Crane Insurance

Mechanical and electrical breakdown can be included as an optional extension on most crane policies. This covers failure of hydraulic systems, engines, winches and slew mechanisms. It is particularly valuable for older cranes outside manufacturer warranty. Not all insurers offer this cover, so speak with your broker.

Yes. Pick-and-carry cranes such as the Terex Franna are commonly insured under plant and machinery policies. They can be covered for material damage, third party liability and transit. Franna cranes used for hire operations will need appropriate hire cover included.

Standard crane insurance does not automatically cover damage to a third party's load. Lifting liability or care, custody and control cover may be available as an extension. If your crane regularly lifts high-value loads, discuss this exposure with your broker to ensure adequate protection.

Cover during erection and dismantling can be included, but it is not always automatic. Tower crane assembly is a high-risk activity and some insurers impose specific conditions, such as requiring licensed riggers and approved lift plans. Confirm this cover is in place before any assembly work begins.

Yes. Jibs, fly extensions, spreader bars, slings, shackles and other lifting tackle should be individually listed on your policy with accurate replacement values. Standard policies typically cover the base machine only, and unlisted items may not be covered in a claim.

Insurers typically require operators to hold the relevant high-risk work licence issued by the state or territory regulator. Common licence classes include C2 (slewing mobile crane up to 20t), C6 (slewing mobile crane up to 60t), C1 (open slewing mobile crane) and CT (tower crane). A clean driving and operating record also helps secure better premiums.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.