Motor Trade Insurance Claims Guide
What to do when something goes wrong — a practical guide to motor trade insurance claims.
First: Are You Safe?
If an incident involves injury, fire, or a road accident, ensure everyone's safety first. Call 111 for emergency services if required. Do not admit liability at the scene of a vehicle accident.
Steps to Take After an Incident
Document Everything Immediately
Take photographs or video of the damage, the vehicles involved, the scene, and any visible injuries. Collect witness contact details. Note the date, time, location, and weather conditions.
Notify Your Broker
Contact your insurance broker as soon as possible — ideally within 24 hours of the incident. Your broker will guide you through the insurer's claims notification process and represent you throughout the claim.
Get a Police Report if Required
Police reports are typically required for theft, vandalism, accidents involving injury, or significant property damage. Even if police attendance is not required at the scene, you can lodge a report online through NZ Police.
Preserve Evidence and Property
Do not dispose of damaged property or undertake repairs until your insurer's assessor has inspected the damage. For theft, secure your premises against further loss. For fire damage, preserve the scene where safe.
Cooperate with the Claims Assessor
Your insurer will assign a claims assessor who will assess the damage and determine coverage. Provide all requested documentation promptly, including receipts, invoices, repair estimates, and financial records.
Understand Your Excess
Most motor trade policies have an excess — the amount you pay towards each claim before the insurer contributes. Your broker will confirm the excess applicable to your specific claim.
Common Motor Trade Claim Types
Vehicle Accident (Road Risk)
Collision or damage to a vehicle being driven on a test drive, trade plate movement, or for business purposes.
Theft of Vehicle Stock
Vehicles stolen from your yard or premises. Often requires police report and evidence of security measures.
Customer Vehicle Damage
Damage to a customer's vehicle while in your workshop or yard — including fire, storm, theft, or accidental damage.
Public Liability
A customer or member of the public injured or having property damaged at your premises or as a result of your work.
Fire / Storm Damage
Damage to your property, stock, tools or equipment caused by fire, storm, flood, or other weather events.
Tool / Equipment Theft
Theft of tools, diagnostic equipment, or workshop machinery from your premises or your vehicle.
Don't Have Insurance in Place Yet?
If you've experienced a loss and don't currently have appropriate motor trade insurance, it's time to get covered. Our advisers can help you assess your current risk exposure and structure appropriate cover going forward.
Get Motor Trade Insurance →Get the Right Cover Before You Need to Claim
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