- Menu
Excavator Insurance
We can arrange specialist plant and machinery insurance for Excavator contractors.
Plant Insurance | Excavator Insurance
What is Excavator Insurance?
Navigating excavation projects involves managing various risks from property damage to workplace accidents. We’re here to help make the journey safer by arranging insurance to protect you.
Excavator insurance protects contractors or businesses from financial losses that could result from an accident or damage involving an excavator. It’s tailored to address the unique risks and liabilities associated with these machines.
Need Excavator Insurance?
For comprehensive Excavator Insurance
What does Excavator Insurance cover?
Excavator Insurance can offer a range of protection. Your insurance will depend on the policies you take out based on what you need, but options include:
All-Risks
This covers equipment against fire, theft, malicious damage, and while being transported between jobs and includes theft.
Public Liability Insurance
Public liability insurance protects you if a member of the public suffers an injury or if any of their property is damaged because of your business. It can cover legal costs and any compensation claims, if your business is found to be at fault.
Road Risk Insurance
Allows you to drive customers’ vehicles and any you own in connection with your business on public roads. As with car insurance, you can choose from third-party, third-party fire and theft, or comprehensive cover.
Vehicles in Transit Insurance
If you need to move non-roadworthy vehicles from one location to another, you’ll need to insure them while they’re on the road – whether they’re on the back of a truck or being towed. Vehicles in transit cover gives you the protection you need.
Why use Jensten
Dedicated
A dedicated team to Plant Hire Insurance
Trusted
We are the trusted broker to Plant Hire businesses
Flexibility
Tailored insurance to the needs of your business
Talk to the experts
Our team of UK-based insurance experts are here to help, Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm.
- Call our team
- 0115 672 5661
What our clients say...
Does an Excavator need insuring?
Some business that use an excavator think their business insurance also cover it, but this isn’t the case and Excavator Insurance is required.
Construction businesses and others that have a range of plant can also take out a plant insurance package, but if you only have one excavator then this might be the better option for you.
This can protect you from:
- Damage to property caused by an Excavator.
- Theft while out in the open or during the night.
- Ongoing hire charges.
- Accidental damage.
- Malicious damage.
- Road risks.
How much does Excavator Insurance cost in the UK?
The cost of your Excavator Insurance will depend on factors such as:
- The number of Excavators you have – if you have two or more, you may want to consider a Plant Insurance policy.
- The value of your Excavator.
- The nature of your business and the work you do – whether you’re operating in confined spaces such as a factory or outside, for example, may alter the level of risk.
- Where are your Excavators are stored at night.
- The size of your business.
- Your claims history.
For some tailored insurance help, please contact the Jensten Motor Trade team today or call them on 0208 298 2100.
Need Excavator Insurance?
For comprehensive Excavator Insurance
Excavator Insurance
This can be a complex area of cover, so to help you get the protection you need, here are our frequently asked questions about Excavator Insurance. We hope they will help, but if you’d like some independent advice, please call us on 0115 672 5661, and we’ll be on hand to help.
How much does Excavator Insurance cost?
The cost of excavator insurance varies depending on several factors such as the make, model, and value of your excavator, the type of work you carry out, the location of your operations, and your claims history. Other considerations include whether the equipment is owned or hired in, the level of cover you require (e.g., comprehensive cover versus third-party only), and whether you need additional protection like public liability or employers liability insurance. Generally, businesses with a good safety record and secure storage for machinery can expect lower premiums. To get an accurate digger insurance quote or excavator insurance quote tailored to your business needs, it’s advisable to consult an experienced insurance broker who can help you find the best deal and coverage options.
Do I need excavator hire insurance UK if I hire an excavator?
Yes, it is highly recommended to have excavator hire insurance even if your rental agreement includes some basic cover. Rental agreements often have limitations and may not cover all risks, such as damage caused during operation or liability for injury to others. Having your own insurance protects you from unexpected costs and legal liabilities that could arise while using hired excavators, especially if you need to move the equipment on public roads or work in areas with public access. This type of insurance ensures you’re protected against hire charges if the excavator is damaged or stolen during the rental period.
If a hired Excavator is damaged, am I liable?
Yes. When you hire machinery, it means that you are responsible for it, and you need to make sure you send it back in the condition you hired it. If an Excavator you have hired were to break or be damaged and you didn’t have Hired-in Plant Insurance, you would be liable to pay for any repairs.
What is excavator insurance UK and why do I need it?
Excavator insurance is a specialist insurance policy designed to protect your excavator or excavation equipment against a variety of risks including theft, accidental damage, and liability claims. Whether you own, rent, or operate excavators on building sites, construction projects, or public roads, having this insurance ensures you comply with legal requirements and safeguard your business from potentially costly financial losses. Excavators are valuable pieces of plant machinery, and without proper cover, you could face expensive repair or replacement bills, as well as liability claims if an accident occurs involving a third party.
What does excavator insurance typically cover?
Excavator insurance typically provides comprehensive cover including protection against accidental damage, theft, malicious damage, and loss. Public liability insurance is often included or available as an add-on to protect you if a member of the public suffers injury or property damage caused by your excavator operations. Employers liability insurance may also be included if you employ people operating or working near the machinery. Road risks cover is essential if you need to drive or transport your excavator on public roads. Additionally, many policies offer cover for hire charges, which protects you from ongoing rental costs if hired-in equipment is damaged or stolen. This flexible cover can be tailored to your specific requirements, whether you operate mini excavators or larger JCB-type machinery.
What should I do if I need to make an excavator accident claim?
If you are involved in an accident while operating or transporting an excavator, it’s important to report the incident to your insurer as soon as possible. Provide all relevant details including how the accident occurred, any damage to the excavator or other property, and any injuries sustained. Having excavator insurance with public liability cover will help protect you against compensation claims from injured persons or property owners. Keep records and photographs of the accident scene if possible, and cooperate fully with your insurer during the claims process to ensure a smooth and timely resolution.
How can I find cover that suits my excavator insurance needs?
Finding the right excavator insurance cover involves assessing your specific requirements such as the type of excavator, whether it is owned or hired in, the nature of your work, and any legal or client obligations. Using an independent insurance broker with expertise in plant and machinery insurance, like Jensten, can help you access a wide range of insurers and tailored policies. Brokers can provide expert advice, compare digger insurance quotes and excavator insurance quotes online or over the phone, and help you select comprehensive cover that suits your business, protects your assets, and meets any legal requirements. Their expertise ensures you get the best value and appropriate protection for your excavator and operations.
Can I get insurance for heavy equipment rental?
Yes, insurance for heavy equipment rental is widely available and designed to cover hired-in plant such as excavators, JCBs, and other excavation machinery. This insurance protects you from financial loss due to damage, theft, or liability claims during the rental period. It can also cover hire charges, meaning you won’t be liable for ongoing rental fees if the equipment becomes unusable due to an insured event. Whether you need short-term hired-in plant insurance or longer-term cover, specialist brokers can help you find policies that suit your specific job, equipment type, and budget