Engineering businesses may use cars, utilities and other vehicles for site visits, inspections, client meetings and transporting tools or equipment. The insurer should be told how each vehicle is used.
Information commonly requested for Commercial Motor Insurance includes:
- the make, model, year and value of each vehicle
- business and private-use details
- driver ages, licence history and regular drivers
- where vehicles are garaged and the usual travel radius
- modifications, accessories and finance arrangements
- claims, accidents and driving offences
Compulsory Third Party insurance addresses injury to people and does not replace cover for damage to vehicles or other property. Depending on the policy selected, Commercial Motor Insurance may provide comprehensive cover or more limited third-party property, fire and theft options.
A personal motor policy should not be assumed to cover regular business use. The declared use, drivers and operating conditions need to match the policy.
Tools, surveying equipment, laptops and other property carried in a vehicle may not be insured automatically. These items may require separate equipment or property cover.
Before selecting cover, compare the vehicle valuation basis, excesses, driver restrictions, hire-car benefits, towing, windscreen cover and exclusions. Tell the insurer when vehicles, drivers, garaging or business use changes.
For general Australian information, see Moneysmart’s guidance on choosing car insurance and business.gov.au’s guidance on managing business insurance.
