Road Train Insurance

Premiums vary significantly based on the combination value, number of trailers, operating routes and goods carried. As a rough guide, comprehensive cover typically ranges from $12,000 to $35,000+ per year. Remote operations hauling dangerous goods sit at the upper end. The best way to get an accurate price is to request a free quote through Shielded Insurance.

Each trailer needs to be insured, but they don't necessarily require separate policies. Fleet policies can cover the prime mover and all trailers under a single arrangement. Converter dollies should also be specifically declared. If you tow trailers owned by other operators, you'll need non-owned trailer liability cover as well.

Yes. Road trains are generally not permitted in major metropolitan areas or on roads not rated for their size and mass. They predominantly operate in Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and state transport authorities set the approved routes and mass limits.

Remote area recovery for a road train can be extremely expensive - sometimes exceeding $50,000 for a rollover on an unsealed road. Standard policies may cap recovery costs, so it's worth checking your limit and considering additional recovery cover. Downtime cover can also help replace lost income while you wait for repairs and parts in remote locations.

Livestock in transit is typically covered under a separate goods in transit or cargo policy, not the motor vehicle policy itself. If you're hauling cattle, sheep or other livestock, ensure you have adequate cargo cover that accounts for the full value of the animals. Some policies also cover mortality during transit.

Yes, but you must accurately declare your operating routes when applying. Unsealed and remote road operations attract higher premiums due to increased rollover, dust damage and animal strike risk. Some insurers specialise in outback operations - Shielded can compare options from NTI, Zurich and other transport-specialist underwriters.

Shielded compares quotes from specialist transport insurers including NTI, Zurich, CGU, Allianz, QBE, Vero, Hollard and Global Transport & Automotive Insurance (GT). NTI and Zurich are particularly well-known for covering remote-area and heavy haulage operations. The best insurer depends on your combination, routes and cargo type.

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.