Motor cover for temperature-controlled fleets

Refrigerated transport operators may rely on trucks, trailers, refrigeration units, temperature monitoring and backup arrangements to move perishable products. Vehicle insurance and cargo deterioration cover are separate questions and should be checked against the relevant policy wording.

When arranging motor cover, declare the vehicle configuration, refrigeration equipment, accessories, use, routes and values. Ask whether the relevant refrigeration unit or fit-out is included as an insured vehicle accessory, and what conditions apply to modifications or equipment failure.

Review related cargo exposures

Loss or damage to goods, spoilage following temperature change, breakdown of refrigeration equipment and delay may be treated differently across policies. Goods in transit or marine cargo cover can include specific terms, exclusions, deductibles or sub-limits. Do not assume motor insurance covers spoiled cargo.

Information insurers may request

• Vehicle and trailer schedule including refrigeration unit details
• Goods carried, operating routes and maximum cargo values
• Temperature monitoring, alarms and incident response controls
• Maintenance and breakdown arrangements
• Claims details and current motor and cargo policy documents

Refrigerated transport insurance questions

Does motor insurance cover the refrigerated goods?

Not automatically. Commercial motor insurance primarily addresses insured vehicle exposures. Goods in transit, deterioration or temperature-related losses may require separate insurance and are subject to specific policy terms, exclusions and conditions.

What makes refrigerated transport different for insurers?

Insurers may consider the vehicles and trailers, refrigeration equipment, commodities carried, operating radius, security, maintenance, temperature-control procedures and claims history when assessing a refrigerated transport business.

Can refrigerated fleets be insured under fleet insurance?

Potentially, subject to insurer appetite and eligibility. Operators with multiple vehicles can also review our motor fleet insurance information and marine transit insurance information for related exposures.

Information to prepare for a refrigerated transport insurance review

Useful underwriting information can include the vehicle and refrigerated trailer schedule, refrigeration equipment details, goods carried, typical and maximum cargo values, operating areas, temperature-control procedures, claims history and current insurance. Motor and cargo exposures should be identified separately because they may be insured under different policies.

For the vehicle component, see motor fleet insurance. For goods carried and transit exposures, see marine transit and logistics insurance.

Next step

Review your motor insurance program

Tell us about your vehicles, drivers, operating areas and current insurance. We can help identify the information insurers need to consider terms for your business.

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