Log Truck Insurance

Premiums vary depending on the vehicle value, operating terrain, haul distances and claims history. As a rough guide, comprehensive cover for a single log truck and jinker combination typically ranges from $6,000 to $15,000 per year. B-double combinations working steep terrain or long distances sit at the upper end. Contact Shielded Insurance for a free quote tailored to your operation.

A standard motor insurance policy covers the truck and trailer, not the timber load. To protect the value of logs in transit, you need a separate cargo or marine transit policy. Shielded Insurance can arrange both motor and cargo cover as part of a complete insurance package for your forestry operation.

Most specialist commercial motor policies will cover log trucks operating on unsealed roads, but some standard policies may exclude or restrict this. It is critical to confirm that your policy covers the actual roads and terrain your trucks operate on - including steep mountain tracks and plantation access roads.

Log cranes, grapples and hydraulic equipment mounted on your truck may not be automatically included under a standard motor policy. These items should be separately declared with their replacement values to ensure they are fully covered both during use and while the truck is in transit.

Your third party property damage cover would respond to damage caused to other vehicles or property by a dislodged load. However, if the insurer determines the load was not properly restrained in accordance with NHVR guidelines, they may seek to reduce or deny the claim. Proper load restraint is both a legal requirement and an insurance obligation.

Yes. Forestry contractors running multiple log truck combinations can benefit from fleet policies that simplify administration and may deliver better overall rates. Shielded Insurance compares fleet options from specialist transport insurers to find the right arrangement for your operation.

Shielded Insurance compares quotes from specialist transport insurers including NTI, Zurich, CGU, Allianz, QBE, Vero and Hollard. NTI is particularly well-known for insuring forestry and heavy haulage operations. The best insurer depends on your vehicle, operating area and risk profile.

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.