Earthmoving and plant hire insurance
Excavators, loaders, rollers and cranes are expensive to replace, and the work they do carries real liability risk, especially around underground services. We arrange cover for earthmoving contractors, civil operators and plant hire businesses across Australia.
Risks earthmoving and plant hire face
- Machinery damaged by overturning, collision or impact
- Plant stolen from unattended sites
- Striking underground cables, gas or water pipes
- Damage while plant is transported on floats
- Hired-out machinery damaged by customers
- Contracts requiring high liability limits
What plant hire insurance usually includes
Mobile Equipment and Plant Insurance
Accidental damage, theft and fire cover for owned, hired-in and hired-out plant.
Public Liability Insurance
Liability cover that properly addresses underground services and excavation risks.
Motor Vehicle and Fleet Insurance
Trucks, floats and support vehicles.
What to check before you buy
Underground services is one of the biggest exclusions to watch. Many standard policies exclude or sub-limit damage to underground cables and pipes, or require you to obtain service plans first. Also check how your policy treats plant while being transported, and whether hired-out plant is covered when operated by your customers.
Why work with a broker?
Policies that look similar on price can differ a great deal in what they pay for. As your broker, we act on your behalf: we ask the right questions about your business, compare options, explain the fine print in plain language and support you through any claim, wherever you are in Australia.
Common questions
Does public liability cover damage to underground services?
Not always. Some policies exclude it or set lower limits and conditions, such as checking service plans before digging. We'll find a policy that suits your work.
Is my plant covered while on a float?
Many mobile plant policies include transit, but limits and conditions vary, so it's worth confirming.
Can I insure plant I hire out?
Yes. Cover for hired-out plant can be arranged, though it needs to be specifically included.
Is my plant covered on someone else’s site?
Mobile plant policies usually cover your machinery at any location in Australia, including client sites, but conditions often apply to security when plant is left unattended overnight. We’ll make sure the conditions suit how you work.
Do I need contract works insurance as well?
If your contract makes you responsible for the works themselves, such as civil or landscaping projects, you may need contract works cover. Mobile plant insurance protects your machinery, not the project you’re building.
How to get a quote
Getting a quote for your business is simple, and there is no obligation. Call Carly on 0497 100 469 or send an email with your business name and ABN, a short description of what you do, your approximate turnover and number of staff, a copy of your current policy schedule if you have one, and details of any claims in the last five years.
If your contracts or lease set specific insurance requirements, send those too.
We will ask a few questions about your operations, approach suitable insurers on your behalf and come back with options explained in plain language, including what is and isn’t covered. Once you choose, we arrange your cover and send your documents, then review it with you at every renewal so your insurance keeps pace with your business.
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Insurance built around your business. Let's talk.
Australia-wide service by phone, email and video call.