Accidental damage
May cover collision, impact and overturning damage to the declared vehicle, subject to the selected basis of cover and excess.
Specialist truck-type cover
Car Carrier Insurance in South Africa
Insurance for transporters carrying new, used, auction, dealership and customer vehicles. Cover is assessed around the vehicle configuration, cargo, operating routes and claims exposure.
Cover options for vehicles, trailers, third-party liability, goods in transit and specialist trucking risks.
Understanding the operation
About car carrier insurance
A car carrier can accumulate several high-value customer vehicles on one journey. Small securing errors, loading contact or a height-clearance collision may damage multiple vehicles at the same time, even when the carrier itself suffers limited damage.
The insurance structure should distinguish the transporter vehicle, hydraulic decks and ramps, vehicles in custody, loading and unloading, and the operator’s contractual liability. Ordinary motor insurance for the carrier does not automatically cover the cars being transported.
TruckCovered helps owner-drivers, transport contractors and fleet businesses present the risk to suitable insurance markets. Cover remains subject to underwriting, insurer approval, the policy schedule and all stated limits, conditions and exclusions.
Potential protection
What the insurance can cover
The cards below describe cover that may be available. Only benefits shown in the final written schedule apply.
Theft and hijacking
May respond to theft, attempted theft or hijacking where security, tracking, key-control and reporting requirements are met.
Third-party liability
May cover legal liability for accidental damage caused to another vehicle or property up to the stated limit.
Towing and recovery
Reasonable towing, recovery and storage after an insured incident may be included within limits and approval requirements.
Vehicles in transit
Accepted customer or dealer vehicles may be insured under specialist goods or motor-trade transit terms.
Loading and unloading
Damage while driving vehicles onto or off the carrier may be considered when expressly included.
Hydraulic decks and ramps
Declared fitted loading equipment may be covered for insured accidental damage.
Vehicle-specific underwriting
Risks specific to this truck type
These operating exposures differentiate the page and need to be discussed during the quote process.
Multiple-vehicle accumulation
One incident can damage every vehicle loaded on the carrier.
Loading damage
Low clearance, incorrect alignment or ramp movement can scratch or impact vehicles.
Height-clearance collision
Upper-deck vehicles can strike bridges, trees or overhead structures.
Vehicle detachment
Failed restraints can allow a transported vehicle to move or fall.
Theft in custody
High-value vehicles can be targeted at stops, yards or during route delays.
Hydraulic-ramp failure
Equipment failure may trap or drop a customer vehicle.
Get terms based on the real operation
Tell us what the vehicle carries, where it works and which equipment it operates.
Build the policy
Optional cover extensions
Goods in transit
Cover accepted cargo types and values under separate goods-in-transit terms.
Operational liability
Review liability that extends beyond ordinary use of the vehicle on the road.
Breakdown assistance
Arrange eligible roadside call-out and towing services within stated limits.
Excess reduction
Manage an eligible own-damage excess under a separate reducer product.
Credit shortfall
Protect against a qualifying gap between a total-loss settlement and finance balance.
Loading cover
Include accepted loading and unloading exposure under specialist transit terms.
Who this cover is suitable for
- Vehicle logistics companies
- Dealership transporters
- Auction vehicle carriers
- Manufacturer distribution fleets
- Recovery and relocation operators
- Specialist owner-drivers
Information required for a quote
Accurate answers improve quote quality and reduce the chance of a material mismatch between the policy and operation.
- Vehicle make, model, year, registration and current value
- Estimated annual kilometres and operating radius
- Regular drivers, licence classes and relevant experience
- Tracking, immobilisation and other security measures
- Overnight parking, depot and route-stop arrangements
- Three to five years of detailed claims history
- Finance provider and current settlement information
- Carrier capacity and maximum number of vehicles
- Maximum total and individual vehicle values
- New, used, auction or customer vehicle mix
- Loading, inspection and restraint procedures
- Hydraulic deck, ramp and equipment values
Avoid material gaps
Why specialist cover matters
Generic wording can fail to describe the work, equipment or liability exposure. These issues should be resolved before cover starts.
Incorrect vehicle use
A policy arranged for ordinary delivery work may not cover specialist lifting, hazardous loads, off-road work or abnormal-load operations.
Undeclared cargo
The goods carried affect theft, fire, contamination and liability exposure and must be described accurately.
Uninsured equipment
Bodies, refrigeration units, cranes, compactors and other fitted machinery require separate values and written acceptance.
Territorial and driver restrictions
Cross-border countries, driver requirements and overnight-security warranties can materially restrict cover.
Customer vehicles
Cars in custody are not part of the carrier’s motor sum insured.
Accumulation limits
A per-load limit must reflect the highest combined value, not an average vehicle value.
When an incident occurs
Claims process
- 1
Report the incident
Notify TruckCovered or the insurer as soon as reasonably possible and follow the emergency instructions supplied with the policy.
- 2
Secure the vehicle and cargo
Take reasonable steps to prevent further loss without putting drivers, crew, road users or the environment at risk.
- 3
Collect supporting evidence
Photograph the scene, vehicles, load, equipment, road conditions and visible damage, and preserve tracking or temperature records.
- 4
Provide formal reports
Submit the police, accident, fire, spill or workplace documents required for the particular incident.
- 5
Arrange assessment and recovery
Use authorised towing, recovery, survey and repair providers where the policy or insurer requires prior approval.
- 6
Track the claim
Respond to information requests and keep repair, recovery, cargo-owner and third-party records available for review.
Vehicle-specific questions
Frequently asked questions
Are transported vehicles covered?
Only under accepted transit or custody terms with suitable per-vehicle and per-load limits.
Does cover apply while loading cars?
It may when loading and unloading are specifically included and procedures are followed.
Can dealership vehicles be insured?
Yes, subject to contracts, vehicle values, handover records and route controls.
What happens if several vehicles are damaged?
The event is assessed against the accumulation limit, excess, cause and applicable transit wording.
Are hydraulic ramps covered?
They may be included for insured damage when declared; internal breakdown requires separate cover.
Is pre-existing damage covered?
No. Condition reports and photographs help separate prior damage from transit damage.
Tailored protection
Protect Your Car Carrier
Request a tailored truck insurance quotation based on the vehicle, cargo, operating routes and risks involved.
The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute financial advice. Cover is subject to underwriting, insurer approval, policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions. Benefits and availability may differ between insurers. Cover does not commence until it has been formally confirmed in writing.