What Insurance Does a Plant Hire Business Need?

CALL FOR EXPERT ADVICE
GET A QUOTE NOW

A clear UK guide to the essential insurance policies required for plant hire businesses

CALL FOR EXPERT ADVICE
GET A QUOTE NOW

We arrange plant hire insurance with leading UK insurers

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

A PRACTICAL INSURANCE GUIDE FOR PLANT HIRE BUSINESSES

Plant hire businesses face a unique combination of risks. High-value machinery, frequent transportation, third-party use, construction sites and strict contract terms all increase exposure to loss, damage and liability claims.

Choosing the right insurance is not just about legal compliance - it is about protecting your assets, your income and your ability to trade when something goes wrong.

This guide explains the core insurance policies most UK plant hire businesses need, why they matter and how they work together.

Essential Insurance for Plant Hire Businesses

  • Plant & machinery insurance
  • Public & third-party liability insurance
  • Employers’ liability insurance (legal requirement)
  • Hired-in plant insurance
  • Theft, fire & damage cover
  • Business interruption & loss of hire income

Plant & Machinery Insurance

Plant & machinery insurance is the foundation of any plant hire insurance programme. It protects your owned equipment against theft, accidental damage, fire and vandalism while on hire, in transit, on site or stored at your premises.

  • Excavators, diggers and dumpers
  • Access platforms and lifting equipment
  • Compressors, generators and power tools
  • Heavy plant and specialist machinery

Public & Third-Party Liability Insurance

Public liability insurance protects your business if a third party is injured or their property is damaged as a result of your plant, machinery, deliveries or operations.

  • Injury caused by hired plant or equipment
  • Damage to buildings, vehicles or infrastructure
  • Delivery and collection incidents
  • Legal defence and compensation costs

Employers’ Liability Insurance

Employers’ liability insurance is legally required in the UK if you employ staff. It covers injury or illness suffered by employees during the course of their work.

  • Workshop and yard injuries
  • Delivery driver accidents
  • Manual handling claims
  • Minimum £5 million legal cover

Hired-In Plant Insurance

If you hire machinery from other suppliers to meet customer demand, hired-in plant insurance protects you against damage or loss for which you are contractually responsible.

  • Temporary or specialist plant
  • Contractual liability to other hire companies
  • Cover while on site or in transit

Business Interruption & Loss of Hire Income

If insured plant is stolen, damaged or destroyed, your hire income can stop immediately. Business interruption cover helps protect your cash flow.

  • Loss of hire income
  • Ongoing wages and overheads
  • Extended downtime protection

Combined / Package Plant Hire Insurance

Many plant hire businesses choose a combined policy that brings plant, liability and business interruption cover together under one coordinated policy.

  • Simpler administration
  • Fewer coverage gaps
  • Cost-effective compared to standalone policies

Why Get Advice from Insure24?

  • Specialists in plant hire & construction insurance
  • Cover aligned with hire contracts and site rules
  • Access to leading UK insurers
  • Tailored advice for your fleet and operation
  • Claims support that understands plant hire downtime

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

+-

Is plant hire insurance legally required?

Employers’ liability insurance is legally required if you employ staff. Other covers are not mandatory but are usually essential for contracts and risk protection.

+-

Do customers need their own insurance?

Customers are often required to insure hired plant, but the hire company still needs its own insurance protection.

+-

Can one policy cover everything?

Yes. Combined plant hire insurance can bring key covers together in one coordinated policy.

+-

How do I know what limits I need?

Limits depend on plant values, contracts and site requirements. Insure24 can advise based on your operation.

+-

Can Insure24 review my existing cover?

Yes. Insure24 can review existing policies and identify gaps or improvements.

Related Blogs