Best Commercial Vehicle Insurance in Australia: Top Picks

Commercial vehicle insurance protects cars, utes, vans, trucks and plant used for work. It pays to repair or replace your vehicle after insured events such as accident, theft, fire and weather, and covers damage you cause to people’s property, with extras to keep you trading. It’s different from CTP, which only covers injuries. Policies can be set up for a single vehicle, a private car with business use, or a whole fleet.

This guide pinpoints the best commercial vehicle insurance in Australia and how to choose with confidence. You’ll see who needs what, cover levels from third party to comprehensive, typical inclusions and exclusions, cost drivers and ways to save, fleet essentials, claims support, and what you need to get quotes. We’ll also explain where to buy and the key add‑ons and tax basics. Here’s what to know before you choose.

Who needs commercial vehicle insurance (and who doesn’t)

Before you shop for the best commercial vehicle insurance, confirm you actually need commercial cover. As a rule, if your vehicle does more than commute — carrying tools, stock, clients or paying passengers, visiting job sites, making deliveries, or operating as part of a fleet — you’ll need commercial cover. Private policies usually don’t cover business use beyond the trip to and from work unless you disclose it or add business‑use to the policy.

• Daily business use: Utes, vans or trucks transporting tools, stock or employees.

• Paid services: Couriers/delivery and rideshare or taxis carrying paying passengers (often needs specialist cover).

• Business‑owned/leased & fleets: Vehicles registered to a business or multiple vehicles used primarily for work.

• Occasional work use in a private car: Consider a personal policy with a business‑use extension.

• Commuting only: Travel between home and your usual workplace typically stays as private use.

Always disclose any business use — failing to do so may void a claim.

Business use vs commercial vs fleet: what’s the difference?

Insurers use three labels for work driving. Business use is a private car policy extended for limited work trips. Commercial motor is a dedicated policy for vehicles used primarily or exclusively for business, including specialist plant. Fleet combines multiple business vehicles under one policy with easy add/remove.

• Business use (personal): Occasional work driving in a private car (client visits, job sites). You must disclose it; otherwise claims may be declined. Rideshare/taxi and courier/delivery work usually need specialist or commercial cover.
• Commercial motor: For vehicles used mainly or solely for business — utes, vans, small trucks and specialised equipment (e.g. forklifts, tractors, bulldozers). Broader, business‑ready features.
• Fleet cover: For multiple business vehicles. One policy, one renewal, and many policies let you add/remove vehicles mid‑term.

This helps you choose the best commercial vehicle insurance without buying the wrong product.

Types of cover explained: third party to comprehensive

Commercial motor cover comes in three tiers that mirror private car insurance, but are designed for work vehicles. You’ll choose between third party property, third party fire and theft, and comprehensive. CTP only covers injuries, so one of these tiers protects vehicles and property. The best commercial vehicle insurance level depends on the vehicle’s value, your exposure, and how quickly you need to get back on the road.

• Third party property (TPPD): Covers damage you cause to other people’s property. No cover for your own vehicle. Suits low‑value vehicles where you can self‑fund repairs or a replacement.

• Third party fire and theft (TPFT): Adds cover for your vehicle if it’s stolen or damaged by fire, lightning or attempted theft, plus third party property. Some policies may also cover damage caused by uninsured drivers.

• Comprehensive: Covers your vehicle for accidental damage (even if you’re at fault), theft, fire and weather, plus third party property. Business‑ready extras vary by insurer, such as towing, emergency repairs or a hire car after theft.

Some comprehensive policies also settle amounts owing on financed or leased vehicles after a total write‑off. Next, we’ll unpack what’s commonly included and which optional extras actually matter.

What’s typically covered (and optional extras that matter)

Most comprehensive commercial motor policies are built to keep you trading after an incident. Beyond third‑party liability, they usually cover accidental damage to your vehicle, theft and fire, plus practical extras that get the vehicle to a repairer. The best commercial vehicle insurance pairs strong core cover with extras that reduce downtime; inclusions still vary by provider and policy wording.

• Accidental damage: Covers your vehicle, even if you’re at fault.
• Theft, fire and weather: Protection for events like storms.
• Third‑party liability: Damage to other people’s property.
• Recovery support: Towing/storage and small emergency repair/travel allowances.
• Business gear: Limited cover for tools, personal items, signage/accessories.
• Total loss help: New‑for‑old replacement or finance payout on write‑offs (varies).

Optional extras that often matter:

• Hire car after accident: Not just theft.
• Windscreen/window cover: Often no excess.
• Choice of repairer: Or preferred‑repairer benefits.
• Roadside assistance: For breakdowns.
• Higher tools/equipment limits: Where needed.

Standout providers also bundle practical benefits such as lifetime repair warranties, 24/7 towing, excess discounts at preferred repairers and replacement cars for not‑at‑fault claims — all aimed at minimising downtime. Always check the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) for limits, conditions and eligibility before you rely on any feature.

Common exclusions and limits to watch

Policies aren’t blank cheques. When you compare the best commercial vehicle insurance in Australia, look closely at exclusions and sub‑limits that can block or shrink claims. Details vary by provider, so always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD). Below are common red flags to check.

• Pre‑existing damage/loss: Anything that happened before cover starts.
• Fines/penalties: Including punitive damages.
• Unlisted driver: Damage when the driver isn’t listed/authorised.
• Unregistered/unroadworthy: Vehicles not legally roadworthy or registered.
• Excluded business use: e.g. taxi/rideshare or paid delivery without specific cover.
• Alcohol/drugs: Driving under the influence.
• No reasonable care: Theft/loss when the vehicle wasn’t properly secured.
• Injury liabilities: Injuries to people are handled by CTP, not your commercial policy.

Common limits and conditions:

• Sub‑limits on gear: Tools, personal effects and signage are often capped or need an add‑on.
• Hire car scope: Often theft‑only unless you add accident hire‑car.
• New‑for‑old rules: Restricted by time/kilometre thresholds.
• Driver age rules: Tightened for younger drivers, especially in heavy vehicles.

Vehicle types and use cases covered in Australia

Commercial motor in Australia spans everyday cars through to mobile plant. Eligibility varies by insurer, but most cover business vehicles and a range of specialist machinery. When you’re comparing the best commercial vehicle insurance, make sure the policy’s target market matches your vehicle and use — from sales trips and deliveries to carrying passengers or site work.

• Passenger cars: for sales reps and consultants.
• Utes and vans: for tradies and mobile services.
• Light trucks: for local delivery and logistics.
• Heavy vehicles and mobile plant: forklifts, tractors, bulldozers, cement trucks; some trailers.
• Specialist rigs: food trucks and mobile grooming vans.
• Paid services: couriers/delivery and rideshare/taxis (specialist or commercial cover).

CTP vs commercial cover: how they work together

In Australia, Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance is mandatory with registration. It covers injuries to people (drivers, passengers, pedestrians) when your vehicle is involved in a crash. It doesn’t pay for damage to vehicles or property, or to repair/replace your work vehicle. Commercial motor insurance sits on top of CTP to handle those costs and keep you trading.

• At‑fault crash: CTP handles injuries; your commercial policy covers third‑party property damage; comprehensive pays to repair/replace your vehicle; extras like towing or hire car may apply.
• Theft, fire or weather: CTP isn’t relevant; commercial insurance responds.
• Business activities: For rideshare, courier and fleets, your policy must explicitly cover the use; some activities require specialist or fleet cover.
• Bottom line: CTP is compulsory; to get the best commercial vehicle insurance outcome, pair it with third party or comprehensive cover that matches your risk.

Top picks by business use case in Australia

Use case matters — the best commercial vehicle insurance isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all. Start with who you are and what you drive, then shortlist providers that explicitly cover that activity. Below are strong, widely available options and specialist routes in Australia; always confirm the PDS and TMD to ensure your exact vehicle and business use are in scope.

• Tradies and mobile services (utes/vans, food trucks, mobile grooming): AAMI Commercial Motor (from tradies’ utes to food trucks and mobile dog grooming vans), Allianz Commercial Vehicle, GIO Commercial Vehicles, and WFI if you want multiple vehicles under one package.
• Couriers and last‑mile delivery: Commercial policies or specialists are typically required; National Cover specialises in courier delivery and backs it with a price‑beat promise and downtime‑reducing claims support.
• Rideshare and taxis: These usually need specialist cover. National Cover offers dedicated rideshare/taxi policies, lifetime repair warranties, replacement cars for not‑at‑fault claims, 24/7 towing and excess discounts via preferred repairers.
• Heavy vehicles and mobile plant: Vero (business car & vehicle cover including heavy vehicles), plus GIO for certain vans, trucks, trailers and mobile machinery. For bespoke risks, consider brokers like 360 Motor Insurance or Marsh.
• SMEs and growing fleets: Fleet solutions from Allianz, AAMI, GIO and WFI (many allow easy add/remove). National Cover can place mixed‑use fleets with 365‑day support and streamlined claims handling.
• Private car with occasional work use: As Canstar notes, ask your current insurer to add business use to a personal policy; if use is frequent or higher‑risk, step up to commercial motor.

How to compare policies: features, limits and fine print

To shortlist the best commercial vehicle insurance for your business, compare like‑for‑like using the PDS and TMD. Start by confirming the policy covers your exact vehicle and work, then look at the protection depth and the downtime support that keeps you trading. Finally, weigh the premium against the real value you’ll get — your quote‑to‑value ratio.

• Eligibility & use: Vehicle type and business activity; couriers/rideshare often need specialist cover.
• Cover level: TPPD, TPFT or Comprehensive; match to vehicle value and risk.
• Downtime support: Hire car (accident vs theft), towing/storage, emergency repairs, roadside.
• Sub‑limits: Tools, personal effects, signage/accessories; increase limits via add‑ons if needed.
• Repairs: Choice of repairer vs preferred networks, parts policy, lifetime warranty where offered.
• Write‑off terms: New‑for‑old thresholds and finance/lease payout conditions.
• Excesses: Basic/age/imposed excesses; glass options; how changes affect premiums.
• Drivers/conditions: Listed drivers, age limits, modifications; unroadworthy/unregistered not covered.
• Fleet admin: Add/remove vehicles mid‑term; single policy/renewal for multiple vehicles.

Match excesses across quotes to compare premiums on equal terms.

How much does commercial vehicle insurance cost (and ways to save)

There’s no single price for commercial motor cover. Premiums hinge on your risk profile: the vehicle you run, where and how far it drives, who’s at the wheel, and the work it does. Expect business‑use to cost more than private cover, and comprehensive to cost more than third party. Optional extras (hire car, higher tool limits, roadside) add value and cost. Some providers charge instalment fees for monthly payments, while many offer first‑year online discounts — so it pays to compare on like‑for‑like terms.

• What drives your premium:

  • Vehicle type, value and age (cars, utes, vans, trucks, mobile plant).
  • Business use and frequency (e.g. couriers, rideshare/taxi typically higher risk).
  • Postcode/garaging, average kilometres, claims history and drivers’ ages.
  • Cover level (TPPD/TPFT/Comprehensive) and any optional extras added.
  • Modifications and how/where the vehicle is stored.

• Ways to save without gutting cover:

  • Pick the right tier: Use TPPD/TPFT for low‑value vehicles; go comprehensive where downtime hurts.
  • Tune your excess: Higher basic excess usually lowers premium; keep it affordable.
  • Limit drivers and list them: Fewer, named drivers can reduce risk pricing.
  • Be selective with extras: Add what you’ll use; extras increase premiums.
  • Package smart: Ask for business packages or fleet policies — they may be cheaper than separate covers.
  • Leverage deals: Buy online where discounts apply; check monthly instalment fees and pay annually if fees exist.
  • Use networks: Some providers (e.g. National Cover) offer excess discounts with preferred repairers, lifetime repair warranties and replacement cars for not‑at‑fault claims.
  • Bring a quote: National Cover’s price‑beat guarantee can undercut competing offers.
  • Match use to policy: If work use is occasional, a personal policy with a business‑use extension can be cheaper than full commercial.
  • Switch cleanly: If you find a better deal mid‑term, ask about any return premium from your current insurer to avoid paying twice.

A sharper premium is great — but the best commercial vehicle insurance balances price with strong downtime support so you can keep trading when it matters.

Fleet insurance essentials for SMEs and growing fleets

Once your business runs more than one vehicle — or you expect to add more — a fleet policy usually beats juggling separate policies. It puts all business‑owned or leased vehicles on a single commercial motor schedule and, with many providers, lets you add or remove vehicles as you go. That streamlines billing, cuts admin, and keeps cover aligned with your changing roster while protecting against the real cost of downtime.

• Scope that fits your fleet: Policies can cover mixed vehicles — cars, utes, vans, light trucks and certain mobile plant — under one program (check the PDS/TMD for eligibility).
• Easy in/out: Many policies allow vehicles to be automatically included and removed mid‑term, so cover keeps pace with growth.
• Pick your protection level: Third party property, third party fire and theft, or comprehensive — match tiers to each vehicle’s value and risk.
• Downtime support that matters: Towing/storage, emergency repairs, hire car after theft (and optionally after accidents), and finance/lease payout after a total write‑off.
• Business gear and signage: Look for tools‑of‑trade and signage cover, noting sub‑limits and optional higher limits.
• Driver settings and conditions: Clarify listed vs any‑driver, age limits and excluded activities (e.g. rideshare/courier often need specialist cover).
• Claims help that keeps you moving: Favour providers with dedicated claims support, lifetime repair warranties, 24/7 towing and replacement vehicles for not‑at‑fault claims.
• Placement and pricing: Many commercial policies are arranged via brokers; specialists can place bespoke risks and package covers for value.

Always confirm your vehicles and use cases fall within the policy’s Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination before you bind cover.

Claims, repairs and downtime: what good providers do well

When a work vehicle is off the road, revenue takes the hit. Claims handling is where the best commercial vehicle insurance proves its value — fast lodgement, smart triage, quality‑assured repairs and mobility support that keeps you trading. Look for providers that back you with lifetime repair warranties, 24/7 towing, replacement cars for not‑at‑fault claims, and expert support all year round.

• Fast lodgement & support: Simple email/phone claims with 365‑day assistance.
• 24/7 towing & storage: Rapid recovery to a safe yard or repairer.
• Smart triage: Quick assessment and allocation to vetted repair networks.
• Lifetime repair warranty: Confidence on all authorised repairs.
• Mobility support: Replacement car when not at fault; hire car after theft (and optional after accidents).
• Emergency costs covered: Towing, small emergency repairs, travel/accommodation allowances.
• Write‑off outcomes: Finance/lease payout and new‑for‑old replacement where eligible.
• Repairer benefits: Excess discounts at preferred repairers and a dedicated claims team with clear updates.

Always check the PDS/TMD for eligibility, limits and conditions before you rely on any feature.

What you’ll need to get quotes fast

Line up the basics and you’ll get accurate quotes in minutes. Providers will ask about your business use, the vehicle itself and who’s driving, then tailor cover and excesses around that. Have the following ready before you call or click.

• Business details & use: e.g. travel between job sites, carrying goods, carrying paying passengers.
• Vehicle details: make, model, year; number of vehicles if it’s a fleet.
• Average kilometres per year: how far it typically drives.
• Cover level wanted: TPPD, TPFT or Comprehensive.
• Modifications: any changes from factory spec.
• Drivers: who will drive the vehicle(s).
• Paid activities: whether it’s rideshare/taxi or delivery for a fee.
• Optional extras: hire car, windscreen, roadside, higher tool/equipment limits.
• Competing quotes: handy if you want a price‑beat.

Where to buy: direct insurers, brokers and specialists

Where you buy the best commercial vehicle insurance matters. You’ve got three paths: direct insurers, brokers and motor specialists. Finder’s research shows most commercial policies are broker‑placed. Direct suits straightforward use; specialists and brokers suit unusual vehicles, higher limits or multi‑vehicle programs.

• Direct insurers: Best for standard business cars, utes and vans. AAMI, Allianz, GIO, Youi, QBE, WFI. Online quotes; some uses need a call.
• Brokers: For heavy vehicles, plant or multi‑vehicle programs. Access to multiple insurers and tailored limits. Examples include 360 Motor Insurance, Marsh and other licensed brokers.
• Specialists: For rideshare, taxi, courier and mixed fleets. National Cover offers a price‑beat guarantee, 365‑day help, lifetime repair warranties, 24/7 towing and not‑at‑fault replacement cars.

Add-on business covers to consider (liability, transit, tools)

Even the best commercial vehicle insurance is built around the vehicle. To close common gaps — injuries/property damage from your work, goods you carry, and the tools you rely on — pair your motor cover with targeted business insurance. National Cover can bundle Public Liability, Marine Transit and other business policies so your on-road and on-site risks are protected under one program.

• Public Liability: Covers injury/property damage from your business activities (e.g. loading/unloading), beyond motor accident liability.
• Goods/Marine Transit: Protects stock, parcels or customers’ goods against theft or damage while being transported.
• Tools and Portable Equipment: Insures tools of trade and portable gear; lifts the low sub‑limits common in motor policies.
• Trailer/mobile plant cover: Extend protection to registered/unregistered trailers or specific plant that may sit outside standard motor cover.
• Professional Indemnity (where relevant): For businesses that provide instruction or advice, to address claims of error or negligence.

Loss of income is often excluded — ask about downtime/business interruption options. Always check the PDS/TMD for limits, conditions and eligibility.

Tax and compliance basics for business vehicles (ABN, GST/ITC, FBT)

Insurance touches your tax. To keep claims and BAS clean, line up ABN, GST/input tax credits (ITC) and any FBT obligations before you buy the best commercial vehicle insurance. The points below are general info only — get advice from your accountant or the ATO for your situation. Insurers will usually ask about your GST registration so premiums and claim payments are handled correctly.

• ABN and legal name: Ensure the vehicle registration and policy are in the correct legal name and include your ABN where applicable.
• GST and ITCs: If registered for GST, you may claim ITCs on the business-use portion of premiums, repairs, towing, hire cars and accessories. Keep tax invoices and apportion business vs private use.
• Claims and GST handling: Tell the insurer your GST status and ITC entitlement so claim settlements are calculated correctly.
• FBT exposure: If a vehicle is available for an employee/director’s private use, FBT may apply. Keep logbooks/odometer readings, note days unavailable, and consider employee contributions/novated leases.
• Record-keeping & deductions: Maintain logbooks, kilometres, repair and finance records. Deductibility generally follows business-use percentage — be consistent across policies, claims and tax records.

Risk management and telematics to control premiums

Insurers price what they see. If you can prove lower risk and faster recovery, you can strengthen your position on premiums and excesses while keeping vehicles on the road. A practical, data‑led approach — backed by telematics — helps you get more value from even the best commercial vehicle insurance.

• Driver selection and training: Licence checks, onboarding, refresher coaching.
• Written driving policy: Speed, mobile use, fatigue breaks and incident reporting.
• Preventative maintenance: Service schedules, tyre/brake checks and defect logs to stay roadworthy.
• Secure storage & anti‑theft: Garaging, immobilisers, GPS trackers and dash cams.
• Loads and routes: Stay within weight limits, ADR‑compliant tie‑downs, plan around high‑risk zones and weather.
• Telematics & coaching: Monitor speeding, harsh events and idling; set geofences; coach drivers and share improvements at renewal to support pricing discussions.
• Fix small issues early: Repair windscreen chips and minor damage before they escalate.
• Quarterly reviews: Analyse claims/near‑misses with your broker/insurer and adjust controls accordingly.

Mistakes to avoid when choosing a policy

A few avoidable missteps can leave you exposed or overpaying. When you’re chasing the best commercial vehicle insurance, slow down long enough to match policy type and use, confirm limits and exclusions, and set up admin cleanly. Here are the pitfalls we see most often.

• Not disclosing business use: Rideshare/courier unlisted? Claims can fail.
• Relying on CTP for property/vehicle: It covers injuries only.
• Wrong policy type: Buying business‑use extension when commercial is needed.
• Skipping the PDS/TMD: Missed exclusions or vehicle‑type restrictions bite.
• Underinsuring and low sub‑limits: Tools, signage and accessories under‑covered.
• No accident hire‑car: Downtime costs more than the premium saving.
• Unlisted or young drivers: Extra excesses or declined claims follow.
• Messy admin: Fleet adds and ABN/GST/ITC not updated promptly.

A simple checklist to choose the right cover today

Pressed for time? Use this quick checklist to lock in the best commercial vehicle insurance today. Work through it once to get like‑for‑like quotes, the right cover tier, and the downtime support your business needs to keep trading.

• Define use & vehicles: tradie, courier, rideshare, fleet, plant.
• Pick a tier: TPPD, TPFT or Comprehensive for value/downtime.
• Check PDS/TMD: vehicle type and activity are in scope.
• Set limits/extras and downtime support: tools, hire car, windscreen, towing.
• Standardise excess: compare like‑for‑like; note instalment fees/discounts.
• Drivers: list regular drivers; confirm age limits/excesses.
• Quotes & channel: ABN, rego, km, mods; direct, broker or specialist.
• Bind & maintain: update fleet; diarise renewal; add risk controls/telematics.

Conclusion section

Protecting the vehicle that earns your income is about more than ticking a box — it’s about keeping your business moving when things go wrong. You now know who needs commercial motor versus a business‑use extension or fleet, how cover tiers compare, which extras cut downtime, and the exclusions and admin that matter in Australia. Pair CTP with the right policy, compare like‑for‑like, and match price to real‑world value.

Next steps are simple: line up your vehicle, use and driver details, set your must‑haves (hire car, windscreen, tools limits), standardise excesses and collect quotes. Or let a specialist do the heavy lifting. National Cover brings a price‑beat guarantee, 365‑day support, expert claims help, lifetime repair warranties, not‑at‑fault replacement cars and 24/7 towing — so you save money without sacrificing protection.