Plant Hire Insurance Checklist

A practical UK insurance checklist for plant hire yards, tool shops & equipment rental businesses

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We compare quotes from leading plant hire insurers

  • Allianz
  • Aviva
  • QBE
  • RSA
  • Zurich
  • NIG

A Complete Insurance Checklist for Plant Hire Businesses

Plant hire and tool hire businesses face some of the highest insurance risk profiles in the UK. High-value equipment, frequent transportation, third-party use, contractual liability and theft exposure mean insurance gaps can be extremely costly.

This Plant Hire Insurance Checklist is designed to help plant hire yards, equipment rental companies and tool shops ensure they have the correct cover in place - before a claim exposes a weakness in their policy.

Use this checklist as a practical guide to reviewing your current insurance arrangements or preparing for renewal.

Essential Plant Hire Insurance Checklist

  • Plant & machinery insurance (owned equipment)
  • Hired-in plant insurance
  • Goods-in-transit insurance
  • Theft & unauthorised removal cover
  • Public liability insurance
  • Employers’ liability insurance (legal requirement)
  • Hire contract / contractual liability cover
  • Business interruption insurance
  • Cyber & data protection (if operating systems)
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Detailed Insurance Checks You Should Review

1. Are all items of plant insured at correct values?

Under-insurance is one of the most common issues we see. Policies should reflect full replacement cost, not depreciated book value. This applies to excavators, dumpers, access equipment, generators and even high-value tools.

2. Is hired-in plant explicitly covered?

Many hire agreements transfer responsibility for loss or damage to the hirer. If hired-in plant is not specifically insured, you may be personally liable for replacement costs.

3. Does your policy cover theft during trading hours?

Theft doesn’t just happen overnight. Shoplifting, distraction theft and unauthorised removal during opening hours must be included - not just forcible entry claims.

4. Are goods covered while in transit and during unloading?

Motor insurance does not cover goods. You need goods-in-transit cover that includes loading, unloading and temporary storage during delivery routes.

5. Does your liability insurance cover contract terms?

Hire contracts and CPA terms often impose liability regardless of negligence. Contractual liability extensions must be in place to avoid claim rejections.

Who This Checklist Is For

  • Plant hire yards and depots
  • Tool hire shops and trade counters
  • Construction equipment rental businesses
  • Builders merchants with hire divisions
  • Event & temporary equipment hire firms
  • Multi-site or national hire operators

Why Use Insure24 for Plant Hire Insurance Reviews

  • Specialists in plant & hire business insurance
  • Experience with CPA & bespoke hire terms
  • Clear explanation of cover gaps
  • Access to specialist UK insurers
  • UK-based advice and claims support
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

+-Why do plant hire businesses need a checklist?

Plant hire businesses face multiple overlapping risks. A checklist ensures no key cover is missed, particularly around theft, hired-in plant and contractual liability.

+-Is employers’ liability insurance mandatory?

Yes. Employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement in the UK if you employ staff, even on a temporary or part-time basis.

+-Does this checklist replace professional advice?

No. This checklist is a guide only. Plant hire insurance should always be reviewed with a specialist broker to ensure accuracy and compliance.

+-How often should plant hire insurance be reviewed?

At least annually, and whenever you acquire new equipment, change hire terms or expand operations.

+-Can Insure24 review my existing policies?

Yes. Insure24 can review your current plant hire insurance arrangements and highlight gaps, overlaps or cost savings.

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