Question 1

How is lorry insurance different from private car insurance?

Accepted Answer

Lorries are insured under commercial vehicle policies, priced by commercial use, weight class and the type of goods, with terms written for commercial vehicles, for example around cargo and drivers. A private car policy can’t be used.

Question 2

How is lorry insurance priced: by tonnage, age or use?

Accepted Answer

All of these. Key factors are the vehicle’s weight and class, age and sum insured, use (own goods or hauling for others), the type of goods, the operating area, and your NCD and claims history.

Question 3

Are the goods I carry covered? Do I need separate cover?

Accepted Answer

Motor insurance doesn’t cover cargo. You need a separate goods-in-transit policy, with the sum insured based on the value carried per trip or over a period.

Question 4

Is my lorry driver covered if injured? What should I buy?

Accepted Answer

Third-party liability under the motor policy usually doesn’t cover your own driver. Employee drivers injured at work are generally covered by PERKESO, and owners can add personal accident or group cover for drivers as extra protection.

Question 5

I have several lorries. Can I get a fleet policy with a discount?

Accepted Answer

Once you meet the insurer’s minimum number of vehicles, a fleet policy can simplify management, with rates based on the fleet’s claims record. With fewer vehicles, line up the renewal dates and use one agent for all of them.

Question 6

How do I coordinate Puspakom inspection with lorry roadtax renewal?

Accepted Answer

Commercial vehicles generally need a valid Puspakom periodic inspection and valid commercial insurance before roadtax renewal. Book Puspakom first, then renew insurance and roadtax, and start early so the lorry isn’t stuck because one document lapsed.

Question 7

Can a lorry older than 15 or 20 years still get comprehensive cover?

Accepted Answer

It is harder. Some insurers only offer third party or third party, fire and theft for very old vehicles, or ask for an inspection. Lulu can check which options are available.

Question 8

If my lorry damages someone’s car or building, can the claim exceed my cover?

Accepted Answer

Third-party property damage has a limit, and anything above it falls on the owner. Third-party injury and death liability is handled under the policy and the law. Lorries often hit expensive vehicles or buildings, so consider this when choosing the limit.

Question 9

My lorry has an APAD/LPKP licence. Are there special insurance requirements?

Accepted Answer

The policy’s stated use must match the licence, for example carrying your own goods versus hauling for hire. A mismatch can affect claims, so tell your agent the licence type.

Question 10

If I rent my lorry to someone else, who is responsible for accidents?

Accepted Answer

The owner usually still carries some responsibility, and many policies exclude hire use unless declared and approved. Confirm with the insurer before renting it out, and set out responsibilities in the rental agreement.

Question 11

What insurance does a lorry need to cross into Singapore or Thailand?

Accepted Answer

Check your policy’s territorial limits and buy insurance required by the destination country. Thailand generally needs local cover, and Singapore has its own entry rules. Confirm with the insurer and your forwarding agent before the trip.

Lorry and commercial vehicle insurance: 11 questions owners ask