Moving machinery isn’t just “transport”. A factory relocation often involves dismantling, lifting, temporary storage, road haulage, reinstallation, testing, and commissioning. Each stage introduces new risks: damage to high-value assets, delays that stop production, and liabilities to landlords, neighbours, and third parties.
For UK businesses, the stakes are even higher when the move is tied to a construction or engineering project—new premises fit-out, structural alterations, crane lifts, or installation works. That’s where machinery relocation insurance (often arranged alongside construction engineering insurance) becomes a practical way to protect cashflow and keep a project on track.
Machinery relocation insurance is specialist cover designed for the period your equipment is being moved from one location to another.
Depending on how it’s arranged, it may sit within:
The right structure depends on what’s being moved, who is responsible at each stage, and whether there is construction/installation work involved.
Factory moves often overlap with construction engineering activities:
Construction engineering insurance (such as contract works, EAR, or contractors all risks) is designed to cover physical works and, in many cases, the plant and equipment being installed.
If you only insure the “building works” but not the machinery movement and installation phases, you can end up with gaps—especially around loading/unloading, temporary storage, and testing.
Cover varies by insurer and wording, but common sections include:
This can include damage caused by:
Some policies are “all risks” (subject to exclusions) and others are named perils. “All risks” is usually preferred for complex relocations.
A key point: many standard transit policies focus on road haulage only. Factory moves often involve multiple lifts and internal moves—forklifts, skates, gantries, cranes—where a lot of damage occurs.
If machinery is stored in a warehouse or on a third-party site between locations, you’ll want clarity on:
If the relocation includes installation and testing, engineering-style cover (EAR) can extend protection through:
This is often where construction engineering insurance becomes essential.
Some wordings can include:
These extensions can be valuable when production deadlines are tight.
Always check the wording, but typical exclusions include:
For factory moves, two exclusions matter most:
Large CNC machines, presses, injection moulders, and production lines often require specialist rigging. If a machine is dropped or twisted during a lift, the damage can be severe—and not always obvious until commissioning.
Good insurance should cover accidental damage during lifting, but insurers will expect:
Some equipment is sensitive: lasers, metrology tools, medical manufacturing equipment, and electronics. Even if it arrives “intact”, vibration can knock it out of tolerance.
If you have sensitive kit, ask specifically about:
Machinery is attractive to thieves for parts, copper, and resale. Storage sites can be a weak link.
Insurers may require:
A relocation can stop production for days or weeks. Physical damage can extend downtime.
Machinery relocation insurance is usually focused on physical damage, not loss of profit. If downtime exposure is high, consider:
It depends on contract terms and who has “care, custody, and control” at each stage.
Common approaches:
The key is avoiding gaps and double-insurance confusion. The contract should clearly state:
Factory moves fail financially when values are understated.
Consider:
If you’re moving a production line, it may be better to schedule items individually with values and serial numbers.
To quote accurately, insurers typically want:
Having this prepared can reduce delays and help you negotiate better terms.
If your relocation includes installation and construction works, you may need a broader policy structure:
Typically covers the building works and materials on site. It may not automatically cover the machinery being moved unless specifically included.
Often used for mechanical and electrical installation projects. EAR can be a better fit when the project is primarily installation/engineering rather than general building work.
This is a critical phase. Ensure the policy covers:
If this isn’t included, you could be exposed exactly when faults and damage are most likely to show up.
You likely do if:
Planning a factory move in the UK? If you want to reduce risk and avoid expensive insurance gaps, we can help you structure machinery relocation cover alongside construction engineering insurance—so your equipment, installation works, and commissioning phase are protected end-to-end.
Speak to Insure24 for a quick, practical review of your move plan and the cover options available. Call 0330 127 2333 or request a quote via https://www.insure24.co.uk/.
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