Public & Third-Party Liability Insurance for Plant Hire

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Protect your plant hire business against injury and property damage claims arising from hired plant, machinery and site operations

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We compare quotes from leading UK liability insurers

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

LIABILITY INSURANCE FOR PLANT HIRE BUSINESSES

Plant hire businesses operate in high-risk environments where third-party injury and property damage claims can arise quickly and unexpectedly. Excavators, dumpers, access platforms and power tools all present significant hazards when delivered, operated or collected from site.

Public & third-party liability insurance protects your business if a member of the public, contractor, client or site visitor is injured - or if their property is damaged - as a result of your plant, equipment, employees or operations.

Insure24 provides specialist liability cover designed specifically for UK plant hire companies, aligned with hire contracts, construction site requirements and real-world risk exposure.

What Does Public & Third-Party Liability Insurance Cover?

  • Injury to members of the public
  • Injury to contractors or site visitors
  • Damage to third-party property
  • Claims arising from hired plant and machinery
  • Delivery, loading and unloading incidents
  • Legal defence costs and compensation awards
  • Court fees and claimant legal expenses

Common Liability Risks in Plant Hire

Plant hire businesses face unique liability risks due to the nature of heavy equipment, frequent site access and interaction with third parties.

  • Plant overturning causing injury or damage
  • Unauthorised or incorrect use of hired equipment
  • Injury during delivery or collection
  • Damage to buildings, roads or underground services
  • Public access near active construction sites
  • Faulty or poorly maintained equipment claims

Liability While Plant Is On Site

Even when machinery is under the control of a hirer, plant hire businesses can still be drawn into claims - particularly where allegations involve equipment condition, instructions provided or delivery operations.

  • Claims involving site visitors or the public
  • Alleged defects or unsafe equipment
  • Delivery vehicle manoeuvring accidents
  • Shared liability disputes between contractor and hire company

Public Liability Cover Limits

Most plant hire contracts and principal contractors require minimum liability limits. Choosing the correct level of cover is critical.

  • £2 million – small plant hire operations
  • £5 million – standard construction site requirement
  • £10 million – major projects and infrastructure work

Why Choose Insure24?

  • Specialists in plant hire and construction liability
  • Policies aligned with hire agreements and site rules
  • Access to insurers experienced in heavy risk sectors
  • Flexible limits and excess options
  • Claims support that understands construction disputes

“Insure24 arranged public liability cover that satisfied our main contractor requirements and protected us on site.”

Plant Hire Company – South East

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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What is public & third-party liability insurance for plant hire?

It protects plant hire businesses against claims for injury or property damage suffered by third parties as a result of hired plant, machinery or business operations.

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Is public liability insurance legally required?

It is not legally compulsory, but it is usually required by hire contracts, construction sites and principal contractors.

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Does it cover delivery and collection?

Yes. Public liability can cover injury or damage caused during delivery, loading and unloading of plant and machinery.

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What cover limit do I need?

Most plant hire businesses choose £5m or £10m depending on site requirements and the type of machinery hired out.

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Does this replace employers’ liability insurance?

No. Employers’ liability is separate and covers employee injury claims. Most plant hire businesses need both.

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