When is your 4x4 covered?

It’s a 4x4 owner’s worst nightmare… You’re stranded in the bush, your lovingly accessorised rig is a mess, and – once the dust has settled – you’ve discovered your insurance policy falls well short, or won’t cover you at all.

Whether it’s a catastrophic electrical fire in the Kimberley, a rollover in the Simpson, a water crossing gone wrong in Far North Queensland or a stolen vehicle in Tassie, with vehicle insurance the devil is in the detail, and the simple fact is many mainstream policies simply don’t stack up for owners of 4x4s.

The issue has become glaringly obvious in recent years, as Australians flock to 4x4s and especially 4x4 dual-cab utes, to access all the stunning locations and incredible experiences our vast continent has to offer. In fact, the 4x4 segment today is one of Australia’s largest individual vehicle niches, accounting for well over 190,000 new vehicles in 2022.

And it’s not just off-road fanatics driving the trend – far from it. Australians simply love to travel, and when a caravan, camper trailer, or slide-on camper is thrown into the mix, odds on it will be a 4x4 that’s called upon to haul the load.

But while new or later-model 4x4s cost a tidy sum in their own right, many mainstream insurance policies don’t account for the accessories and modifications often made to a 4x4 to ensure it’s truly ‘fit for purpose’ for our great outdoors. And as anyone who’s added a bullbar, driving lights, or canopy will attest, it all adds up, the total cost of these extras often running into tens of thousands of dollars.

The paradox here is that while many policies won’t cover the true cost of these upgrades, 4x4 owners know that they’re often essential measures to simply reach their dream destinations while protecting the vehicle and its occupants from damage and harm.

Dedicated off-road suspension, a lift kit, and suitable tyres can make all the difference on a rocky climb or when negotiating a water crossing (hey, better add a snorkel to the list!), while a bullbar and driving lights can be crucial for safe outback driving after dark (never ideal, but sometimes unavoidable). Add in recovery measures, like a winch and rated recovery points, and the true value of your rig jumps again…

On top of that, some policies won’t cover you in certain locations – like driving on a beach, for example, which can be legal in several states. And as for recovery costs if you do get stuck, potentially hundreds of kilometres from the nearest help, forget it – brace yourself for a bill you’ll never forget!

It was when these very issues were being discussed by some off-road enthusiasts around a campfire in 2014, that Club 4X4 insurance was born. It’s since grown into a powerhouse of specialist 4x4 insurance, offering not just off-road enthusiasts but any owners of 4x4s – and caravans, camper trailers and slide-ons – clear, effective cover that meets their needs, on- or off-road.

And, unlike the often complex and impenetrable policies of some insurers, Club 4X4’s insurance is as simple to understand as it is thorough. We won’t bore you with the details of the product disclosure statements, but we will highlight three key features that set Club 4X4 apart from the rest.

Firstly, instead of exclusions buried in product disclosure statements in text you need a magnifying glass to read, Club 4X4 insurance covers you wherever you can legally drive your 4x4.

From Mount Blue Rag in the High Country to the Gibb River Road in the Kimberley, Googs Track in outback South Australia to Cape York’s famed Telegraph Track – if you can legally drive there, you’re automatically covered. And that includes water crossings, non-gazetted roads, 4x4 tracks, overlanding where there is no road and private property too.

That’s major peace of mind, right there.

Get a quote and more info on the Club 4X4 website

Secondly, Club 4X4 will insure your rig for its true value. In addition to the base vehicle at market or agreed value, Club 4X4 can cover agreed values for modifications and accessories, which means the true cost of repairing or even replacing your vehicle in the event of a total loss will be reflected in your policy where each bit of gear is listed. That last bit is important though; Club 4X4 will only cover the modifications and accessories you tell them about.

But the coverage also extends beyond the 4x4, with Club 4X4’s Personal Effects Cover automatically covering up to $2000-worth of portable touring gear Australia wide, even if your gear isn’t within the vehicle when lost or damaged, with the option to upgrade to $5000 or $10,000.

From kayaks to tents, fishing gear to portable fridges, Club 4X4 knows the gear you take on your adventures can add up, so the fear of having to replace that kit is one more worry you can strike off the list.

Finally, Club 4X4 offers 4x4 owners the added security of Off-Road Recovery Cover. It’s not something any owner likes to think about, but recovery costs for retrieving your stricken rig – and the caravan or camper it could be towing – can potentially run well into five figures. After all, there’s a reason why you see slowly rusting wrecks of 4x4s dotted across the Outback…

However, Club 4X4’s Off-Road Recovery Cover provides another option to keep your trip on track. If you do find yourself stuck and in need of professional assistance, this cover automatically provides a reimbursement of up to $1500 for recovery costs, with the option to extend the cover to $15,000 or even $30,000.

And add to that Essential Repair Cover, which automatically covers you for repairs valued at up to $1000 to get your rig back to a roadworthy condition after a claimable event, so your adventure can continue.

From caravanning families to fishos, hunters to campers, off-road enthusiasts to the broader church of 4x4 owners, Australia is the ultimate landscape for exploration, both on and off the beaten track. But don’t wait until the worst happens to discover your insurance falls short.

Visit the Club 4X4 website at club4X4.com.au or call 1300 296 296 to speak to one Club 4X4’s insurance experts today.

And, in addition to tailored 4x4 insurance that truly meets your needs, if you get a quote or take out a policy before March 31, 2023, you’ll also be in the running to win a two-week trip with Network 10’s What’s Up Downunder. It’s the perfect opportunity to put your 4x4 to good use, experience our great outdoors, and learn a 4x4 tip or three from the experts – and even appear in the show! Find out more about club4x4.