What to know about insuring your 4WD accessories  

Thinking of hitting the road with accessories like a car snorkel or 4WD awning in tow? Luckily, with Suncorp Comprehensive Car Insurance, your 4WD accessories are often covered as long as they are additions to your car which don’t enhance the performance or change the structure of the car. There are just a few things to know that can help you make sure cover is provided for your accessories.

What is an accessory?

For our purposes, an accessory is an addition to your car which doesn’t enhance the performance or change the structure of the car. FYI, when we say ‘enhance the performance’, we mean in terms of its engine capacity. A car snorkel, for example, enhances your ability to stay safe off-road, so it counts as an accessory.

If you’re unsure whether something counts, speak to us and we’ll help sort it out.

4WD Insurance vs Car Insurance 

You don’t have to take out separate 4WD insurance. Depending on your budget and what you want to do with your 4WD, one of our car insurance options can offer you peace of mind when you head off-road.

Click below to get a car insurance quote, so you can find the best coverage for what you need next time you head out.

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How to include your 4WD accessories on your car insurance policy

If you’ve added accessories, such as a dual battery system, car snorkel or even a new stereo to your 4WD, you should ensure the amount you’ll be paid in the event of a successful claim is enough to repair or replace your car — including those accessories. With Suncorp Comprehensive car insurance, that amount is determined by which option you choose - either ‘Market value’ or ‘Amount covered’.

What is 'amount covered?'

The 'amount covered' is the maximum amount we will pay for loss or damage to your 4WD caused by an incident, unless we say otherwise in your policy. It includes the value of any accessories and modifications that are fitted to your 4WD, and paint protection. It also includes unexpired registration and compulsory third party (CTP) or motor accident injuries (MAI) insurance, and GST. Please refer to the PDS for the full definition of 'amount covered'.

When you take out car insurance with us, we’ll ask you some questions to help you identify the ‘amount covered’, if you choose this option. You can then consider the figure we provide and change it if, for example, you think you’ll need a higher amount to replace your 4WD accessories and modifications as well as the vehicle itself.

You can get in touch with us to change your amount covered, though doing so may change your premium. You can only increase your amount covered at renewal or when modifications or accessories have been added to your 4WD, though you can reduce it at any time.

What is 'market value'?

Alternatively, you can insure your car for its ‘market value’. Choosing this means that there is no dollar figure assigned to your car when you buy or renew the policy — rather, the amount paid out will be determined at the time of a successful claim, based on the current market value at the time of the incident. We calculate this by looking at things like your 4WD’s age, make, model, kilometres travelled, general condition and whether it has unexpired registration or existing compulsory third party / motor accident injury insurance.

Market value excludes stamp duty, transfer fees, dealer warranty and delivery costs. We may use recognised industry publications to assist us in calculating this amount.

Note: It’s important to understand that the market value of your car is not necessarily the same as the ‘for sale’ prices you might see offered for a similar car.

See your Product Disclosure Statement for more info, including and deductions that may apply.

What you’re not covered for when driving a 4WD

Motor sports

Suncorp car insurance doesn’t cover damage incurred during any motor sports, like racing your 4WD competitively or test driving it on 4WD tracks.

Mechanical faults

Say you burn out your clutch when trying to get your 4WD out from being bogged — that’s a type of mechanical fault we don’t cover. This is the same as insuring any regular car, as repairs made to faults such as old gear boxes or tired brakes aren’t covered by insurance.

Reckless driving

While a car snorkel may help you get across a water system, deciding to take your vehicle into such a situation may be classified as reckless driving. If your 4WD and accessories were damaged as a result, they wouldn’t be covered.

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Read more:

What should be in your car emergency kit?

What am I covered for when I’m off-road driving?

What happens after a car insurance claim

Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as Suncorp Insurance. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. Target Market Determination is also available. This advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situation or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.