Commercial Motor & Fleet Insurance
Your car isn't just a car when you use it for work
Visiting clients, delivering products, picking up supplies, the moment you use your vehicle for business, your personal car insurance doesn’t cover you. Commercial Motor protects you from the claims and costs that personal policies exclude.
What could go wrong
(and why you need this)
Your personal car insurance won’t cover you the moment you use your vehicle for business. Client visits, deliveries, and carrying equipment: If something goes wrong and your insurer discovers that the activity is for business use, they’ll deny your claim. You’re left paying thousands out of pocket for damage you thought was covered.
Scenario 1
The client visit accident
You’re driving to meet a client. You’re rear-ended at traffic lights. Your car needs $8,000* in repairs. You claim on your personal insurance, then they ask: “Was this trip work-related?” You say yes. They deny the claim; your policy excludes business use.
You’re now paying $8,000* out of pocket, plus facing premium increases due to the accident.
Scenario 2
The delivery accident
You’re delivering products to a customer. You misjudge a tight corner and scrape the side of a parked Mercedes. Damage: $15,000*.
The owner wants immediate repairs. Your personal insurance won’t cover it because you were carrying goods for business purposes.
Scenario 3
The stolen tools in your van
Your van was broken into overnight. They stole $12,000* worth of tools and equipment, plus damaged the van doors.
Your home insurance typically does not cover tools used for business purposes. Your personal motor policy typically does not cover business equipment. You’re uninsured for everything.
Scenario 4
The employee accident
Your employee is driving your company vehicle to pick up supplies. They cause an accident, injuring another driver. The injured party claims $150,000* for medical costs and lost income.
They’re suing your business and you personally as the vehicle owner.
What this actually covers
Commercial motor insurance
Commercial Motor Insurance covers vehicles used for business purposes:
Vehicle damage cover:
- Accident damage (collision, roll-over, fire)
- Theft and attempted theft
- Malicious damage and vandalism
- Storm, hail, and flood damage
- Windscreen and window damage
Third-party cover:
- Injury to other people
- Damage to other vehicles
- Damage to property (fences, buildings, street furniture)
- Legal liability from accidents
- Legal defence costs
Business-specific cover:
- Tools and equipment in the vehicle (usually $2,000-$10,000 limit)
- Goods in transit (stock, products, materials)
- Employee drivers (when nominated)
- Sign writing and modifications
- Hire car or a temporary replacement vehicle
What could go wrong
(and why you need this)
Start smart
Pre-launch to first year
You need this from day one if:
- Visit clients in your personal vehicle
- Deliver products or services using your car
- Carry business equipment or stock
- Pick up supplies for the business
- Transport employees to worksites
- Use your vehicle for any business purpose beyond commuting
Single vehicle vs fleet:
Most founders start with a single vehicle. Once you have two or more vehicles, you need fleet coverage.
Scale strong
Growing and hiring
Your cover needs to increase when:
- You’re buying additional vehicles for the business
- You’re hiring employees who drive company vehicles
- You’re carrying more expensive equipment
- You’re doing interstate deliveries
- Your vehicle is now essential to revenue (can’t trade without it)
Fleet policies (2+ vehicles):
Better value than insuring separately. Single policy, single renewal date, easier administration.
Stay protected
Established and optimising
Review your cover when:
- Update vehicle values (depreciation vs modifications)
- Add new vehicles as you buy them
- Review driver lists (employees come and go)
- Check tools limits match what you’re actually carrying
- Compare fleet discounts at renewal
Common questions
Founders actually ask
Can't I just use my personal car insurance for business trips?
No. Almost all personal car insurance policies specifically exclude business use beyond commuting to a permanent workplace. If you’re visiting clients, delivering goods, or carrying tools, you need commercial cover. Claim-denial scenarios are common and expensive.