Trailer Insurance Queensland
Specialist Insurance for Commercial & Heavy Vehicle Trailers
Trailers are often overlooked in transport insurance programs — yet they represent significant capital investment and operational dependency.
Whether you operate a single dog trailer as an owner-driver or manage multiple refrigerated trailers within a transport fleet, damage or theft can immediately disrupt your revenue.
At Design Cover Insurance Brokers, we arrange tailored Trailer Insurance in Queensland for truck operators across the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns.
If your trailer generates income, carries cargo or forms part of a heavy vehicle combination, it should be insured correctly.
Why Trailer Insurance Matters
Many operators assume their truck policy automatically provides adequate trailer cover.
In reality:
Trailer limits are often sub-limited
Attachments may not be covered
Refrigeration units may require separate consideration
Leased trailers may have contractual insurance requirements
Incorrect valuations are common
Given replacement costs for heavy trailers can exceed $80,000–$200,000+, underinsurance can be financially significant.
Who Needs Trailer Insurance?
We arrange trailer insurance for:
Owner-drivers
Prime mover operators
B-Double operators
Transport fleets
Refrigerated freight operators
Tipper contractors
Tanker operators
Logistics companies
Subcontract drivers
If you own, lease or are contractually responsible for a trailer, specialist cover is recommended.
Types of Trailers We Insure
Commercial trailer insurance in Queensland can cover:
Skeletal trailers
Dog trailers
Refrigerated trailers
Flat tops
Drop decks
Low loaders
Tanker trailers
Tipper trailers
Curtainsiders
Each trailer type presents different exposure and valuation considerations.
What Does Trailer Insurance Cover?
A comprehensive trailer insurance policy may include:
Accidental Damage
Protection against:
Collision damage
Rollover incidents
Jack-knife accidents
Impact damage
Loading and unloading incidents
Heavy combinations operating across Queensland highways are exposed to significant road risk.
Fire & Theft
Covers:
Trailer theft
Fire damage
Malicious damage
Attempted theft
Unattended trailers in depots or roadside locations can present elevated theft exposure.
Storm & Weather Damage
Queensland’s weather creates unique risk, including:
Hail events in South East Queensland
Cyclone exposure in North Queensland
Severe storms
Flood damage in regional corridors
Flood cover must be specifically confirmed within policy wording.
Third-Party Property Damage
If a trailer detaches or causes damage to other property, liability exposure can arise.
Adequate third-party property damage limits are critical.
Refrigeration Unit Cover
Refrigerated trailers require special consideration.
Exposure includes:
Refrigeration motor breakdown
Temperature failure
Cargo spoilage
Electrical malfunction
Refrigeration systems may require mechanical breakdown extensions.
Attachments & Modifications
Many trailers include:
Toolboxes
Hydraulic systems
Tail lifts
Modified axles
Additional fuel tanks
Incorrect disclosure of modifications can lead to underinsurance.
Trailer Insurance for B-Doubles & Heavy Combinations
For B-Double and multi-trailer operators, cover must clearly reflect:
Lead and rear trailer values
Combined risk exposure
Operating radius
Interstate freight routes
If you operate between Brisbane, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville or Cairns, long-haul exposure increases the likelihood of:
Weather-related damage
Wildlife collision
Road surface incidents
Remote breakdown delays
Trailer insurance must align with combination operations.
Common Trailer Insurance Claims in Queensland
Transport operators commonly experience:
Jack-knife damage to rear trailers
Hail damage in South East Queensland
Cyclone-related trailer damage in North Queensland
Theft of unattended trailers
Refrigeration failure causing cargo loss
Damage while parked at depots
Flood damage in regional areas
Underinsurance frequently becomes apparent at claim time.
What Affects Trailer Insurance Premiums?
Insurers assess:
Trailer type and value
Age and condition
Claims history
Storage location
Overnight security
Operating radius
Interstate operations
Refrigeration units
Excess selection
Accurate valuation is critical. Market replacement costs for trailers have increased significantly in recent years.
Standalone Trailer Policy vs Fleet Inclusion
Trailer insurance can be structured:
As part of a fleet insurance program
Attached to a prime mover policy
As a standalone trailer policy
We assess which structure is most suitable based on:
Number of trailers
Ownership structure
Lease agreements
Contract requirements
Fleet size
Proper structuring improves both coverage clarity and administrative efficiency.
Contractual & Lease Considerations
Many transport operators lease trailers or operate under freight contracts requiring specific insurance limits.
Contracts may require:
Agreed value coverage
Specific liability limits
Notation of interested parties
Evidence of cover certificates
We review agreements to ensure your trailer insurance aligns with contractual obligations.
Risk of Underinsurance in Trailer Policies
Common gaps include:
Outdated trailer values
No cover for attachments
No refrigeration unit extension
No flood cover
Incorrect disclosure of interstate operation
Inadequate third-party property damage limits
Trailer exposure is often underestimated until a claim occurs.
Trailer Insurance Across Queensland
Queensland’s geography increases risk variation.
South East Queensland (Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast)
Hail exposure
High-density depot storage
Increased theft risk
Darling Downs & Toowoomba
Agricultural haulage
Bulk freight exposure
Central & North Queensland (Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville, Cairns)
Cyclone exposure
Flood risk
Remote highway conditions
Insurance must reflect where and how your trailers operate.
Supporting Owner Drivers & Fleet Operators
Trailer insurance is typically coordinated alongside:
Truck Insurance
Prime Mover & B-Double Insurance
Fleet Insurance
Marine Transit
Carrier’s Liability
A fragmented approach can create gaps. Coordinated structuring ensures clarity.
Why Work With a Specialist Trailer Insurance Broker?
Heavy vehicle trailer insurance is specialised.
Working with Design Cover means:
Access to heavy motor specialist insurers
Accurate valuation structuring
Contract review guidance
Claims advocacy support
Long-term premium planning
Support as your fleet grows
We structure insurance programs aligned with your operational reality — not generic motor templates.
Protect Your Trailer Investment
Your trailer is not just an accessory — it is a revenue-generating asset.
Damage, theft or mechanical failure can immediately disrupt contracts and cash flow.
Properly structured trailer insurance provides financial protection and operational confidence.
Speak With a Queensland Trailer Insurance Specialist
Design Cover Insurance Brokers
Sunshine Coast, Queensland
📞 0419 550 677
📧 hello@designcover.com.au
🌐 www.designcover.com.au
Supporting transport operators across Queensland and Australia.