Each week, Insurance For Trucks brings a concise, trustworthy wrap of Australian transport and heavy-vehicle news. We sift industry headlines to highlight regulatory changes, NHVR updates, safety initiatives, claims and legal developments, market trends, and practical risk management insights. Expect a clear recap in minutes, context on what it means for operators and fleets, and pointers to stay compliant and minimise downtime. Stay informed, make better decisions, and keep your business moving—without wading through endless articles.
This Week:
Australian commercial insurance premiums fell about 12% in Q4, with strong insurer competition creating a window to review fleet, liability and property covers. ASIC highlighted tighter scrutiny of claims handling after recent bushfires and Queensland floods, so operators should prepare evidence and keep detailed records. Storm losses from late October were upgraded to about $1.5 billion across property and motor hull, reinforcing the need to check hail, wind and downtime cover. A new flood restoration training centre in Newcastle aims to improve repair consistency and speed, potentially reducing downtime after water damage.
EPISODE 1238 | Insurance For Trucks Weekly Transport News Update | Fri, 6th Feb 2026
8 Feb 2026 | Paige Estritori
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Welcome to Insurance For Trucks Weekly Transport News Update, Im Paige Estritori, and its Friday 6 February 2026.
First up, the commercial insurance market keeps easing. A major quarterly index shows Australian commercial premiums fell about twelve per cent in the December quarter, with property down further and casualty also sliding. Insurer competition and strong results are driving it. For operators, its a good moment to review your truck, liability and depot packages with a broker to check cover, limits and deductibles, and to tidy up endorsements—without cutting essential protections.
Next up, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, or ASIC, says claims handling is under the microscope after Januarys bushfires and Queensland floods. The regulator is watching for delays, errors and poor communication. If you need to claim, have photos, dashcam or telematics files, job sheets and service records ready, and keep notes of every conversation to help speed things along.
Meanwhile, hazard costs are still biting. A Swiss catastrophe data firm has lifted its estimate for the late‑October east‑coast storms to about one‑and‑a‑half billion dollars across property and motor hull. Hail‑struck vehicles featured heavily. For fleets, its a reminder to check hail and wind cover on truck and trailer policies, review excesses, and consider downtime and cargo protections so youre not off the road longer than necessary.
And finally, a new flood restoration training centre has opened in Newcastle to standardise real‑world repair training. The aim is better consistency and shorter timelines for insurers and loss adjusters. For businesses, that could mean quicker, safer make‑safe work after water damage. Its worth confirming who your insurers preferred restorers are and how your business interruption cover applies if your yard or office is hit.
Thats it for this week. For clear guidance and quotes tailored to your operation, head to insurance-for-trucks.com.au. Stay safe out there, and Ill see you next Friday.
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
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