Each week, Truck Cover Australia brings a clear, trustworthy wrap of the biggest stories shaping Australia’s road transport and heavy vehicle sector. Expect concise headlines, context on policy and compliance changes, safety and maintenance developments, and market trends affecting operators and fleets. We sort signal from noise, highlight what matters, and explain why it matters for your business, helping you stay informed, prepared, and organised for the week ahead.
This Week:
Paige recaps four developments for Australian truck operators: Victorian bushfires are now an insurance catastrophe with rising motor and business claims; Novembers hailstorms are estimated at about $2.7b, keeping repair queues long; a CEFC finance program offers discounted leasing and residual support for heavy battery electric trucks; and 2025 truck sales fell nearly 12%, prompting a fresh look at sums insured and fleet values. Practical tips focus on documenting losses, checking fire, downtime and windscreen cover, planning for repairs, and reviewing policy settings with a broker.
EPISODE 1167 | Truck Cover Australia Weekly Insurance News Wrap | Tue, 20th Jan 2026
20 Jan 2026 | Paige Estritori
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Read Full Transcript:
Welcome to Truck Cover Australia Weekly Insurance News Wrap, Im Paige Estritori, and its 20 January 2026.
First, Victorias bushfires have now been declared an insurance catastrophe, with thousands of claims lodged across property, commercial, motor and business interruption. Early assessments say around a third of property claims are total losses, and access and clean‑up will take time. For operators moving freight through affected areas, check your policy for fire and business interruption cover, keep invoices and photos handy, and talk with your broker about any temporary route changes or storage that may affect your risk.
Meanwhile, fresh industry estimates put the November hail and storm event in NSW and Queensland at about $2.7 billion, including motor hull damage. Thats keeping repair queues long, especially for glass, panels and roof gear. If youre still finalising a claim, document damage thoroughly, lodge early, and consider options like windscreen, hire vehicle or downtime extensions next renewal to keep wheels turning.
Next up, a finance nudge for heavy electric trucks. The Clean Energy Finance Corporation, or CEFC, is partnering with a major manufacturer on a $70 million program that includes an interest discount of up to half a point for eligible battery electric truck leases, plus support for chargers and future residuals. If youre exploring BEVs—battery electric vehicles—factor charging locations, payload impacts and repair networks into your risk plan, and ask your broker how cover applies to batteries and on‑site charging equipment.
Finally, truck sales fell almost 12 per cent in 2025 after several record years, but brands expect a steadier run ahead as supply normalises. Softer new‑truck pricing and shifting used values can affect what you declare on your policy. Its a good time to review agreed versus market value, update your fleet schedule, and make sure your coverage matches how each unit is actually used.
Thats the wrap. For clear guidance on truck insurance in Australia and help comparing policies to suit your operation, visit truck-cover.com.au.
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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Knowledgebase
Whole Life Insurance: A type of life insurance that provides coverage for the insured's entire lifetime, with a savings component that builds cash value.
