Does car insurance cover my 4x4 when driving off-road and on beaches?

Need to ensure your 4x4 or 4WD is covered by your car insurance policy before your next off-road or beach trip?

Luckily, all AAMI car insurance policies will provide cover for your car while off-road driving for private and recreational use. However, you are not covered if your car was:

• damaged, unsafe or un-roadworthy at the time of the incident
• damaged because of a reckless act, such as driving into water
• used in a race, contest, competition, trial, test, hill climb or any motor sport
• damaged further as a result of it being driven after an incident, or
• being driven at a dedicated 4WD test track or park. These test tracks or parks are designed to test the 4WD capability of the vehicle.

Other exclusions apply. Please read the PDS for full details.

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Consider optional covers

If you’re driving off-road, these optional covers may come in handy.

Comprehensive Car Insurance optional covers

• Hire Car for Unlimited Days
• Windscreen and Window Glass Cover

Add Fire & Theft cover to Third Party Property Damage

Upgrade your Third Party Property Damage Car Insurance to Fire & Theft & Third Party Property Damage cover, which includes cover for:

• damage by fire
• theft or damage from attempted theft
• hire car after theft for up to 21 days, and
• up to $500 for personal items in your car lost by fire or theft.

Limits and exclusions apply. Read the PDS for full details.

Things to keep in mind when driving off road

Modifications

‘Modifications’ are changes made to the manufacturer’s standard body, engine, suspension, wheels or paintwork of your car which may affect its performance, value, safety or appearance. For example, changing the ride height of your 4x4.

‘Accessories,’ on the other hand, are additions to your car that don’t enhance its performance or change its structure.
If you have recently modified or purchased accessories for your car, you may want to review the amount covered on your policy.

Doing so can allow your car insurance policy to more accurately reflect your vehicle, and any potential claims you make can be processed correctly.

Review and update my policy

Illegal modifications – such as exceeding the limit when adjusting your 4x4’s ride height or removing your Diesel Particulate Filter – could also void your policy.

Roadside Assist

If you have AAMI Roadside Assist* included in your policy, you can still access it when driving off road. However, you may not be eligible to use it if any of the following apply:

• Your vehicle is in a restricted access area.
• Your vehicle is in an area that a two-wheel drive recovery car cannot access by permanent road.
• There are no service providers within 100km of your breakdown location, or you’re somewhere inaccessible.

There is no cover for AAMI Roadside Assist within the first 24 hours of adding the optional cover. Please read the AAMI Roadside Assistance T&Cs for the terms, including the coverage, limitations and exclusions.

Get AAMI Roadside Assist

Animal collisions

AAMI Comprehensive Car Insurance provides cover for accidental loss or damage caused by a collision with an animal or wildlife.

AAMI Third Party Property Damage won’t cover damage to your 4x4 after an incident.

However, if you have been injured as a passenger in a road accident with an animal in Australia, you may be able to make a claim for compensation with the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) or Motor Accident Injuries (MAI) insurer of the vehicle involved.

If you have been injured as the driver, your ability to access CTP or MAI no-fault compensation may depend on various factors including:

• the date and place of the accident
• your age, and/or
• the severity of your injury.

Available compensation may include lost income and medical expenses. For more information and assistance, contact the CTP or MAI Regulator in the state or territory where the accident occurred.

How to prepare for your next off-road outback or beach drive

• Plan your trip well, including fuel and rest stops, and your final destination.
• Bring a physical map in case you lose phone reception.
• Pack some handy tools – such as a tyre repair kit, air compressor, spare tyre, car jack, recovery tracks and a satellite phone for emergencies.
• Bring plenty of supplies, including a first aid kit, plenty of food and water, and warm clothing. In the outback, the weather can change quickly during the night.
• Make sure your car maintenance is up to date prior to leaving.
• Let a family member or friend know about your upcoming trip and keep in touch regularly.
• And before you head off, check that your car insurance is up to date and meets your needs!

Explore AAMI Car Insurance

Read more:

• How to drive a manual car: a guide for beginners
• What happens when you’re in a car accident and not at fault?
• Distracted driving: 8 common distractions and how to fight them

*AAMI Roadside Assist is an optional extra only available in conjunction with AAMI comprehensive car insurance. Terms and conditions for coverage apply.

AAMI Insurance is issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as AAMI. Conditions, limits, exclusions apply. Please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. Go to aami.com.au for a copy. Target Market Determination 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.