Heavy Motor & Transport Insurance

Specialist Insurance for Queensland Transport Operators

Heavy motor and transport businesses face some of the highest operational risks in Australia. From highway accidents and load damage to downtime losses and liability claims, one uninsured event can put years of hard work at risk

At Design Cover Insurance Brokers, we specialise in arranging tailored Heavy Motor & Transport Insurance solutions for truck owners, fleet operators, logistics companies, and owner-drivers across Queensland — including the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, and regional transport corridors.

Whether you operate a single rigid truck or manage a national fleet, we structure insurance programs designed to protect your vehicles, your contracts, and your income. Click on the icon you wish to explore:

What Is Heavy Motor & Transport Insurance?

Heavy motor and transport insurance is not just “truck insurance.” It is a combination of policies designed to protect:

• Heavy vehicles (rigid trucks, prime movers, tippers, trailers)

• Goods in transit

• Carrier’s liability exposures

• Public and products liability

• Fleet operations

• Business interruption and downtime

• Contractual obligations

• Logistics and warehousing risks

Transport operators face complex exposures that standard motor policies simply do not address. A specialist transport insurance structure ensures your cover matches your operations.

Who This Insurance Is Designed For?

We work with:

• Owner-drivers

• Prime mover operators

• B-Double and linehaul operators

• Refrigerated transport businesses

• Tipper and earthmoving contractors

• Fleet operators (5+ vehicles)

• Freight and logistics companies

• Warehousing operators

• Subcontract transport providers

If your business depends on heavy vehicles to generate revenue, you need cover designed specifically for transport risk.

Types of Heavy Motor & Transport Cover

A comprehensive program may include:

Heavy Vehicle Insurance

Covers accidental damage, fire, theft, malicious damage and third-party property damage for:

• Rigid trucks

• Prime movers

• B-Doubles

• Tippers

• Refrigerated trucks

• Tankers

• Concrete agitators

• Specialist plant-on-road

Options often include:

• Agreed value

• Replacement vehicle

• Windscreen cover

• Hire vehicle after accident

• Downtime cover

Trailer Insurance

Protection for:

• Skeletal trailers

• Dog trailers

• Refrigerated trailers

• Tanker trailers

• Flat tops

Many operators underestimate trailer exposure — yet damage or theft of trailers can significantly disrupt operations.

Downtime & Business Interruption

Heavy vehicles generate revenue daily. When they are off the road, income stops.

Downtime cover can provide:

• Daily loss of income payments

• Replacement vehicle funding

• Contract penalty protection

For many operators, downtime is more damaging than repair costs.

Why Heavy Motor Insurance Is Different in Queensland

Operating in Queensland introduces specific risk factors:

• Severe weather events (flooding, cyclones)

• Long-haul regional routes

• Road train exposure

• High UV deterioration on vehicles

• Increased wildlife collision risk

• Contract-driven freight markets

A broker familiar with Queensland transport conditions can ensure policies reflect local risk realities.

Common Claims in Transport Businesses

Understanding common claims helps structure the right protection.

Frequent heavy motor claims include:

• Jack-knife accidents

• Load shift damage

• Refrigeration breakdown causing cargo spoilage

• Bridge strike incidents

• Fuel contamination

• Trailer theft

• Hail and storm damage

• Third-party property damage at delivery sites

A poorly structured policy often results in reduced claim payments or unexpected exclusions.

The Risk of Being Underinsured

Many transport operators focus solely on premium price. However, gaps commonly appear in:

• Incorrect vehicle valuations

• No cover for attachments

• No downtime protection

• No carrier’s liability cover

• Inadequate cargo limits

• Contractual liability exclusions

Insurance should protect your balance sheet — not just tick a compliance box.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between truck insurance and transport insurance?

Truck insurance covers the vehicle itself. Transport insurance includes additional protections such as cargo, liability, fleet, and downtime coverage.

Do I need carrier’s liability if I have marine transit?

They cover different exposures. Marine transit covers cargo damage; carrier’s liability protects you where you are legally liable under contract.

Is downtime automatically included?

No. Downtime is often optional and must be specifically added.

Can I insure subcontractors under my policy?

This depends on policy structure and contract arrangements. It requires careful review.

Does heavy motor insurance cover interstate operations?

Yes — but policies must reflect where you operate.

How are premiums calculated?

Premiums are influenced by:

• Vehicle type and value

• Claims history

• Driver experience

• Freight type

• Radius of operation

• Security and storage

• Excess levels

Supporting All Areas of Transport

IIn addition to heavy motor insurance, we can assist with:

• Prime Mover Insurance

• Truck Insurance

• Fleet Insurance

• Owner Driver Insurance

• Trailer Insurance

• Logistics & Warehouse Insurance

• Cyber Insurance for Transport Operators

Each area has unique exposures requiring tailored advice.

Protect Your Transport Business Properly

Heavy motor and transport insurance should provide confidence — not confusion.

If you operate trucks, trailers, or a logistics business in Queensland and want clarity around your insurance program, we’re here to help.

Speak With a Transport Insurance Specialist

Design Cover Insurane Brokers

📞 0419 550 677

📧 hello@designcover.com.au

🌐 www.designcover.com.au

Based on the Sunshine Coast, servicing transport operators across Queensland and Australia.

Why Work With a Specialist Transport Broker?

Heavy motor insurance is a specialised class. Not all brokers understand:

• Chain of responsibility exposures

• Contractual freight obligations

• Aggregation limits

• Subcontractor arrangements

• Claims management nuances

• Insurer appetite for specific transport classes

At Design Cover, we structure programs around how your business actually operates.

We focus on:

• Clear coverage explanations

• Insurer negotiations

• Risk presentation to underwriters

• Claims advocacy

• Long-term relationship building

Our goal is to protect your business so you can focus on keeping your vehicles moving.

Tailored Solutions for Growing Transport Businesses

As your transport business grows, your insurance structure should evolve.

We assist with:

• Transitioning from single vehicle to fleet programs

• Reviewing contract requirements

• Managing claims history strategically

• Exploring excess optimisation

• Structuring policies to reduce long-term premium volatility

Insurance should scale with your operations.