Heavy Motor & Fleet Insurance Guide
Heavy Motor & Fleet Insurance Guide — guidance and information from Ipswich Insurance Brokers, a Steadfast and CBN member broker.
What is heavy motor and fleet insurance?
Heavy motor and fleet insurance covers commercial vehicles above standard passenger vehicle thresholds — rigid trucks, prime movers, trailers, tippers, concrete agitators, crane trucks and specialised vehicles. Fleet arrangements consolidate multiple vehicles under a single policy. Cover is structured around declared operating use, vehicle type, driver profiles and garaging arrangements.
What this cover may include
Cover availability and terms vary between insurers and depend on individual circumstances. Subject to acceptance, a policy may include:
- Comprehensive motor — accidental damage, fire, theft, third-party liability
- Trailers and attachments (where scheduled)
- Goods in transit (as a linked section or separate policy)
- Substitute vehicle or downtime benefit (where available)
- Liability extensions for operations beyond standard motor
Common exclusions to be aware of
The following are commonly excluded under standard policy wordings. Specific exclusions vary between insurers — always review the Product Disclosure Statement before purchasing.
- Undeclared operating use or routes
- Unscheduled drivers outside permitted profiles
- Certain freight types (hazardous goods require specific declaration)
- Mechanical or electrical breakdown (separate product)
- Load securing failures (operator responsibility)
How to arrange heavy motor and fleet insurance through Ipswich Insurance Brokers
- Submit a quote request or contact us directly to discuss your requirements
- We collect relevant information and approach appropriate markets
- We compare policy terms and conditions across insurers and present options
- We arrange binding and issue documentation once you confirm instructions
As a Steadfast and CBN member broker, Ipswich Insurance Brokers has access to a broad panel of approved insurers. We act on your behalf — not on behalf of any insurer. Our remuneration is disclosed in our Financial Services Guide.
General guidance — not personal advice
The information on this page is general guidance only. It does not constitute personal advice and does not take into account your individual circumstances. Before arranging any insurance, you should consider your specific needs and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement. Our Disclaimer applies to all content on this site.
Frequently asked questions
Should I insure my trucks on agreed value or market value?
Agreed value policies pay the scheduled sum in a total loss, without depreciation deducted at claim time. Market value policies pay what the vehicle is worth at the time of loss — which for high-use working trucks can be significantly less than replacement cost. We discuss cover basis during placement and recommend the approach that best fits your situation.
Can I add vehicles to a fleet policy during the year?
Yes. Vehicles can typically be added to a fleet policy during the year. You must notify us promptly when a new vehicle is acquired — cover for an undeclared vehicle may not respond in the event of a claim. We manage fleet schedule updates as part of our ongoing service.
Does fleet insurance cover trailers automatically?
No. Trailers typically need to be specifically scheduled on the policy. An unscheduled trailer may have no coverage under a commercial motor or fleet policy. We ensure all trailers are included with correct values during placement.
What to look for when comparing heavy motor and fleet insurance policies
When reviewing options, the following points are worth considering. This is general guidance — the right approach depends on your specific situation.
Confirm that all vehicles are listed at current replacement values — fleet schedules frequently contain outdated valuations. Review the declared operating use for each vehicle — local, regional and interstate declarations must reflect actual routes. Confirm all trailers and accessories are scheduled. Review the driver conditions — age, experience and claims history conditions affect both acceptance and excess structure. For vehicles on finance, confirm that lender interests are noted correctly.
For more detailed information, see our Heavy Motor And Fleet Insurance page.
About Ipswich Insurance Brokers
Ipswich Insurance Brokers is a Steadfast and CBN member broker operating under an Australian Financial Services Licence. We act on your behalf — not on behalf of any insurer. We compare options across a broad panel of approved insurers, arrange cover, provide documentation and support claims. We are remunerated by commission from the insurer, disclosed in our Financial Services Guide. All information on this page is general guidance only — see our Disclaimer.
Fleet management throughout the year — adding and removing vehicles, tracking driver changes, updating operating use declarations — is as important as the initial placement. Undisclosed changes are the most common cause of claim complications in heavy motor insurance. We manage fleet schedules as part of our ongoing service. See our Truck Insurance page for more detail.