Plant and Equipment Insurance (also called contractors plant insurance or mobile plant insurance) protects your construction and trade machinery — excavators, cranes, forklifts, generators, and hire equipment — from accidental damage, theft, fire, and transit loss across Australia. It’s designed for contractors, plant hirers, and civil works businesses that rely on costly on-site machinery.

Typical cover includes physical damage or accidental loss, theft, vandalism, fire, accidental loss in transit, and optional mechanical breakdown protection. Policies can also include liability cover while equipment is in use and protection for hired-in or wet-hire arrangements.

Any business that owns or operates heavy or mobile plant — such as builders, earthmoving contractors, landscapers, hire companies, or mining contractors — should consider Plant & Equipment Insurance to avoid costly downtime and replacement bills.

Premiums depend on factors like equipment value, type (mobile or fixed), usage, location, security measures, and claims history. Small operators pay lower premiums but higher per-item rates, while large fleets and businesses needing breakdown cover may pay more. Always compare quotes from specialist brokers.

Yes. Many policies include or offer optional cover for wet hire (with operator) and dry hire (without operator). Always ensure your policy specifies who is covered and the extent of liability during the hire period.

Most Plant & Equipment Insurance policies include cover for accidental damage or loss during transit between worksites. However, coverage limits and security conditions vary, so check your policy wording for transit requirements.

Mechanical breakdown isn’t usually included as standard but can be added as an optional extension. If equipment downtime can impact your projects, consider adding machinery breakdown cover for additional protection.

Notify your insurer or broker immediately, secure the equipment to prevent further damage, take photos, and provide ownership or maintenance records. Keep your policy number and serial numbers handy for faster claim processing.

You’ll typically need an itemised list of equipment with serial numbers, purchase invoices or valuation certificates, proof of ownership, and usage details. Having a clear asset list helps get accurate quotes and smoother claims.

Yes. Both registered (like trucks or trailers) and unregistered plant (like excavators, compactors, or generators) can be insured under Plant & Equipment policies. Ensure registration details and ownership are accurately recorded.

The sum insured is usually based on either replacement cost, market value, or agreed value. For high-value machinery, it’s best to get professional valuations and opt for agreed-value cover to prevent underinsurance.

Common exclusions include wear and tear, gradual deterioration, unreported defects, deliberate damage, and mechanical breakdown (unless added separately). Always review your policy wording to understand limits and exclusions.

Yes. Online brokers and insurance platforms offer instant quotes for standard machinery and equipment. For large fleets or complex requirements, it’s best to work with a specialist broker who can tailor coverage to your needs.

Consider adding optional covers like tools cover, transit cover, employee theft, hire liability, machinery breakdown, or business interruption insurance — depending on your business size and equipment use.

Direct insurers or online platforms are ideal for quick, standard coverage. However, if you operate a large fleet or have high-value machinery, a specialist broker can offer tailored policies, better pricing, and dedicated claims support.