Insurance for 4×4

While providers typically don’t offer car insurance products specifically for four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles, some may offer bespoke insurance for 4WDs. However, with a comprehensive car insurance policy, you could still cover your 4WD, as well as damages it may cause to other vehicles and property.

For peace of mind, always check the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to see if you’re covered before your off-road adventure. Also read the Target Market Determination (TMD) to see if the product is right for you.

Like other cars, you’ll need Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance for your 4×4. However, it’s also worth considering additional cover to protect your car.

If you only use your 4WD for on-road driving, then a standard policy without off-road cover should be enough to cover your car. However, some insurers may also cover your 4×4 on non-gazetted (unmarked on a map) roads, as long as your vehicle is designed for off-road driving. You could also find a suitable specialist club 4×4 insurance that will cover you for your adventure.

Some car insurance policies cover events such as storm damage, fire, theft and collision damage while you’re off-roading, as well as some other circumstances specific to 4×4 vehicles, including:

• Both on- and off-road driving
• Modifications to the vehicle, as well as accessories
• Off-road recovery expenses.

Cover for 4×4-related activities may differ between providers. Make sure you read the policy’s PDS before purchasing car insurance to ensure you understand how your vehicle is covered.

If you intend to take your 4×4 off-road, some things to look for when purchasing insurance for 4×4 vehicles include:

• Cover for modifications and accessories. Upgrading your 4×4 can be expensive, so you’ll want to ensure that your modifications and accessories (e.g. LED headlights, roof racks, bull bars) are covered.
• Off-road recovery costs. The cost of an off-road recovery can far exceed that of a regular on-road car callout, especially if you break down on a non-gazetted road. Most policies specify that vehicle recovery staff must be able to reach you in a two-wheel-drive vehicle can be tricky if you’re off-road.

If you are looking at comparing car insurance options, you should always read the PDS to see exactly what you are and aren’t covered for.

The right level of cover for your off-road vehicle will depend on how you use the car and what you’re looking for from a car insurance policy.

The key difference between comprehensive car insurance and other levels of cover is that comprehensive offers more cover and allows you to add optional extras like windscreen protection or choice of repairer. Third-party policies, on the other hand, may only offer cover for your car in limited circumstances.

If you’re planning an off-road trip or driving where there is no officially gazetted road, it’s crucial to inform your insurer of your planned journey and determine which (if any) off-road activities are covered.

Generally, they can. However, most insurance policies will be more expensive for drivers under 25. Young drivers looking for 4WD insurance (as the primary driver) may also see varying coverage between insurance products from different providers so it’s wise to check what is and isn’t included.

Not all providers will cover your 4×4 vehicle while you’re four-wheel driving off-road on non-gazetted roads. Check with your insurance provider that you’re covered for towing if you break down remotely. It’s also worth checking if your policy covers you at off-road adventure parks and beaches in Australia.

A car insurance policy covering your 4×4 vehicle is likely to cover your camper trailer but only when it’s being towed and up to a certain limit if it’s damaged in an accident. Some insurers offer specialised insurance products for camper trailers and caravans (often called caravan insurance) to cover related damages and financial loss.

Insurance providers may offer car insurance policies that provide coverage for your 4×4 and the ability to add extras to your policy. These extras may vary across car insurance providers, but can include:

• Reduced or no excess on windscreen claims. By paying a higher premium, you may not need to pay anything for windscreen claims.
• Hire vehicle cover. If you need to hire a replacement vehicle because yours is damaged, your provider may cover the hire fee.
• Roadside assistance and emergency repairs. This may be available only on sealed roads.

Car insurance may have several exclusions that could affect your 4WD vehicle. Exclusions can vary but typically include:

• Participating in races or official competitions
• Reckless behaviour and illegal actions
• Mechanical failures (regardless of whether it was caused by off-road driving)
• Undisclosed car mods (you may be able to get coverage if you disclose the modifications to your insurer).

It could be more expensive to insure a 4×4 than a standard car, especially when you factor in insurance cover for off-roading, modifications, towing and roadside assistance, but it can provide peace of mind for 4WD owners.

Providers determine the cost of your car insurance using a range of factors. Some which can influence the cost of insurance for your 4WD include:

• The model, age and colour of the car
• The market value of your vehicle (some insurers also offer an agreed value option)
• Any modifications (lift kits, diff guards, etc)
• Your claims history
• The car’s parking location
• Added cover (such as roadside assistance or windscreen glass cover)
• The level of car insurance you purchase (with comprehensive car insurance being the highest level of cover).