Truck Insurance Online: Tips to Getting the Best Quote

Getting a truck insurance quote online can be a convenient way for owner-drivers and transport businesses to start reviewing commercial motor insurance options. Instead of arranging an initial visit to a broker, you can provide key information about the truck and your operation online and allow a broker to identify what additional underwriting information may be required.

Commercial truck insurance is individually underwritten, so the accuracy of the information you provide matters. Vehicle type, business use, operating radius, drivers, claims history and the cover selected can all influence the terms an insurer may offer.

How Does an Online Truck Insurance Quote Work?

An online quote request is usually the beginning of the insurance process rather than an instant final price. After you submit the available details, a broker may contact you to confirm the information, understand the wider operation and obtain anything else an insurer requires before terms can be provided.

Preparing the right information before submitting an enquiry can make the process more efficient.

• Prepare the vehicle details. Have the truck make, model, year, registration, configuration and current value available. Relevant modifications, accessories and mounted equipment should also be disclosed.
• Explain how the truck is used. Insurers may need to know whether the vehicle is used for general freight, construction, local delivery, interstate transport, refrigerated goods, livestock or another commercial activity.
• Provide the operating area. Local, metropolitan, regional and interstate operations can be assessed differently. Annual kilometres, overnight storage and the types of roads or sites used may also be relevant.
• Have driver information ready. Depending on the insurer, information about driver age, licence history, heavy vehicle experience and previous claims may be required.
• Review your claims and insurance history. Previous claims and current or previous insurance arrangements can form part of an insurer’s underwriting assessment.
• Tell the broker what you carry. General freight, dangerous goods, refrigerated products, livestock and high-value goods can involve different risks. Commercial motor insurance does not automatically insure the goods being transported, so separate Goods in Transit Insurance may also need to be reviewed.

Be Accurate When Requesting a Quote

The information supplied to an insurer should accurately reflect how the truck and business actually operate. Missing or incorrect information can affect the underwriting assessment and may also create issues if the policy does not reflect the declared risk.

If you are unsure whether something is relevant, discuss it with the broker rather than leaving it out.

Compare More Than the Premium

When reviewing truck insurance options, the lowest premium is not necessarily the most appropriate option for the business. Policies can differ in insured values, excesses, exclusions, limits, extensions and other conditions.

Two policies described broadly as commercial truck insurance can provide different levels of protection. Compare what each option actually covers as well as what it costs.

Use a Secure and Legitimate Website

Online insurance enquiries can involve business, vehicle and driver information, so submit your details through the official website of the broker or insurer you intend to deal with.

Avoid providing unnecessary sensitive information through unknown websites or third parties. If you are unsure what information is genuinely required, contact the broker before submitting it.

What Happens After You Submit a Quote Request?

After an online enquiry is submitted, a broker may contact you to confirm the vehicle, business use, drivers, operating radius, claims history and other underwriting details. Once the required information is available, suitable insurers can be approached and available terms can be reviewed.

For a more detailed checklist, read our guide to what information you need for a truck insurance quote.

Request a Truck Insurance Quote Online

Truck Insurance HQ works with Australian truck and transport businesses to review commercial motor and related insurance options based on the vehicle, drivers and wider business operation.

For more information about available cover, visit our Commercial Truck Insurance page.

You can call Truck Insurance HQ on 1300 815 344 or request a truck insurance quote online.

Submitting an enquiry does not start insurance cover or guarantee that an insurer will offer terms.

This article contains general information only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Cover availability, pricing, eligibility, limits, exclusions, excesses and policy terms vary between insurers and policies. Review the relevant policy documentation and obtain advice based on your circumstances before arranging insurance.