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:
Paige Estritori recaps the week for Australian truck operators. Severe storms in QLD/NSW triggered an extended catastrophe response and rising claims; operators should document damage and lodge early via brokers. AFCAs revised rules start 12 March and a new scams ombudsman service is being built—tighten payment controls and keep solid records. La Niña has re‑emerged, lifting storm and rain risk—review flood, hail and downtime cover and tighten pre‑trip checks. Truck sales softened in November, offering time to align sums insured and specs with new purchases.
EPISODE 953 | Insurance For Trucks Weekly Transport News Update | Fri, 5th Dec 2025
10 Dec 2025 | Paige Estritori
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Read Full Transcript:
Hello and welcome to Insurance For Trucks Weekly Transport News Update, Im Paige Estritori, and its Friday, 5 December 2025.
First, storms and hail across Queensland and New South Wales. Insurers have extended their catastrophe response to cover the events from the 20th to the 27th of November, with around forty-five thousand claims already lodged. For operators, expect longer repair queues and assessor wait times, especially for body and glass work. Take clear photos, record odometer and trailer numbers, make only temporary safety repairs, and lodge early via your broker so your policy can respond to vehicle, cargo, or downtime cover where applicable.
Next up, complaint handling is changing. AFCA, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, has published revised rules that kick in on 12 March, including the ability to name firms that dont comply with determinations and tighter oversight of paid representatives. AFCA is also staffing up a scams ombudsman service to handle payment‑redirection and similar disputes involving receiving banks. For transport businesses, tighten invoice and payment checks, use multi‑factor authentication, and keep a clean paper trail—job sheets, telematics, photos—so if a claim or premium dispute stalls, youve got the evidence ready.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Meteorology says La Niña has returned, likely weak and short‑lived, but enough to lift the risk of heavy rain and severe storms over the coming months. That means more water ingress, hail and schedule disruptions. Walk around vehicles before and after shifts, protect high‑value cargo from hail, review flood and storm endorsements, and confirm where your policy sits on recovery, towing, hired‑in plant, and business interruption.
And a quick market note. November new‑truck sales softened again, which some brands say could help body builders and workshops catch up after the boom. If youre replacing units or adding capacity, double‑check sums insured reflect todays replacement costs, including accessories and Euro‑standard emissions hardware, and tell your broker as soon as spec changes land, so coverage stays aligned and claims are smoother.
Thats the wrap. For support with tailored insurance for trucks and fleets, visit insurance-for-trucks.com.au. Safe driving, and Ill see you next week.
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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