When unexpected risks become a reality
Hello and welcome to Liga Asuransi. Welcome back to our trusted information channel! This channel covers all aspects of risk protection and insurance solutions in the business and transport sectors. This time, we will look at a rather extreme but very real topic: cars falling into the sea during transport. Such situations are not only unexpected, but can also result in significant losses if the appropriate insurance is not taken out in advance.
This article has been published in Insurance Alliance, titled Car Falling into the Sea: Real Cases, Protection Tips and Appropriate Insurance Solutions – Insurance Alliance . Click to read: 👉 https://ligaasuransi.com/mobil-tercebur-ke-laut-apa-bisa-ditanggung-asuransi/
Throughout this article, we’ll review real-life examples, hidden risks in vehicle transportation, and insurance protection tips and advice that can help you avoid significant losses.
Why did the car fall into the sea?
Vehicle falls into the sea can be caused by a variety of factors, including technical errors and human errors. These include:
- Human error in ferry loading and unloading
- Extreme weather such as strong winds causing cars to skid
- Stopping in the port area in case of brake system failure
- The boat was rocking because of the storm and the car was not locked properly.
- Criminal theft resulting in car being dumped in the sea
Each of these causes carries different legal and financial implications. Without proper vehicle insurance and protection, the owner could face a total loss with no compensation.
Does car insurance cover these risks?
As explained in the text, standard auto insurance does not usually cover vehicle falls into the sea unless there is relevant extended coverage. In most motor vehicle policies, such accidents are classified as “accidental damage” or “natural acts”, depending on the specific cause.
However, common extensions include:
- Increased risk of damage from hurricanes, floods and storms
- Expanded maritime transport accident insurance
- If the loss is caused to others, third party liability insurance (TPL) is required.
📌Five Italian Records Some insurance companies consider a vehicle that has fallen into water as a “total loss”, which means that the claim amount can reach the full insured value. However, this depends largely on the cause of the accident and the results of the investigation.
Case Study: When a car falls into the sea, it’s more than just a story
Case 1: Car falls into water on ferry
In 2023, at Ketapang-Gilimanuk Port, a private car slid into the sea because the handbrake was not pulled while waiting to board a ship. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the loss was as high as 400 million rupiah.
The investigation revealed that insurance coverage did not extend to marine transportation and the claim was therefore rejected.
Case 2: Logistics vehicle falls during loading and unloading
A truck belonging to a shipping company fell into the sea while loading and unloading cargo at Tanjung Priok Port because the safety rope could not withstand the huge waves.
Fortunately, the company has purchased vehicle and marine cargo insurance, so all losses can be claimed.
Proper insurance coverage advice
Here are some insurance suggestions you can consider to prevent this from happening:
a. Motor vehicle insurance (including marine risk expansion)
Ask your broker or insurance company to provide special insurance for marine transportation risks (handling or transportation).
b. Marine Cargo Insurance
If your vehicle is transported by sea (e.g. roll-on/roll-off), it is highly recommended that you purchase marine cargo insurance. This type of insurance usually covers:
- Losses caused by shipwreck
- Damage caused during loading and unloading
- Other risks during transportation
c. All risks (including natural disaster extended insurance)
Comprehensive insurance can be extended to include coverage for storms, floods, hurricanes, and even tsunamis. While not all policies cover this, some situations may qualify for coverage under this policy.
Who is responsible? Legal review and liability
If the car went overboard under the supervision of a third party (such as a port or ferry operator), it will be necessary to review who is legally responsible:
- If the fault lies with the operator, the owner can file a claim. However, the legal process may take some time.
- If the car owner is negligent , all responsibilities shall be borne by the car owner and cannot claim compensation from the operator.
- Third Party Liability Insurance (TPL) becomes very important in this situation to avoid long-term financial conflicts.
How to claim compensation if this happens?
If this happens to you, here is the general process for filing a claim:
- Record events (photos, videos, chronological order)
- Call the police and file a formal report
- Contact the insurance company within 3×24 hours after the incident occurs
- Submit supporting documents such as:
- Policy
- Vehicle Registration Certificate (STNK) and Vehicle Registration Certificate (BPKB)
- Official certificate from the Port Authority
- Waiting for the results of the insurance company’s investigation
📌Important Tip: Please be sure to read the policy extension terms and conditions carefully to avoid any surprises when making a claim.
Conclusion:
Car crashes may seem rare, but the consequences can be devastating. Weather, carelessness, or even being away from your car can cause a car to crash. With the right insurance coverage and appropriate insurance extensions, you can minimize your losses and gain financial security.
For more information, you can read our basic article: 👉 Is there insurance if the car falls into the sea?
To find the right insurance product, you can consult a trusted broker. They will help you determine your needs, risks, and budget. Do not underestimate extreme risks; the right coverage can save you hundreds of millions of rupees in losses.
Contact us at L&G Insurance Brokers for further consultation and to choose the right car insurance for your event.
