Plant Hire Insurance Guide
Insurance is one of the most overlooked aspects of hiring plant equipment, but it can be one of the most expensive if something goes wrong.
What's Typically Included
Most hire companies include basic insurance in their standard rates, but the cover varies:
- Machine damage — Usually covered with an excess (typically £500-£2,000)
- Third party liability — Generally included
- Breakdown — Usually covered (not your fault)
What's Usually NOT Covered
- Theft — You may be liable for the full replacement value if the machine is stolen from your site
- Operator error — Damage caused by misuse or unqualified operation
- Tyre damage — Often excluded from standard cover
- Environmental damage — Fuel spills, oil leaks contaminating land
The Insurance Excess
This is the key figure to understand. If the machine is damaged, you pay the excess before insurance kicks in.
| Equipment Value | Typical Excess |
|---|---|
| ---------------- | --------------- |
| Under £10,000 | £250-£500 |
| £10,000-£50,000 | £500-£1,500 |
| Over £50,000 | £1,000-£5,000 |
Reducing Your Liability
- Damage waiver — Many companies offer a damage waiver (typically £5-£20/day) that reduces or eliminates the excess
- Your own insurance — Contractors' all-risk insurance or hired-in plant cover can be more cost-effective for regular hirers
- Photograph everything — Document the machine's condition before and after hire
- Read the terms — Understand exactly what you're liable for before signing
Tips
- Always ask about the excess before agreeing to hire
- Consider the damage waiver for expensive or long-term hires
- If you hire regularly, your own hired-in plant insurance policy may save money
- Keep the machine secure — you're responsible for it while it's on your site
Compare hire companies and check what insurance is included, or get quotes with insurance details.