Insurance League”. Click to read:
👉 https://ligaasuransi.com/mobil-tercebur-ke-laut-apa-bisa-ditanggung-asuransi/
Through this article, we will review real-life examples, hidden risks in vehicle shipping, as well as insurance protection tips and recommendations which can help you avoid big losses.
Why Do Cars Fall into the Sea?
Incidents involving vehicles plunging into the sea can occur due to various factors, both technical and human error. Some of these include:
- Human error when loading and unloading from the ferry
- Extreme weather like a strong wind that causes the car to skid
- Faulty brake system when parking in the harbor area
- The ship is rolling during a storm so the car was not locked properly
- Criminal acts such as theft that results in the car being thrown into the sea
Each of these causes has different legal and financial implications. Without proper vehicle insurance and coverage, the owner could face a total loss without reimbursement.
Does Car Insurance Cover These Risks?
In the main article it has been explained that basically,Standard car insurance does not necessarily cover the incident of a car falling into the sea., unless there is a relevant extension of coverage. In most motor vehicle insurance policies, such events fall under the category of “accidental damage” or “natural disaster,” depending on the exact cause.
However, common extensions include:
- Expansion of the risk of damage from hurricanes, floods and storms
- Expansion of accident insurance during sea transport
- Third party liability (TPL) coverage if it involves losses to other people
📌 Vital Records: Some insurance companies consider a vehicle that fell overboard to be a “total loss,” meaning claims can reach the full insured value. However, this depends heavily on the cause of the incident and the results of the investigation.
Case Study: When a Car Falls into the Sea, It’s Not Just a Story
Case 1: Car plunged into water while on a ferry
In 2023, at the Ketapang-Gilimanuk port, a private car skidded into the sea after failing to use the handbrake while waiting to board a ship. Fortunately, there were no casualties, but damages reached Rp 400 million.
The results of the investigation stated that there was no extension of insurance to maritime transportation, so the claim was rejected.
Case 2: Logistics truck falls during loading and unloading
A truck belonging to a shipping company plunged into the sea while loading and unloading at Tanjung Priok port because the safety rope was not strong enough to withstand the high waves.
Fortunately, the company already has vehicle and marine cargo insurance coverage. All losses can be claimed.
Appropriate Insurance Protection Recommendations
Here are some insurance coverage recommendations that you can consider to anticipate this incident:
a. Motor Vehicle Insurance with Marine Risk Extension
Ask your broker or insurance company to include special coverage for maritime transport risks (loading/unloading or shipping).
b. Marine Cargo Insurance
If your vehicle is being shipped via sea freight (such as a Ro-Ro ship), marine cargo insurance is highly recommended. This coverage typically covers:
- Loss due to sinking of ship
- Damage due to loading and unloading processes
- Other risks during transportation
c. All Risk Insurance with Natural Perils Extension
All-risk insurance can be extended to include protection against storms, floods, hurricanes, and even tsunamis. While not all covers fall overboard, some scenarios may fall under this coverage.
Who Is Responsible? Legal Review and Liability
In the case of a car falling into water while under the supervision of a third party (such as a port or ferry operator), it is necessary to review who has legal responsibility:
- If the error comes from the operatorVehicle owners can file a claim for compensation. However, the legal process can take time.
- If the vehicle owner is negligent, then full responsibility lies with the owner and cannot be claimed from the operator.
- Insurance third-party liability (TPL)It becomes very important in this condition to avoid prolonged financial conflicts.
How to Claim If This Incident Occurs?
If you are facing a situation like this, here is the general procedure for filing a claim:
- Document the incident(photos, videos, chronology)
- Report to the police and make an official report
- Contact the insurance company maximum 3×24 hours after the incident
- Submit supporting documents such as:
- Insurance policy
- Vehicle Registration Certificate (STNK) & Vehicle Registration Certificate (BPKB)
- Official certificate from the port authority
- Wait for the results of the investigation from the insurance company
📌 Important: Make sure you read the policy extension terms and conditions carefully to avoid any surprises when making a claim.
Conclusion:
While a car falling into the sea may seem like a rare occurrence, the consequences can be significant. This can happen due to weather, negligence, or even when you’re not in the vehicle.
With the right insurance coverage and appropriate coverage extensions, you can minimize losses and have financial security.
For additional information, you can read our basic articles:
👉 Is insurance covering a car falling into the sea?
To find the right insurance product, you can consult with a trusted broker. They will help you identify your needs, risks, and budget. Don’t underestimate extreme risks; the right protection can save you hundreds of millions of rupiah in losses.
Get in touch L&G Insurance Broker for further consultation and choose vehicle insurance that suits your activities.
