“Machinery move” insurance (often grouped under engineering insurance or contractors’ plant and machinery extensions) is designed to cover the risks that arise when you move heavy or specialist equipment from one place to another—especially when that move is part of a construction or engineering project.
A “move” can include:
Lifting and lowering (cranes, gantries, jacks, skates)
Loading and unloading (HIABs, forklifts, telehandlers)
Road transport (low loaders, abnormal loads)
On-site relocation (moving plant between work areas)
Positioning and installation (alignment, bolting, grouting)
Testing and commissioning (start-up, trial runs)
The core idea is simple: the moment you start handling valuable machinery, the risk of accidental damage spikes—often far beyond standard “static” cover.
Machinery move insurance is relevant across construction and engineering, including:
Civil engineering contractors
Mechanical and electrical (M&E) contractors
Design & build firms
Plant hire companies (especially with operator)
Rigging and specialist lifting firms
Factory relocation teams
Utilities contractors (water, gas, power)
Renewable energy installers (wind, solar, battery storage)
Manufacturers moving production lines
If you’re responsible for the equipment during the move—contractually or practically—you’re exposed.
Many businesses assume their existing policies will respond. Common gaps include:
Property insurance may only cover machinery at a fixed insured location.
Goods in transit may not cover lifting, positioning, or on-site handling.
Motor insurance covers the vehicle, not the load (and often excludes “own goods”).
Public liability covers injury/property damage to third parties, not damage to the machinery you’re moving.
Contractors’ all risks (CAR) may focus on contract works, not existing machinery being relocated.
Machinery moves sit in the messy middle: part transit, part engineering, part construction.
Cover varies by insurer and wording, but commonly includes:
Examples:
A CNC machine tips while being skated into position.
A generator is damaged during unloading.
A transformer is struck by a forklift.
This is a key differentiator from basic transit cover. Moves often fail at the “last 10 metres”—tight spaces, uneven ground, limited visibility, and time pressure.
If cranes, hoists, or jacking systems are involved, insurers will want to understand:
Lift plans and method statements
Appointed person / lift supervisor competence
LOLER compliance and inspection records
Some policies can extend to cover the machinery while it’s being installed, aligned, or fixed in place.
Higher-risk phases—especially for electrical, mechanical, and process equipment. Some wordings include a specific commissioning period.
For larger projects, damage to a critical piece of equipment can delay handover and trigger liquidated damages. Specialist extensions may be available.
Every policy is different, but common exclusions include:
Wear and tear, gradual deterioration, corrosion
Mechanical or electrical breakdown (unless specifically insured)
Faulty workmanship (sometimes the resulting damage is covered, but not the cost to rectify the defect)
Inherent vice (e.g., internal weakness in the machinery)
Poor packing or inadequate securing
Overloading or unsafe lifting practices
Known defects or pre-existing damage
Contractual penalties (unless insured via a specialist extension)
The practical takeaway: insurers want to cover accidents, not predictable failures or poor process.
Machinery move claims often come down to a few repeat patterns:
Ground conditions: soft ground causes a crane outrigger to sink, leading to a load swing.
Route planning failures: a low loader clips a bridge or street furniture.
Communication breakdown: banksman signals misunderstood; forklift impacts the load.
Inadequate securing: straps fail or are incorrectly rated.
Access constraints: tight turns or low ceilings force risky manoeuvres.
Weather: wind gusts during a lift; rain creates slippery surfaces.
To price and accept machinery move cover, insurers usually look at:
Type of machinery (value, fragility, complexity)
Move method (crane lift vs skates vs forklift)
Distance and route (public roads, abnormal load requirements)
Frequency of moves (occasional vs regular operations)
Experience and competence (rigging team, appointed person)
Risk management (RAMS, lift plans, permits)
Security (overnight storage, escort vehicles)
Claims history
The better your documentation and controls, the easier it is to secure broad cover at sensible terms.
To get accurate terms, be ready with:
Description of machinery (make/model, weight, dimensions)
Replacement value (new-for-old vs market value)
Start and end locations (including postcodes)
Move dates and duration
Method statement and lift plan (where relevant)
Details of lifting equipment and inspection records
Transport details (own vehicle, haulier, subcontractor)
Who is responsible under the contract (Incoterms / contractual clauses)
Any special conditions (night moves, confined spaces, live sites)
If you can provide this upfront, you’ll avoid delays and reduce the chance of restrictive exclusions.
Machinery move insurance often sits alongside:
Contractors’ All Risks (CAR) for contract works and materials
Public and Employers’ Liability for injury and third-party property damage
Contractors’ Plant & Machinery for owned/hired-in plant
Hired-in plant cover (if you rent equipment)
Professional indemnity (for design responsibility)
Motor fleet (vehicles and haulage operations)
The goal is to avoid overlaps and gaps. For example, you may need to confirm whether the machinery is insured:
While in transit
While being lifted
While temporarily stored
During installation
During commissioning
Insurers love practical controls. The following steps can reduce claims and support better pricing:
Survey access points, turning circles, overhead obstructions
Confirm ground bearing pressures for cranes and heavy loads
Use a competent appointed person for lifting operations
Rated lifting gear with valid LOLER inspections
Correct slings, shackles, spreader beams
Suitable skates/jacks for the load and floor conditions
RAMS (risk assessments and method statements)
Lift plans and permits
Toolbox talks and sign-offs
If you use specialist movers or hauliers:
Check their insurance and limits
Clarify responsibility in writing
Ensure their scope matches your contractual obligations
Use proper packing, bracing, and vibration control
Protect sensitive components (control panels, sensors)
Consider environmental risks (moisture, dust)
A lot of machinery move disputes come from unclear contracts. Watch for:
“You are responsible until installed and signed off” clauses
Uncapped liability for damage to client equipment
Requirements to name the client as an additional insured
Waivers of subrogation (may affect insurer acceptance)
If a contract pushes unusual responsibility onto you, flag it early—your insurance may need to be tailored.
Pricing depends on the risk profile, but key drivers include:
Total value at risk (single item and aggregate)
Move complexity (simple forklift unload vs multi-crane tandem lift)
Frequency (one-off project vs ongoing operations)
Claims history
Excess/deductible level
For many SMEs, the best approach is to speak to a broker who understands engineering and construction wordings—because the coverage detail matters as much as the premium.
Before you buy, confirm:
Is the machinery covered during lifting and positioning?
Does cover apply on-site and on public roads?
Are you covered for hired-in equipment?
Is commissioning/testing included (if needed)?
What are the single item limits?
What are the security and supervision conditions?
Are subcontractors included or excluded?
Is cover UK-only or does it include Europe?
Machinery moves are high-stakes operations: one slip can mean a six-figure loss, project delays, and a damaged client relationship. The right construction engineering insurance can turn a potentially business-ending incident into a manageable claim—provided the policy is structured to match how you actually work.
If you regularly lift, transport, install, or commission valuable equipment, it’s worth reviewing your current insurance stack and making sure machinery move risks aren’t sitting in a grey area.
Need machinery move insurance? Insure24 can help you compare specialist engineering and construction cover, explain the key wordings, and arrange protection that matches your contracts and site risks. Call 0330 127 2333 or request a quote at insure24.co.uk.
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