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TASMANINSURANCE GROUP

Commercial Motor Insurance

Commercial motor insurance is designed for vehicles used mainly for business purposes. That includes utes, vans, light trucks, prime movers and specialised vehicles.

A logging truck driving along a wet highway through a forest

Businesses with several vehicles may be able to place them under a fleet policy. A fleet arrangement can make administration simpler, although the terms will vary between insurers.

Who this insurance may suit

  • Tradies driving utes or vans to job sites
  • Transport and logistics operators
  • Couriers and delivery businesses
  • Farming and forestry operations
  • Businesses running a mixed fleet of light and heavy vehicles
  • Hire and rental operators

Why this cover may be important

Compulsory third party (CTP) only covers injury to people. It does not cover damage to your vehicle or to someone else's property, which is where commercial motor cover may come in.

A vehicle off the road can stop work on several jobs at once. Some policies offer optional benefits that may help with hire costs or towing after an insured event.

Potential areas of cover

Cover varies between insurers and policies. Depending on the policy, cover may include:

  • Accidental damage

    Comprehensive cover may include repair or replacement of your vehicle after a collision, subject to the excess and policy limits.

  • Third party property damage

    This may respond to damage your vehicle causes to other people's vehicles or property.

  • Fire and theft

    Cover options may include loss from fire or theft of the vehicle, either within a comprehensive policy or as a lower level of cover.

  • Fleet policies

    Several vehicles can sometimes be grouped under one policy with a single renewal date. Insurers often look at the fleet's claims history when setting terms.

  • Signwriting and accessories

    Fitted racks, toolboxes, canopies and signage may be included if they are declared to the insurer.

  • Goods in transit

    Some businesses add cover for goods carried in the vehicle. This is often a separate policy or section with its own conditions.

Common risks

  • Collisions on highways, rural roads or job sites
  • Damage caused to another vehicle or property
  • Theft of the vehicle or tools left inside
  • Hail, flood or falling trees
  • Windscreen damage from road debris
  • Downtime while a vehicle is repaired

What may not be covered

Every policy has exclusions, limits and conditions. Some common considerations include:

  • Policies often set conditions on driver age, licence type and experience.
  • Unlicensed drivers, driving under the influence and unroadworthy vehicles are common exclusions.
  • Mechanical breakdown and normal wear, such as tyres and brakes, are usually not covered.
  • Vehicle use matters. Carrying goods for hire, towing or operating off-road may need to be declared.
  • Agreed value and market value settle differently, so it helps to understand which applies.

Always read the Product Disclosure Statement and policy wording. Your broker can explain how they apply to you.

Why work with Tasman Insurance Group

  • We take time to understand your business or circumstances before discussing cover.
  • Where applicable, we approach suitable insurers and compare the options available.
  • We explain exclusions, limits and excesses in plain English before you decide.
  • We help with changes during the year, renewals and claims.

Commercial Motor Insurance FAQs

What is the difference between private and commercial motor insurance?

Private policies are generally written for personal use. If a vehicle is used mainly for business, carrying tools or goods, or driven by employees, a commercial policy is usually more appropriate.

How many vehicles do I need for a fleet policy?

The number varies between insurers. Some offer fleet terms for a handful of vehicles, while others start at a higher number. A broker can talk through your situation and the options available.

Does CTP cover damage to my truck?

No. CTP covers injury to people in an accident. Damage to vehicles and property is handled through separate motor insurance.

Are tools in my ute covered?

Tools are often limited or excluded under a motor policy. Many tradies arrange tool cover separately, either through a business package or a portable equipment section.

Ready to talk about commercial motor?

Request a quote or call us. We'll ask about your circumstances and discuss the options available.

Call 0470 349 217Get a Quote