Insurance for Transport Operators

A transport business has most of its value on the road at any given moment, and it is carrying somebody else's property while it is out there. One incident can take a truck off the road, write off a customer's freight and leave you answering for both at once.

We arrange insurance for transport operators of every size, from owner drivers and courier businesses to fleets running rigids, prime movers and trailers. We take the time to understand what you cart, where you cart it and what your customer contracts commit you to, so the cover across the operation lines up.

Key covers to consider

• Commercial Motor, Plant and Equipment: prime movers, trailers, rigids, vans and courier vehicles, singly or as a fleet
• Marine Transit and Goods in Transit: the goods you carry, whether they belong to you or to your customer
• Public and Products Liability: injury or property damage during loading, unloading and delivery
• Business Pack: depot, yard, workshop and office, plus contents and equipment
• Workers Compensation: compulsory cover for businesses with employees and apprentices
• Management Liability: employment disputes, OH&S, and claims against the business and its owners and managers for alleged mismanagement
• Cyber Liability: dispatch, tracking and invoicing systems, and the customer details they hold
• Personal Accident and Sickness: income for owner drivers and working directors who sit outside workers compensation

Common questions

Does my truck policy cover the freight on the back?

Generally not. A motor policy covers the vehicle. The goods you are carrying need transit cover, arranged either for your own property or as carriers' liability for your customers' freight. Most operators end up needing both, and it is worth checking which one your current policy is.

Why does it matter if I use subbies?

The use of subbies increases your risk, and your premiums. This is because you're still liable for their work, you generally have less control over the work (compared to an employee), and the potential for an uninsured subcontractor is a big concern with insurers. Your subcontracted drivers usually need their own insurance, and your own policy may well assume they hold it. Send us your subcontractor agreements and your customer contracts and we will check what each one requires, so there is no gap between the two.

Will tracking devices or dash cameras reduce my premium?

Some insurers do offer premium reductions for tracking devices or dash cameras. Every operator knows the old story that it was the truck's fault, and the key benefit is being able to prove whether or not you were at fault for an accident using the video footage and speeds from the technology. We have a working relationship with a provider and can help connect your business.

How Much Public & Products Liability Cover Do I Need?

It depends on the work you do and who you do it for. Many head contractors, councils, property managers and commercial sites set a minimum amount in their contracts before you can start. If you lease your premises, your lease will usually set a minimum level of public liability you must hold as a tenant, and often asks for the landlord to be noted on your policy. So check your contracts, your lease and any tender or site requirements first. Also think about the worst injury or property damage your work could realistically cause.

Cover level	When it's usually needed
$5 million	Small or hobby-sized businesses with lower-risk work, few or no visitors to their premises, and no lease or contract asking for more.
$10 million	Suits most trades and businesses working on client premises or dealing with the public. Often the minimum set by commercial leases, markets and event organisers, and many subcontract agreements.
$20 million	Suits higher-risk work such as specialist trades, construction, mining, transport operators, or working at heights. Often required by head contractors, government bodies, councils, shopping centres, mine sites and larger commercial clients.

We'll look at your contracts, your lease and your work, and help you choose a limit that fits.

Talk to a broker who knows transport

Tell us about your operation and we'll do the comparing, the paperwork and the advocating.

Request a quote for your transport business