South Africa’s commercial transport industry doesn’t have a trust problem with insurance - it has a value problem

South Africa’s transport industry keeps the economy moving. From taxis and buses transporting commuters daily to trucks delivering goods across the country, commercial transport operators are the backbone of economic activity.

Yet across the sector, many fleet owners still view insurance with scepticism. The challenge, however, is not simply a trust issue. It is a value perception issue.

For many operators, insurance is often seen as a monthly expense rather than a business continuity tool. In an environment shaped by rising fuel costs, vehicle maintenance pressures, crime, load delays and increasing operational expenses, keeping vehicles on the road takes priority.

At the same time, the transport sector continues to face growing risk exposure. Road safety remains a national concern, while commercial fleet operators also navigate vehicle theft, hijackings, accidents and costly downtime that can immediately affect income and operations.

Research estimates that minibus taxis alone account for nearly 70% of South Africa’s public transport trips, highlighting how critical commercial transport is to both commuters and the broader economy.

Education and value perception

But statistics alone will not close the trust gap between insurers, brokers and fleet owners.

The real opportunity lies in education that is practical, human-centred and rooted in the day-to-day realities of operating commercial fleets.

Fleet owners need clearer understanding around how insurance protects business continuity, the true financial impact of vehicle downtime, what cover includes and how the right insurance solutions protect both livelihoods and long-term operations.

This is where brokers also play an essential role. For many operators, brokers are often the closest and most trusted advisors in the insurance process. Building trust in the sector requires stronger collaboration between insurers, brokers and fleet owners to simplify insurance conversations and focus on real operational value rather than policy jargon.

At CTU Underwriting Managers, closing this gap starts with education and accessibility. The business works closely with brokers, fleet owners and transport operators to help them better understand risk, cover structures and the operational realities that impact claims and long-term sustainability. This includes ongoing engagement with operators across the taxi, bus and trucking sectors to ensure insurance conversations are practical, transparent and aligned to the realities of the transport industry.

Importantly, the focus cannot only be on selling policies. It must also be about helping operators make informed decisions that protect their businesses, vehicles, drivers and passengers over the long term.

Too often, meaningful engagement only happens after an accident, hijacking or rejected claim. By then, frustration and mistrust are already high.

Building stronger partnerships

South Africa’s commercial transport industry is built on people and livelihoods. Building stronger trust in insurance will require the industry to move beyond transactional relationships and towards partnerships that genuinely support the businesses keeping the country moving.

The opportunity now is for insurers, brokers and transport operators to work together to create a more informed, resilient and sustainable transport ecosystem, one where insurance is not viewed as a grudge purchase, but as an essential tool for protecting the future of the industry.