Compare B-double insurance quotes from leading Australian insurers. Comprehensive, third party and liability cover for prime movers and twin trailers. Free quotes from Shielded Insurance.
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Specialist cover for B-double combinations operating across Australia.
A B-double is one of the most productive heavy vehicle combinations on Australian roads - a prime mover towing two semi-trailers connected by a fifth-wheel coupling on the lead trailer. With a gross combination mass of up to 68.5 tonnes and overall lengths reaching 26 metres, B-doubles represent a substantial investment. A typical prime mover and twin-trailer setup can easily exceed $600,000 in value. B-double insurance protects that investment with cover specifically designed for the higher risk profile, larger payloads and complex operating requirements of these combinations.
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Questions about B-Double Insurance and General Enquiries
A B-double is a heavy vehicle combination consisting of a prime mover towing two semi-trailers. The lead trailer connects to the prime mover via a fifth-wheel coupling, and the second trailer connects to a turntable on the rear of the lead trailer. B-doubles can carry up to 68.5 tonnes GCM and are widely used across Australia for freight transport on approved routes.
Comprehensive cover for a B-double combination typically ranges from $12,000 to $30,000+ per year. The exact premium depends on the total insured value of the prime mover and both trailers, operating radius, goods carried, claims history and driver experience. Interstate linehaul operations with high-value freight sit at the upper end. Request a free quote from Shielded for an accurate price.
Each trailer needs to be insured, but they can be covered under a single combined policy or as individual units. If you tow trailers owned by other operators, you also need non-owned trailer liability cover to protect against damage to those assets while in your possession.
You need a Multi Combination (MC) class licence to drive a B-double in Australia. Insurers will assess the experience level of all MC-licensed drivers nominated on the policy, and less experienced drivers may attract premium loading.
No. B-doubles can only operate on routes approved by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) or the relevant state authority. Operating outside approved B-double networks may void or limit your insurance cover, so always confirm route approvals before accepting a job.
Agreed value means you and the insurer pre-determine the payout amount for each unit - if the vehicle is written off, you receive that agreed figure. Market value means the insurer pays the current market worth at the time of the claim, which may be lower than expected due to depreciation. For expensive B-double combinations, agreed value provides significantly more certainty.
Yes. If any unit in your B-double combination - the prime mover or either trailer - is under finance or lease, the lender will almost always require comprehensive insurance with them listed as an interested party on the policy.
Shielded Insurance compares B-double quotes from specialist transport insurers including Zurich, NTI, CGU, Allianz, QBE, Vero, Hollard, and Global Transport (GT). The best insurer depends on your vehicle configuration, goods carried, operating radius and claims history.
In Australia, truck insurance typically includes comprehensive motor cover (accidental damage, fire, theft and weather), third party property damage, public liability, cargo/marine transit cover, downtime or loss-of-use cover, and personal accident insurance. At Shielded, we tailor a combination of these options to match your operation -whether you run a single rigid truck or a fleet of prime movers and trailers.
Several factors influence your premium including the type and value of your truck, your claims and driving history, the goods you carry, your operating radius (metro vs interstate), the level of excess you choose, and the cover options you select. For example, a prime mover hauling dangerous goods interstate will typically attract a higher premium than a light rigid truck doing local deliveries.
You can reduce your truck insurance costs by increasing your excess, bundling multiple vehicles or cover types into one policy, maintaining a clean claims history, and using an insurance broker like Shielded to compare quotes from multiple insurers. We compare rates from Zurich, NTI, CGU, Allianz, QBE and more to find competitive pricing for your situation.
In the event of an accident or claim, contact us at Shielded Insurance on 1800 97 98 99 or reach out to your insurer directly. We recommend notifying us as soon as possible so we can guide you through the claims process and help ensure a smooth outcome.
Yes, if you need full comprehensive coverage on a trailer you don't own, you'll need to list it on your policy. Some policies include default non-owned trailer coverage up to a certain limit (usually $50,000 to $100,000), but this typically covers liability only -not damage to the trailer itself. Talk to us about your towing arrangements so we can ensure you're properly covered.
Yes, comprehensive truck insurance policies in Australia include cover for both fire and theft as standard. Third party property damage policies do not include this -you need at least a third party fire and theft or comprehensive policy. If your truck is financed, your lender will usually require comprehensive cover.
Yes, if you're transporting dangerous goods (fuel, chemicals, gases etc.) you'll generally need specialist dangerous goods liability coverage. Limits can range significantly depending on the type of goods and the distances travelled, so it's important to discuss your specific requirements with us to ensure adequate protection.
Most truck insurance policies provide coverage across Australia, however some policies include a radius-of-operation limit based on what you declared when the policy was set up. If you travel outside your declared radius, additional excesses may apply or you may have issues at claim time. If your operations change, let us know so we can update your policy accordingly.
We compare quotes from a wide panel of Australian insurers including Zurich, NTI, HMIA, Penn, Global Transport (GT), ATL, CGU, Vero, Hollard, Allianz, and QBE. We're not limited to these -the best insurer depends on your truck type, what you carry, and how you operate. As brokers, we do the comparison work for you to find the most competitive and suitable cover.
Truck insurance premiums vary widely depending on the vehicle type and value, your claims history, the goods carried, and your operating radius. As a rough guide, a single rigid truck may cost between $2,000–$5,000 per year for comprehensive cover, while a prime mover and trailer combination could range from $5,000–$15,000 or more. The best way to get an accurate price is to request a free quote through Shielded.