Many car insurance policies claim to cover offroad driving, but the fine print can be tricky. Before setting off on an adventure, it’s crucial to understand what’s actually covered, especially if you get stuck in a remote location. Driving offroad, whether on bush tracks or beaches, can be exciting. But aside from having the right skills and recovery gear, ensuring your insurance policy covers off-road mishaps is just as important. Standard car insurance might not be enough when venturing beyond paved roads.
The Cost of Getting Stuck
Breaking down in an isolated area can cost thousands, not just for repairs but also for recovery, towing, and even alternative transport or accommodation.
Earlier this month, Westcoast 4×4 Recovery removed a 76 Series Toyota Land Cruiser that had been submerged in Bunbury Cut, WA, for six months. Shaun, the recovery operator, explained:
“The vehicle was lost at sea after the owner experienced a medical episode. It was eventually found by the Dolphin Discovery Centre, and the owner had to cover the recovery costs. We used our 4×4 tilt tray to retrieve and transport it for recycling.”
In another case, YouTuber Ronny Dahl shared the story of a Toyota Land Cruiser Troopie stuck in quicksand on Dirk Hartog Island, WA. The vehicle, hired by tourists, became unrecoverable by another 4WD, requiring a boat to tow it out—at a staggering cost of $36,000.
“The only access point was by sea, so we had to use a 15-tonne boat,” said the recovery team. “We flipped the Land Cruiser upside down, wrote it off, and pulled it out.”
What Does Your Insurance Cover?
The definition of Offroad varies between insurers and drivers. If you can’t afford a massive recovery bill, it’s worth checking your policy’s fine print. Some insurers limit recoveries to areas accessible by a 2WD in all weather conditions, meaning many remote spots aren’t covered.
AAMI and Suncorp, for example, offer coverage for recreational off-road driving but won’t cover reckless acts, such as driving into deep water. The RACQ states that if you get stuck without vehicle damage, it’s not considered an insurable event, meaning recovery costs come out of your pocket.
Is Beach Driving Covered?
Some insurers, like AAMI, provide off-road cover for private and recreational use, but RACV’s roadside assistance explicitly excludes beaches.
RACV Roadside Assistance covers trafficable roads but excludes locations like beaches, creek beds, and floodwaters
Is 4×4 Insurance More Expensive?
Off-road-capable vehicles often have higher insurance costs due to added risks, modifications, and recovery expenses. Specialist 4×4 insurers like Club 4×4 and DGA offer policies that cover extensive off-road travel and expensive recoveries, sometimes up to $30,000.
Before heading off-road, ensure you have the skills, gear, and insurance coverage needed for worst-case scenarios. A little preparation could save you tens of thousands in recovery fees.
