Articulated Hauler Insurance

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Compare articulated hauler insurance quotes from leading Australian insurers. Cover for articulated dump trucks used in construction, mining and civil works - own use, dry hire and wet hire. Free quotes from Shielded Insurance.

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Articulated Hauler Insurance

Specialist cover for articulated dump trucks and haulers across Australia.

Articulated haulers, also known as articulated dump trucks (ADTs), are purpose-built for hauling material over rough, soft and uneven terrain where rigid dump trucks cannot operate effectively. Widely used across Australian construction, mining, quarrying and civil works, these all-wheel-drive machines typically cost between $300,000 and $1,200,000 or more. Articulated hauler insurance protects that investment against accidental damage, theft, fire and third party liability, whether the machine is used for own work, dry hire or wet hire.

What Types of Articulated Haulers Can Be Insured?
Articulated hauler insurance covers the full range of ADTs used across Australia:

  • Small Articulated Haulers (20-25 tonnes): Compact ADTs for smaller civil works, residential subdivisions and sites with limited access. Popular brands include Volvo, Bell, CAT and John Deere.
  • Medium Articulated Haulers (25-35 tonnes): The most common class, used for general earthmoving, road construction, dam building and quarry operations.
  • Large Articulated Haulers (35-55+ tonnes): Heavy-capacity machines for large-scale civil works, mining support operations and major infrastructure projects. Common brands include Volvo, Bell, CAT, Komatsu and Terex Trucks.
  • Ejector Body ADTs: Haulers fitted with an ejector body that pushes material out horizontally, ideal for spreading material or tipping in areas with overhead restrictions.
  • Water Cart ADTs: Articulated haulers converted for water cartage and dust suppression on large construction and mining sites.

What Does Articulated Hauler Insurance Cover?

  • Material Damage: Covers accidental damage, collision, rollover, bogging, fire, theft, storm, flood, vandalism and malicious damage to your articulated hauler.
  • Third Party / Road Risk: Covers property damage your hauler causes to other vehicles, property or infrastructure while operating on site or during road movements.
  • Public Liability: Protects against claims for injury or property damage arising from hauler operations, including loading, hauling and tipping activities on any worksite.
  • Downtime / Loss of Use: Provides daily payments when your hauler is off-hire or unable to work following an insured event. Critical for fleet operators where every machine generates revenue per operating hour.
  • Hired-In Plant: If you hire an articulated hauler from a third party, this covers damage to the machine while in your care, custody and control.
  • Transit Cover: Protects your hauler while being transported on a float between worksites.
  • Body and Tailgate: Dump bodies, tailgates, liners and heated body systems should be included in the sum insured with accurate values.

What Affects the Cost of Articulated Hauler Insurance?
Premiums for articulated hauler insurance are typically calculated as a percentage of the sum insured:

  • Sum Insured Value: The replacement or agreed value of the machine including body, tailgate and any modifications. ADTs are high-value assets and premiums reflect this.
  • Use Type: Own use is generally cheaper than dry hire or wet hire. ADTs in hire fleets are subject to higher utilisation, varied operators and more demanding conditions.
  • Operating Terrain: ADTs are specifically designed for rough terrain, but steep grades, soft ground and wet conditions all increase the risk of bogging, rollover and drivetrain damage.
  • Tyre Costs: ADT tyres are expensive, typically $8,000 to $25,000 each. Tyre damage from site hazards is a frequent claim, particularly on rocky ground.
  • Operator Experience: Articulated haulers require skilled operators, particularly on steep grades and in wet conditions. Inexperienced operators increase the risk of rollover and bogging incidents.
  • Claims History: A clean claims record results in more competitive premiums. Common claims include tyre damage, rollover, bogging recovery costs and body damage from loading.

Indicative Pricing Guide
As a general guide, comprehensive articulated hauler insurance in Australia is typically priced at 1.5% to 3.5% of the sum insured value per year:

  • Small ADT - 20-25 tonne ($300K-$500K): $4,500 - $15,000 per year
  • Medium ADT - 25-35 tonne ($500K-$800K): $7,500 - $25,000 per year
  • Large ADT - 35-55+ tonne ($800K-$1.2M+): $12,000 - $40,000+ per year

Key Considerations for Articulated Hauler Owners

  • Bogging and Recovery: ADTs work in conditions where bogging is a real and frequent risk. Recovery costs can be significant, involving additional plant and time. Check whether your policy covers bogging recovery costs or if this is excluded.
  • Tyre Damage: ADT tyres are a major expense. Accidental tyre damage from rock, steel and sharp debris is typically covered, but wear and tear is excluded. Consider whether your policy offers a specific tyre damage extension.
  • Articulation Joint and Drivetrain: The articulation joint is a critical and expensive component unique to ADTs. Accidental damage is covered, but wear and tear to drivetrain components is excluded. Regular maintenance records support claims where accidental damage is disputed.
  • Agreed Value Recommended: Given the high value of articulated haulers, agreed value policies are recommended. They pay a pre-determined amount in the event of a total loss, eliminating depreciation disputes.
  • Dry Hire Agreements: ADTs are commonly dry hired for large projects. Your hire agreement must define the hirer's responsibilities for damage, tyre wear, insurance and liability. Insurers may require specific contractual terms before providing cover for hired-out machines.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about Articulated Hauler Insurance and General Enquiries

How much does articulated hauler insurance cost in Australia?

Premiums are typically 1.5% to 3.5% of the sum insured per year. A $700,000 articulated hauler might cost $10,500 to $24,500 per year for comprehensive cover. Machine size, use type, operating conditions and claims history all affect the price. Request a free quote for an accurate indication.

Does articulated hauler insurance cover bogging?

Comprehensive material damage cover typically includes accidental damage sustained during bogging incidents. However, the cost of recovery (hiring additional plant to extract the bogged machine) may or may not be covered depending on the policy. Check with your broker whether recovery costs are included.

Does articulated hauler insurance cover tyre damage?

Accidental tyre damage from hazards such as rock, steel and sharp debris is typically covered. Tyre wear from normal use is excluded. ADT tyres can cost $8,000 to $25,000 each, making tyre cover an important consideration. Ask your broker about tyre damage extensions.

Does ADT insurance cover theft?

Yes. Comprehensive articulated hauler insurance includes theft cover. While ADTs are large and difficult to steal, theft from remote and unattended worksites does occur. Insurers may require GPS tracking, immobilisers and secure storage.

What is the difference between own use, dry hire and wet hire ADT insurance?

Own use means you operate the hauler for your own projects. Dry hire means you hire out the machine without an operator. Wet hire means you supply both the machine and operator. Each arrangement has different insurance requirements. Dry hire needs hired-out plant liability, while wet hire also requires workers compensation and public liability for the operator.

Can I insure an articulated hauler used on mining sites?

Yes. Articulated haulers used in mining support, quarrying and heavy earthmoving can be insured under specialist plant and machinery policies. Mining-adjacent use may attract different premiums depending on the specific duties and site conditions.

Is my articulated hauler covered while on a float?

Transit cover protects your articulated hauler while being transported on a float or low loader between worksites. Some policies include transit as standard, while others require it as an add-on. Confirm transit cover details with your broker.

Which insurers cover articulated haulers in Australia?

Shielded compares quotes from specialist plant insurers including GT Insurance, Chubb, CGU, Zurich, QBE, Vero and Hollard. The best insurer depends on the machine value, use type and your claims history. As brokers, we find the most competitive and suitable cover for your operation.

What types of machinery and equipment can be insured?

We provide cover for a wide range of plant and equipment including excavators, bulldozers, loaders, cranes, forklifts, boom lifts, scissor lifts, telehandlers, concrete pumps, graders, rollers, compactors, generators, and specialist mining and forestry equipment. Whether you own a single machine or manage a fleet, we tailor policies to match your operation.

What does plant and machinery insurance cover?

Plant and machinery insurance typically covers accidental damage, fire, theft, malicious damage, storm and flood damage. You can also add public liability, road risk liability for registered machines, downtime or loss of use cover, hired-in plant cover, and personal accident cover for operators. Policies can be tailored for own use, dry hire or wet hire operations.

How much does plant and machinery insurance cost in Australia?

Premiums are typically calculated as a percentage of the sum insured value, usually between 1.5% and 4% depending on the equipment type, use, and claims history. A $100,000 excavator might cost $2,000 to $4,000 per year for comprehensive cover. Fleet policies covering multiple machines can often achieve better rates. Request a free quote through Shielded for an accurate indication.

What is the difference between dry hire and wet hire insurance?

Dry hire means you hire out equipment without an operator - the hirer is responsible for operating the machine. Wet hire means the equipment comes with an operator. The insurance requirements differ significantly. Dry hire owners need material damage cover on the equipment plus hired-out plant liability. Wet hire operators also need public liability, workers compensation for operators, and potentially road risk cover.

Can I insure hired-in plant and equipment?

Yes. Hired-in plant cover protects equipment you hire from a third party while it is in your care, custody and control. Most hire agreements make the hirer responsible for damage to the equipment. Without hired-in plant cover, you could be liable for the full replacement cost of a machine that is damaged or stolen on your site.

Do I need road risk cover for my plant and machinery?

If your equipment is registered for road use and travels on public roads (e.g., rollers, graders, mobile cranes), you need road risk or third party property damage cover for when the machine is in transit. Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance covers personal injury, but it does not cover property damage to other vehicles or infrastructure.

Who do I contact to make a claim?

Contact us at Shielded Insurance on 1800 97 98 99 or reach out to your insurer directly. We recommend notifying us as soon as possible after an incident, documenting the damage with photos, and securing the equipment to prevent further loss. Our team will guide you through the claims process.

What is downtime or loss of use cover?

Downtime cover (also called loss of use or hire cost reimbursement) provides a daily or weekly payment when your equipment is off-hire or unable to work following an insured event. This helps cover the cost of hiring a replacement machine or compensates for lost revenue while your equipment is being repaired.

Which insurers does Shielded compare for plant insurance?

We compare quotes from specialist plant and equipment insurers including GT Insurance, Chubb, CGU, Zurich, QBE, Vero, Hollard, and others depending on the type of equipment and use. The best insurer depends on whether the machinery is used for own work, dry hire, wet hire, mining, or construction. As brokers, we find the most competitive and suitable cover for your operation.

Can I get a fleet policy for multiple machines?

Yes. Fleet policies covering multiple pieces of equipment under one policy can simplify administration, provide consistent renewal dates, and often achieve better premium rates than insuring each machine individually. Fleet policies are suitable for contractors, plant hire companies and mining operators with multiple assets.