What is Hired-in Plant Insurance?
Hired-in Plant Insurance is a specialised type of insurance designed to cover hired in equipment like constructional plant, machinery, tools or site huts; in case they're accidentally lost, damaged or destroyed in your care.
It’s sold as an optional extra for your business insurance policy, and many hire companies will ask that you have Hired-in plant cover in place before they will rent equipment to you. Cover is specific to tradespeople and is available for equipment between the value of £5,000 and £100,000.
What does Hired-in Plant Insurance cover?
What’s covered:
Hired In Plant Insurance is designed to protect the plant and machinery you hire for your work. While every policy may vary, cover typically includes:
Accidental damage
Protection if hired equipment is damaged while in your care.
Theft or loss
Financial support if equipment is stolen or goes missing from your site or vehicle.
On-site breakdowns
Your covered for any necessary costs for the recovery of the machinery which may become immobilised or immovable because of a break down.
Having this cover in place helps ensure that your business can continue running even if hired equipment is damaged or lost, avoiding costly disruptions. It can also be cheaper to have blanket cover rather than paying for individual covers for each hire.
What’s not covered:
It’s important to understand that not everything is automatically included. Typical exclusions may include:
Wear and tear
Insurance generally doesn’t cover damage caused by normal use or ageing of machinery.
Deliberate damage
Any loss or damage caused intentionally will not be covered.
Unauthorised use
Using hired plant outside the terms of your hire agreement may invalidate cover.
Uninsured items
Personal belongings or equipment not specified in the policy are not covered.
Being aware of these exclusions helps you plan your cover effectively and avoid unexpected gaps.
How much does hired in plant insurance cost?
Hired in Plant insurance isn’t sold as a standalone product, it’s an add-on to a business insurance policy. The exact cost of your policy will depend on several factors, including:
Type and value of equipment
More expensive or specialised plant may increase premiums.
Level of cover
Higher coverage limits (i.e. taking the maximum cover of £100,000) will typically be more expensive.
Claims history
Previous claims or losses can also be considered when calculating your policy cost.
With AXA, you can tailor your cover to your business and get a quote that reflects your specific needs, so you’re only paying for the protection you require.
Why is hired in plant insurance important?
Hired In Plant Insurance helps you manage the financial risks of renting machinery and equipment if something goes wrong. It provides protection for the tools and machinery you rely on, helping you:
- Avoid unexpected repair or replacement costs: you may be held liable for replacing or repairing damaged equipment. With Hired-in Plant cover you’ll be protected against these costs.
- Protect your business finances: damage or loss of hired plant could impact your cash flow if you don’t have cover.
- Stay compliant and professional: using insured equipment demonstrates responsibility to clients and helps maintain your reputation.
- Focus on your work with peace of mind: knowing your hired plant is covered means less stress and more time spent delivering projects.
Whether it’s a small piece of machinery or a large plant hire, having insurance in place ensures that your business can keep running smoothly, even when the unexpected happens.
What other covers can I get to protect my business?
Van Insurance
Cover for your work vehicles, protecting them against damage, theft or accidents so you can keep your business moving.
Public Liability Insurance
Covers you if a third party (such as a customer or a member of the public) makes a claim against you because they were accidentally injured, or their property was damaged in connection to your business activities.
Employers’ Liability Insurance
Legally required if you have staff, covering compensation claims if employees are injured or become ill as a result of their work.
Contract works cover
Protects you against accidental loss, destruction or damage of building projects– offering cover for materials and labour that you’ve used, meaning you can restore the project to its status before the damage.
Legal Expenses Cover
Support with legal costs if you face disputes with clients, employees, or suppliers, helping protect your business finances.
Hired in plant insurance FAQs
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