Compactor Roller Insurance

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Compare compactor roller insurance quotes from leading Australian insurers. Cover for smooth drum, padfoot and pneumatic rollers - own use, dry hire and wet hire. Free quotes from Shielded Insurance.

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Compactor Roller Insurance

Specialist cover for compaction rollers and vibratory rollers across Australia.

Compactor rollers are critical to road construction, earthworks, landfill operations and civil projects across Australia. From small walk-behind rollers to large self-propelled vibratory and pneumatic machines, these assets typically cost between $30,000 and $500,000 or more. Compactor roller 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 Compactor Rollers Can Be Insured?
Compactor roller insurance covers the full range of compaction equipment used across Australia:

  • Smooth Drum Vibratory Rollers: The most common type, used for compacting asphalt, granular materials and subgrade in road construction. Available as single drum or tandem drum configurations. Popular brands include Bomag, Dynapac, Hamm, CAT and Ammann.
  • Padfoot / Sheepsfoot Rollers: Rollers with protruding pads on the drum surface for compacting cohesive soils such as clay. Essential for dam construction, embankments and earthworks.
  • Pneumatic Tyred Rollers: Multi-wheel rubber-tyred rollers used for finishing asphalt surfaces and compacting granular materials. Common in road construction and rehabilitation projects.
  • Combination Rollers: Machines with a vibratory drum at the front and pneumatic tyres at the rear, providing versatile compaction in a single pass.
  • Walk-Behind Rollers: Small, pedestrian-operated rollers for footpaths, driveways, trench backfill and confined areas.

What Does Compactor Roller Insurance Cover?

  • Material Damage: Covers accidental damage, collision, fire, theft, storm, flood, vandalism and malicious damage to your compactor roller.
  • Third Party / Road Risk: Covers property damage your roller causes to other vehicles, property or road surfaces while operating or travelling between work areas.
  • Public Liability: Protects against claims for injury or property damage arising from roller operations, including vibration damage to adjacent structures and underground services.
  • Downtime / Loss of Use: Provides daily payments when your roller is off-hire or unable to work following an insured event. Important for hire fleet operators where compaction equipment is in high demand.
  • Hired-In Plant: If you hire a roller from a third party, this covers damage to the machine while in your care, custody and control.
  • Transit Cover: Protects your roller while being transported on a float, trailer or truck between worksites.
  • Vibration Damage Liability: Covers claims from third parties for property damage caused by vibration from your roller, an important consideration on urban projects.

What Affects the Cost of Compactor Roller Insurance?
Premiums for compactor roller insurance are typically calculated as a percentage of the sum insured:

  • Sum Insured Value: The replacement or agreed value of the machine. Larger vibratory rollers with advanced compaction monitoring systems attract higher values.
  • Use Type: Own use is generally cheaper than dry hire or wet hire. Rollers are commonly hired out for road projects and the range of operators and site conditions increases risk.
  • Roller Type: Vibratory rollers may attract slightly different premiums than static or pneumatic models due to the vibration mechanism and its maintenance requirements.
  • Operator Experience: Proper compaction technique reduces both machine wear and the risk of vibration damage to surrounding structures and services.
  • Claims History: A clean claims record results in more competitive premiums. Common claims include collision damage, drum damage and vibration-related third party claims.
  • Security: GPS tracking, immobilisers and secure storage help reduce theft risk and may attract premium discounts.

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

  • Walk-Behind / Small Roller ($30K-$80K): $500 - $2,500 per year
  • Mid-Size Roller ($80K-$200K): $1,200 - $5,000 per year
  • Large Vibratory Roller ($200K-$500K+): $3,500 - $15,000+ per year

Key Considerations for Compactor Roller Owners

  • Vibration Damage Liability: Vibratory rollers can cause damage to nearby structures, underground pipes and cables. Public liability cover that specifically addresses vibration damage is essential for any roller working in urban areas or near existing infrastructure.
  • Drum Damage: Smooth drums can be damaged by running over steel, rock or debris on site. Padfoot tips can break off or wear prematurely. Accidental damage is covered, but normal wear and tear is excluded.
  • Compaction Monitoring Systems: Modern rollers are often fitted with Intelligent Compaction (IC) systems and GPS that monitor and record compaction data. These add-on systems should be declared separately with accurate values.
  • Dry Hire is Common: Compactor rollers are among the most frequently dry hired plant items. Ensure your hire agreement clearly defines the hirer's responsibilities for damage, insurance and liability.
  • Fleet Cover: Operators with multiple rollers should consider fleet policies that cover all machines under a single policy, which can be more cost-effective and simpler to manage.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about Compactor Roller Insurance and General Enquiries

How much does compactor roller insurance cost in Australia?

Premiums are typically 1.5% to 3.5% of the sum insured per year. A $150,000 vibratory roller might cost $2,250 to $5,250 per year for comprehensive cover. Use type, claims history and security measures all affect the price. Request a free quote for an accurate indication.

Does roller insurance cover vibration damage to nearby buildings?

Public liability cover protects against third party claims for property damage caused by vibration from your roller. This is an important consideration on urban road projects and sites close to existing structures. Check with your broker that vibration damage liability is included in your policy.

Does compactor roller insurance cover theft?

Yes. Comprehensive compactor roller insurance includes theft cover. Insurers may require GPS tracking, immobilisers and secure storage. Some policies apply higher excesses for theft claims where minimum security measures are not in place.

Can I insure a walk-behind roller?

Yes. Walk-behind rollers and other small compaction equipment can be insured under plant and machinery policies. Even smaller machines represent a meaningful investment and are frequently targeted for theft from worksites.

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

Own use means you operate the roller 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.

Are padfoot and smooth drum rollers insured differently?

Both padfoot and smooth drum rollers are insured under the same plant and machinery policies. However, the type of work and operating environment may affect premiums. Padfoot rollers used in heavy earthworks may have different risk profiles to smooth drum rollers used on road paving projects.

Is my roller covered while being transported between sites?

Transit cover protects your roller while being transported on a float, trailer or truck between worksites. Some policies include transit as standard, while others require it as an add-on. Confirm with your broker that transit cover is included.

Which insurers cover compactor rollers 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.