Insurance for Hired-In Plant

Manage financial risks when using leased heavy machinery

Townsend McCormack handles machinery risks, from stolen excavators to damaged loaders. We find a plant hire policy that meets the strict rules of a leasing or hire company. Every machine on your site can be protected against fire, theft, and accidental damage — including continuing hire charges and property damage in one arrangement.

How your plant cover moves from first call to a protected site

Our process moves quickly from the first call to a fully protected site so you can get to work.

• Detailed risk review — a broker talks with you to understand the plant you use and where you work.
• Full price list — you get a clear quote before any cover starts.
• Help with selection — we help you pick a cost-effective package that fits your hire agreement and the maximum value of your hired plant.
• Instant protection — cover starts as soon as terms are agreed and accepted by the insurer.
• Claims ownership — we speak to the insurer and the hire company on your behalf for a fair result. See making a claim for how we support you.

Why Townsend McCormack is your reliable choice for plant hire

Choose Townsend McCormack for the following benefits:

• Professional advice over sales targets — our brokers use 40 years of experience to protect your operations. Others often use call centres pushing an inadequate policy to meet a quota.
• Managing continuing hire charges — we find hired-in plant cover that pays ongoing costs so you are not paying out of pocket.
• Tailored cover for construction sites — we build a package that includes public liability and transit cover for comprehensive protection.
• Dedicated claims support — we take ownership of plant claims to keep the process swift and fair.
• Market-leading competitive prices — we use long-standing insurer relationships with transparent pricing.

Advantages of a hired-in plant policy

Our team arranges cover with advantages for the construction sector:

• Speed up hire company approvals — lessors often need proof of comprehensive cover before delivery. Ready certificates avoid delays so your crew can start on site.
• Protect future business cash flow — a major loss could stall growth. The right policy helps you replace equipment and keep your balance sheet healthy.
• Lower stress for small firms — many smaller firms cannot fund a stolen digger from cash flow. Specialist cover creates a safety net so one bad day does not end the company.
• Manage the costs of site clean-up — after a fire, debris removal can be expensive. Tailored cover can include these costs so your budget stays focused on the build.

Why you need this cover for rented equipment

Townsend McCormack helps you avoid the situations below:

Contractual debt to the hire company

When you sign a hire agreement, you usually accept full financial responsibility for the machinery. Without insurance, you may owe the hire company the full value if it is stolen.

Ongoing rental fees for missing machines

Hire charges often continue after a theft until a replacement is paid for. You could be paying rent for equipment you no longer have.

Legal fees from third-party accidents

If a hired forklift injures someone or damages a car, legal and compensation costs can be severe. Public liability within your plant arrangement can respond so your assets are protected.

Project delays from broken machinery

If a machine is accidentally damaged and you cannot fund repairs, work stops. Plant and equipment cover funds repairs so you can finish on time.

FAQs

What does the term hired-in plant refer to in my policy?

It covers machinery you do not own but have rented for a project, so you can settle with the owner if it is damaged or stolen while in your care.

Does plant insurance cover the machine while it is being moved?

Yes, if your policy includes transit cover — protection while the plant is on a trailer or moving between sites.

How much plant insurance cover should I buy for a mini digger?

The limit should reflect replacement value plus potential hire charges. We help you set an adequate limit for the machines on your site.

Is it a legal requirement to have insurance for hired-in plant?

Not always statutory, but hire companies usually require it contractually. You typically cannot hire plant without proof of insurance.

Can I get a policy that covers both own plant and hired plant?

Yes — many programmes cover owned and hired machinery together with one renewal date.

What happens if my operator causes accidental damage to the machine?

Policies usually cover operator error (for example a tip-over). We check wording so your staff are not left facing large repair bills.

Does this insurance cover machines left on site overnight?

Most policies cover 24/7 subject to security conditions such as locked yards. We explain conditions so cover stays valid when the site is empty.

Will my claims history change the plant insurance cost for next year?

More claims can increase premium. We work with insurers to find cost-effective options even after a loss.

Can I buy plant hire insurance for just one week of work?

Yes — short-term cover for a single job or one-off rental is available when a full annual policy is not economical.

Does the policy cover legal fees if I am sued for an accident?

With public liability in place, legal defence and compensation can be covered for incidents involving the public, subject to policy terms.

Contact us or request a quote for hired-in plant cover.