What Is Strata Insurance? A Complete Beginner Guide (Queensland)
Introduction: What Is Strata Insurance?
Strata insurance (also known as body corporate insurance) is a mandatory insurance policy that protects the building structure and common property of strata-titled properties in Queensland. It is arranged by the body corporate and applies to apartments, townhouses, units, duplexes and mixed-use developments.
If you own or manage a strata property, understanding strata insurance is critical, not only for compliance but also to avoid significant financial risk.
Learn more about working with a specialist Strata Insurance Broker in Queensland
What Types of Properties Need Strata Insurance?
Strata insurance is required for properties registered under a strata title or community title scheme, including:
- Apartment buildings
- Unit complexes
- Townhouse developments
- Duplexes and triplexes (if strata titled)
- Mixed-use buildings (residential + commercial)
If multiple owners share ownership of common property, strata insurance is almost always required.
Is Strata Insurance Mandatory in Queensland?
Yes. Under the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 (Qld), bodies corporate must hold:
- Building insurance for full replacement value
- Public liability insurance (minimum $10 million)
Failure to comply can expose the body corporate and committee members to legal and financial consequences.
What Does Strata Insurance Cover?
Strata insurance generally covers everything outside your personal belongings.
Building & Common Property
- Walls, floors and roofs
- Windows, balconies and stairwells
- Lifts, foyers and hallways
- Shared pools, gyms and car parks
Insured Events
- Fire and explosion
- Storm, hail and wind damage
- Water damage (subject to policy terms)
- Impact and vandalism
Liability Protection
- Public liability claims
- Injury or property damage on common property
Additional Optional Covers
- Machinery breakdown (e.g. lifts, pumps)
- Temporary accommodation or loss of rent
- Catastrophe and emergency costs
- Committee member (office bearers) liability
What Does Strata Insurance NOT Cover?
Strata insurance does not cover:
- Furniture or personal belongings
- Contents inside individual lots
- Owner-installed fixtures (in some cases)
- Wear and tear or poor maintenance
Lot owners should arrange contents insurance or landlord insurance separately.
Who Pays for Strata Insurance?
Strata insurance is paid by the body corporate and funded through strata levies. Each owner contributes based on their lot entitlement.
Rising building costs and extreme weather risks have increased strata insurance premiums across Queensland.
Read our expert tips on How to Reduce Strata Insurance Premiums
How Much Does Strata Insurance Cost in Queensland?
There is no fixed cost. Premiums depend on:
- Building replacement value
- Location and weather exposure
- Claims history
- Number of lots
- Construction materials
Premiums can range from a few thousand dollars per year to significantly higher for large or high-risk buildings.
What Happens When There Is a Strata Insurance Claim?
When damage occurs in a strata property, the claims process is typically managed through the body corporate and can involve multiple parties. Understanding how this works early can help prevent delays, disputes and unexpected costs.
A typical strata insurance claim involves:
-
Reporting the damage
Damage should be reported as soon as possible to the strata manager or body corporate, who will determine whether the issue relates to common property or an individual lot. -
Lodging the insurance claim
The claim is lodged with the strata insurer, usually by the strata manager or a specialist strata insurance broker acting on behalf of the body corporate. -
Assessing responsibility
The insurer assesses whether the damage falls under strata insurance or an owner’s contents or landlord policy. This step is critical in claims involving water damage, fire or shared services. -
Repair, settlement or recovery
Approved claims result in repairs being arranged or a settlement being paid. In some cases, recovery action may be taken against a responsible party.
Strata insurance claims can quickly become complex, particularly where water damage, maintenance issues or building defects are involved. Having a broker manage the claim helps ensure it is handled correctly, efficiently and in the best interests of the body corporate.
Why Use a Specialist Strata Insurance Broker?
Strata insurance is highly technical and varies between insurers. A specialist broker:
- Ensures QLD legislative compliance
- Accesses multiple insurers
- Negotiates better premiums and coverage
- Assists with complex claims
- Avoids underinsurance risks
FAQs
Does strata insurance cover water damage?
Yes, if caused by an insured event. Gradual leaks or maintenance issues may be excluded.
Is strata insurance the same in every state?
No. Requirements vary by state. This guide applies specifically to Queensland.
Do I need strata insurance for a duplex?
Only if it is strata titled. Otherwise, a different policy may apply.
Final Thoughts
Strata insurance protects one of the largest shared assets owners have, the building itself. Understanding how it works, what it covers, and how it’s managed helps avoid disputes, uninsured losses and costly mistakes.
For expert advice tailored to your building:
Contact Morgan Insurance Brokers, Queensland strata insurance specialists.
Best Truck Insurance 2026
If you operate a truck in Brisbane or across Queensland, having the right truck insurance is not just smart, it’s essential. From owner‑drivers to fleet operators, the right cover protects your vehicle, your income, and your business reputation.
At Morgan Insurance Brokers, we specialise in helping Brisbane truck owners find the best truck insurance that balance cost, coverage, and compliance.
What Is Truck Insurance?
Truck insurance is a specialised form of commercial motor insurance designed for heavy vehicles, including rigid trucks, prime movers, and trailers. Policies can be tailored based on:
- Vehicle type and weight
- Cargo carried
- Driving radius (local, interstate, Australia‑wide)
- Driver experience
- Fleet size
Why Brisbane Truck Owners Need Specialist Insurance
Brisbane is a major freight and logistics hub, with high traffic volumes, construction zones, and long-haul routes into regional Queensland. These conditions increase risk exposure, making specialist truck insurance in Brisbane critical.
Key risks include:
- Heavy traffic accidents
- Weather-related damage (storms, flooding)
- Theft and vandalism
- Cargo loss or damage
- Downtime and loss of income
Types of Truck Insurance Available
1. Comprehensive Truck Insurance
Covers accidental damage, theft, fire, and third‑party property damage. Ideal for newer or high‑value trucks.
2. Third Party Property Damage
Covers damage your truck causes to other vehicles or property, but not your own truck.
3. Third Party Fire and Theft
Adds protection for fire and theft on top of third‑party cover.
4. Goods in Transit Insurance
Protects the cargo you carry against loss or damage.
5. Public Liability Insurance
Public Liability Insurance for Truck Drivers is Essential for owner‑drivers and transport businesses dealing with clients, depots, or worksites.
How Much Does Truck Insurance Cost in Brisbane?
Truck insurance premiums vary depending on several factors:
- Truck value and age
- Claims history
- Driver experience
- Distance travelled
- Type of freight
Rather than choosing a one‑size‑fits‑all policy, working with a Brisbane truck insurance broker can help you secure competitive pricing without sacrificing cover.
Truck insurance premiums vary depending on the vehicle, driving history, and freight type, if you want a detailed breakdown, see our guide on how much truck insurance costs in Australia.
Why Use a Truck Insurance Broker?
Unlike direct insurers, insurance brokers work for you, not the insurance company. At Morgan Insurance Brokers, we:
- Compare multiple Australian insurers
- Negotiate on your behalf
- Tailor cover to your operation
- Assist with claims and policy reviews
This approach ensures you receive the best truck insurance in Brisbane for your specific needs.
Want more information on Why Use an Insurance Broker? Read our guide.
Truck Insurance for Owner‑Drivers vs Fleets
Owner‑Drivers
- Flexible cover options
- Income protection add‑ons
- Lower premiums with clean driving history
Fleet Operators
- Multi‑vehicle policies
- Risk management support
- Simplified renewals and claims
Common Mistakes When Buying Truck Insurance
- Underinsuring vehicle value
- Not disclosing modifications
- Choosing the cheapest policy only
- Ignoring exclusions and excesses
A professional broker helps you avoid these costly mistakes.
Get the Best Truck Insurance in Brisbane
Whether you operate a single truck or manage a large fleet, Morgan Insurance Brokers can help you find reliable, affordable truck insurance in Brisbane.
📞 Speak to a broker today for a tailored quote and expert advice.
Truck Insurance vs Commercial Motor Insurance: What’s the Difference?
If you operate a truck for business purposes, choosing the right insurance can be confusing. One of the most common questions we hear from Queensland operators is:
“Do I need truck insurance, or is commercial motor insurance enough?”
While the two sound similar, truck insurance and commercial motor insurance are not the same — and choosing the wrong one can leave you underinsured when it matters most.
This guide explains the differences clearly, so Brisbane truck owners and operators can make an informed decision.
What Is Commercial Motor Insurance?
Commercial motor insurance is a general business vehicle policy designed to cover vehicles used for work purposes.
It’s commonly used for:
- Utes and vans
- Cars used by tradespeople
- Light commercial vehicles
- Some small rigid trucks (depending on use)
What commercial motor insurance typically covers:
- Accidental damage
- Theft
- Fire
- Third-party property damage
- Optional extras like hire vehicle cover
Commercial motor insurance is often suitable for lower-risk vehicles that aren’t involved in heavy freight, long-distance transport, or specialist haulage.
What Is Truck Insurance?
Truck insurance is a specialist form of commercial vehicle insurance designed specifically for medium to heavy trucks and high-risk transport operations.
It is built to cover:
- Rigid trucks
- Prime movers
- Tippers
- Concrete agitators
- Refrigerated trucks
- Fleet vehicles
- Owner-drivers and transport businesses
Unlike general commercial motor policies, truck insurance accounts for load types, travel distances, and transport risks that standard policies often exclude.
If you operate a truck in South East Queensland, working with a truck insurance broker in Brisbane ensures your policy reflects real-world conditions.
👉 Learn more about tailored truck insurance in Brisbane here.
Key Differences Between Truck Insurance and Commercial Motor Insurance
| Feature | Commercial Motor Insurance | Truck Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle size | Cars, utes, vans | Medium & heavy trucks |
| Load cover | Limited or excluded | Designed for freight |
| Long-distance travel | Often restricted | Included |
| Trailer cover | Limited | Optional / configurable |
| Business interruption | Rare | Often available |
| Policy flexibility | Low–medium | High |
| Risk pricing | Generic | Industry-specific |
Which Policy Do Brisbane Truck Operators Usually Need?
In most cases:
- Owner-drivers → Truck insurance
- Freight & logistics companies → Truck insurance
- Interstate operators → Truck insurance
- Trades using utes or vans → Commercial motor insurance
If your vehicle:
- Carries goods for payment
- Travels long distances
- Operates under transport contracts
- Uses trailers regularly
…then commercial motor insurance may not be sufficient.
This is where a Brisbane-based truck insurance broker can review your setup and avoid coverage gaps.
Common Mistake: Assuming “Commercial” Means “Truck”
Many operators assume that because a policy says commercial, it automatically covers trucks. Unfortunately, this is one of the most common causes of denied claims.
Issues often arise with:
- Incorrect vehicle classification
- Uninsured trailers
- Excluded load types
- Undisclosed interstate work
A properly structured truck insurance policy avoids these problems by aligning the cover with how the vehicle is actually used.
Why Using a Brisbane Truck Insurance Broker Matters
Truck insurance is not one-size-fits-all — especially in Queensland, where risks vary between metro Brisbane, regional routes, and interstate haulage.
A specialist broker can:
- Compare multiple truck insurers
- Match cover to your vehicle and routes
- Ensure compliance with QLD requirements
- Help reduce premiums without cutting protection
If you’re unsure which policy applies to your business, it’s worth getting advice before a claim exposes a gap.
Speak with a local expert about truck insurance in Brisbane to make sure you’re properly protected.
Final Thoughts
While commercial motor insurance is suitable for many business vehicles, truck insurance is essential for higher-risk transport operations.
Choosing the wrong policy can cost far more than the premium difference, especially after an accident, theft, or liability claim.
If you operate a truck in Brisbane or greater Queensland, reviewing your cover now can save serious issues later.
Need help choosing the right cover?
Morgan Insurance Brokers specialises in truck insurance for Brisbane operators.
Get advice tailored to your vehicle, load, and routes, not a generic policy.
