Comment: Vehicle overloaded

Hi Richard,

I've just spent many hours going through this issue.

GVM is the maximum allowed by the manufacturer, and legal upper limit (and recognised by insurers). It is the maximum mass (ie Tare plus payload). Payload includes fuel, water, people, luggage etc. It can be increased by approval from the relevant State transport authority. Many vehicles already have after market systems of upgrade that are approved in a number of states.

Anecdotally, I have been told (not proven) that insurers assess the "potential" GVM (including empty water or fuel tanks) when deciding the compliance of a claimant. The tanks may have been full - they leaked after the accident - the vehicle was over the GVM - no payment.

Gross Vehicle Mass is a measure of capability as decided by the manufacturer - what your vehicle weighs is it's actual mass at any given time - as you suggest, you are either over or under, but it should not be exceeded.