Do you need plant insurance to hire a mini digger? Revealed | PlantClassifieds Plant Hire Directory (2024)

Our Guide to Insurance Cover Requirements When You Hire a Mini Digger

Answer:

Yes, you must have hired in-plant insurance in the UK when renting plant equipment.

It is important to ensure adequate plant hire insurance coverage before hiring a mini digger to avoid legal or financial issues in case of theft, accidents or damages.

• Coverage: This insurance compensates for losses or damages to rented construction equipment up to its full value. This includes accidents and damages to the machinery while it's in your care.
• Liability: When you rent such equipment, you are responsible for any damages that occur during the rental period.
• Protection: The policy safeguards businesses from potential financial challenges resulting from equipment damage.
• Included Equipment: Coverage extends to a range of machinery such as excavators, diggers, rollers, dumpers, forklifts, lighting equipment, various attachments and more.
• Exclusions: Hired in plant insurance doesn't cover injuries to workers or third parties. That type of protection is offered by public liability insurance, which is a separate policy.
• Recommendation: If you're renting plant machinery, ensure you have both hired in plant insurance and public liability insurance to adequately protect against potential legal or financial complications from accidents or injuries.

Secure hired in-plant insurance through your broker is often the most cost-effective option.

Ensure your coverage matches the equipment’s value. Many rental firms offer this insurance, usually at an added 15% of the weekly rental price.

• Excavator Checklist: Download our free excavator checklist - our comprehensive guide to preliminary inspection. Our checklist will help you identify potential damages or issues that might lead to accidents or harm.
• Plant Hire Insurance Options: Find short-term or long-term plant hire insurance on PlantClassifieds or list your own plant hire company. It's quick and simple!
• Training Companies: Search and find training companies listed on PlantClassifieds. For example, Autec Training offers plant operator training in Peterborough.

In the UK, hired-in-plant insurance covers costs related to damage or loss of rented plant machinery, including accidents, while the equipment is under your care.

However, this insurance doesn’t cover injuries to workers or third parties. For that, you’d need public liability insurance. So, when renting plant machinery, it’s vital to have both hired-in-plant insurance and public liability insurance to guard against potential legal and financial complications arising from accidents or injuries.

Note: Hired-in-plant insurance policies can vary, so it’s important to thoroughly examineand understand your specific policy.