Claims involving transport industry trucks can be expensive due to the high value of the vehicles, especially if the damage amounts to a claim for a total loss.

For a road transport operator the loss of one a prime mover truck represents a substantial financial impact given the cost of the vehicles, as well as the operational impact given these trucks perform large capacity load carrying as a popular and cost effective freight option. So when one of this major industry player's trucks caught fire they were naturally keen to receive full compensation — but the cause of the fire came into question.

Truck claim under scrutiny due to incident cause

The situation involving the prime mover being deemed a total loss was under scrutiny as the claimant alleged that the cause of the fire was defective wiring in and around the air conditioning unit. They also claimed that this fault had not been detected or remedied when the vehicle was routinely serviced.

The Gallagher claims team drew on industry experience to request that the insurer appoint a forensic engineer to examine the wreck.

Resolution: support of the truck loss claim

The specialist's investigation revealed that the cause of combustion was from the original manufacturer's installation, and that it would have been unaffected by subsequent maintenance work.

On the basis of this evidence Gallagher success fully defended the carrier's claim and the sum of $175,000 was paid in recompense for the written off vehicle.

We pride ourselves on our claims service

Part of our commitment to building business confidence is fighting for what's right, and supporting clients through claims is one of our key pillars of business practice.

Gallagher claims expertise and 17 case studies are outlined in the Gallagher Advocacy in Action report where you can read more about other real life case studies.

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Gallagher provides insurance, risk management and benefits consulting services for clients in response to both known and unknown risk exposures. When providing analysis and recommendations regarding potential insurance coverage, potential claims and/or operational strategy in response to national emergencies (including health crises), we do so from an insurance and/or risk management perspective, and offer broad information about risk mitigation, loss control strategy and potential claim exposures. We have prepared this commentary and other news alerts for general information purposes only and the material is not intended to be, nor should it be interpreted as, legal or client-specific risk management advice. General insurance descriptions contained herein do not include complete insurance policy definitions, terms and/or conditions, and should not be relied on for coverage interpretation. The information may not include current governmental or insurance developments, is provided without knowledge of the individual recipient's industry or specific business or coverage circumstances, and in no way reflects or promises to provide insurance coverage outcomes that only insurance carriers' control.

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