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Machinery Rigging Insurance (Securing for Transport): A Practical UK Guide for Construction & Engineering
Introduction
Moving heavy machinery is one of the highest-risk moments in any construction or engineering project. The kit might be worth tens (or hundreds) of thousands of pounds, the lift plan is tight, and a single mistake—wrong sling angle, inadequate lashing, poor load distribution, or a sudden stop in transit—can cause serious damage.
That’s where machinery rigging insurance comes in. In simple terms, it’s cover designed for the “in-between” stage: when equipment is being lifted, positioned, secured for transport, and moved from A to B.
This guide explains what machinery rigging insurance is, how it fits into construction engineering insurance, what it typically covers, common exclusions, and how to set up your risk management so you can get better terms.
What is machinery rigging insurance?
Machinery rigging insurance is a specialist policy (or extension) that covers physical loss or damage to machinery and equipment during rigging operations. “Rigging” can include:
- Lifting and lowering equipment (cranes, gantries, jacks)
- Skidding and sliding machinery into position
- Loading and unloading for transport
- Securing and lashing machinery onto vehicles or trailers
- Relocation within a site (or between sites)
- Temporary storage during the move
It’s most relevant for contractors and specialist subcontractors involved in heavy moves, including:
- Mechanical and electrical (M&E) contractors
- Plant and machinery movers
- Industrial installation teams
- Steel and structural engineering firms
- Civil engineering contractors
- Factory relocation specialists
Why “securing for transport” is a big deal
A lot of claims happen before the vehicle even leaves the yard. Securing for transport is a technical task, not a quick tie-down.
Common failure points include:
- Incorrect lashing angles causing movement under braking
- Under-rated chains/straps or worn ratchets
- Poor edge protection leading to strap cuts
- Inadequate friction (no anti-slip mats) on steel decks
- Load not centred, causing trailer instability
- Loose accessories (guards, panels, control units) not removed or protected
- Miscommunication between rigging crew and driver
Even if the machinery isn’t “dropped”, it can still be damaged by vibration, impact, or internal misalignment—especially for CNC machines, presses, compressors, generators, and medical/precision equipment.
How machinery rigging insurance fits into construction engineering insurance
Construction and engineering insurance is a broad category. Machinery rigging cover often sits alongside (or is added to) one or more of the following:
- Contractors’ All Risks (CAR) / Contract Works
- Erection All Risks (EAR)
- Plant and machinery insurance
- Goods in Transit (GIT)
- Public liability and employers’ liability
- Professional indemnity (for design, lift planning, or method statements)
The key is understanding where one policy stops and another starts.
CAR/EAR vs rigging cover
CAR/EAR is usually focused on the works and materials at the project site. It may not automatically cover specialist rigging operations, offsite moves, or transit-related damage—especially if the item isn’t part of the “contract works” yet.
Plant insurance vs rigging cover
Plant insurance can cover owned or hired-in plant against accidental damage, theft, and sometimes transit. But many plant policies have conditions around:
- Who is operating the plant
- Whether it’s being moved by a specialist
- Whether the move is “routine” or “specialist rigging”
Goods in Transit vs rigging cover
GIT is designed for goods being transported, but it may not cover the lifting, loading, securing, or unloading stages. It may also be written for general cargo, not heavy machinery.
A well-structured insurance programme makes sure there are no gaps across:
- Lift and load
- Securing and lashing
- Transit
- Offload and positioning
What does machinery rigging insurance typically cover?
Cover varies by insurer, but common insured events include:
- Accidental damage during lifting, jacking, skidding, or positioning
- Damage caused by collapse or failure of rigging gear (subject to conditions)
- Damage during loading/unloading and securing for transport
- Damage during site-to-site relocation (where included)
- Sometimes: third-party property damage arising from the operation (often handled under liability)
Depending on the wording, it may also include:
- Temporary storage during the move
- Multiple locations and UK-wide operations
- Hired-in plant and equipment
Common exclusions and limitations to watch
This is where most surprises happen. Typical exclusions/limitations can include:
- Wear and tear, gradual deterioration, corrosion
- Mechanical or electrical breakdown (unless resulting from an insured event)
- Defective workmanship or poor method (sometimes excluded, sometimes limited)
- Inadequate packing, bracing, or securing
- Overloading or operating outside manufacturer limits
- Unattended vehicles (theft conditions)
- Unlicensed operators or non-compliant lifting equipment
- Damage to the load’s contents (e.g., product inside a machine)
- Known defects or pre-existing damage
Also watch for:
- Single article limits (a maximum per item)
- Deductibles/excesses for “high-risk” operations
- Exclusions for certain machinery types (precision, medical, high-value)
- Territorial limits (UK only vs UK & Europe)
What insurers will ask you (and why it matters)
To price rigging risk, insurers want to know how controlled your operations are. Expect questions like:
- What is the maximum lift/load value?
- What is the maximum weight you move?
- Do you use subcontract cranes/HIABs?
- Do you produce lift plans and method statements?
- Who signs off the securing and lashing?
- What training do your riggers have?
- What standards do you follow (e.g., LOLER, PUWER)?
- How is equipment inspected and recorded?
- Do you use anti-slip mats, edge protection, rated chains?
- What is your claims history?
If you can answer these clearly (with evidence), you’re usually in a stronger position for terms.
Risk management: how to reduce rigging and transport securing claims
Insurance should be the backstop, not the plan. These practical controls can reduce incidents and help with premiums.
1) Use a documented lift plan and method statement
For complex lifts and moves, a written plan helps prevent “on the day” improvisation.
Include:
- Weight, centre of gravity, lifting points
- Sling angles and rated capacities n- Exclusion zones and communications
- Ground conditions and outrigger loads
- Step-by-step sequence for lift, set-down, and securing
2) Comply with LOLER and PUWER
In the UK, lifting operations and work equipment are heavily regulated. Regular inspection, certification, and record-keeping matter.
3) Treat securing as an engineering task
Best practice often includes:
- Rated chains/straps with clear WLL markings
- Correct number of lashings based on load and friction
- Anti-slip mats on steel decks
- Edge protection and corner protectors
- Secondary restraint for high centre-of-gravity items
- Torque checks or re-tensioning after initial movement
4) Protect sensitive components
Remove or secure:
- Control panels and screens
- Guards and covers
- Loose accessories
- Hydraulic lines and exposed fittings
Use shock indicators or tilt indicators for sensitive loads where appropriate.
5) Use competent people and clear sign-off
Insurers like:
- Named supervisors
- Competency records and training certificates
- A sign-off checklist for securing before departure
6) Manage subcontractors properly
If you subcontract cranes, transport, or specialist rigging, make sure contracts and insurance responsibilities are clear:
- Who is responsible for the load at each stage?
- Who provides the lift plan?
- Who carries the rigging insurance?
- Are you relying on a subcontractor’s policy with exclusions?
Claims examples (what can go wrong)
Here are realistic scenarios where rigging insurance can be relevant:
- A CNC machine shifts during braking because lashings were under-rated, damaging internal alignment.
- A generator is lifted using incorrect lifting points, cracking the frame.
- A load is secured without edge protection; straps cut on a sharp corner and the machine tips.
- A jack-and-slide move fails due to uneven ground, causing a controlled but damaging drop.
- A machine is loaded onto a trailer with insufficient deck friction; it creeps during cornering.
Even when nobody is injured, repair costs, specialist recalibration, and downtime can be significant.
How to choose the right cover (quick checklist)
When reviewing a rigging insurance option, look for:
- Clear definition of “rigging operations” (including securing for transport)
- Cover for loading/unloading and positioning
- Transit inclusion (or a defined handover to GIT)
- Single item limit that matches your highest-value moves
- Territorial limits that match your work (UK/Europe)
- Hire-in plant inclusion (if relevant)
- Reasonable excess for high-value items
- Claims support that understands engineering losses
If you’re unsure, it’s worth asking your broker to map the “risk journey” from lift to transit to install and show which policy responds at each point.
FAQs: machinery rigging insurance (securing for transport)
Is machinery rigging insurance the same as goods in transit?
Not usually. Goods in transit focuses on the transport stage. Rigging insurance is designed for lifting, loading, securing, and positioning—often where GIT is limited.
Does it cover hired-in machinery?
It can, but it depends on the wording. If you regularly hire in kit (or move hired-in machinery), make sure the policy includes it and that hire agreements don’t create gaps.
What if the damage is caused by poor securing?
Some policies exclude “inadequate securing” or defective workmanship. Others may cover accidental damage but could dispute claims if procedures weren’t followed. Documented checklists and competent supervision help.
Do I need this if I already have plant insurance?
Maybe. Plant insurance may cover accidental damage, but you need to confirm it includes specialist rigging and the securing/loading stages. Many businesses assume it does—until a claim is declined.
Is it relevant for one-off moves?
Yes. One-off high-value moves can be insured on an annual basis or sometimes arranged for a specific project, depending on the insurer and risk.
Does it cover third-party injury or property damage?
That’s usually handled under public liability/employers’ liability. Rigging insurance is primarily for damage to the machinery being moved, but programmes can be structured to work together.
Final thoughts
Machinery rigging and securing for transport sits right at the intersection of construction engineering risk, logistics, and safety. The best outcomes come from two things working together: competent planning and the right insurance structure.
If you regularly move high-value equipment—or you’re taking on projects where you’re responsible for lifting, securing, and positioning—make sure your construction engineering insurance programme explicitly addresses rigging operations. It’s one of the easiest places for coverage gaps to appear.
Call to action
If you’d like a quick review of your current construction engineering insurance and whether it properly covers machinery rigging and securing for transport, speak to a specialist broker. You’ll get clarity on where cover applies, what limits you need, and how to reduce the risk of costly claims.