Crusher Insurance

1800 97 98 99

Compare crusher insurance quotes from leading Australian insurers. Cover for jaw, cone, impact and mobile crushers used in quarrying and demolition. Free quotes from Shielded Insurance.

Machinery Insurance - Comprehensive and Third Party, Road Risk Liability, Downtime Cover, Public Liability and more.

By applying for a quote you are accepting our privacy policy, terms of engagement and financial services guide.

Shielded Insurance industry awards and recognitions

Get a Quote

Start a quote today

Select the Cover Options you want:

Crusher Insurance

Specialist cover for mobile and fixed crushers used in quarrying, mining and demolition across Australia.

Crushers are heavy-duty machines used to break rock, concrete, asphalt and other hard materials into smaller aggregate sizes. They are essential to Australia's quarrying, mining, demolition and recycling industries. Mobile jaw crushers, cone crushers, impact crushers and screening plants represent major capital investments, with individual machines ranging from $200,000 to well over $1.5 million. Crusher insurance protects these high-value assets against accidental damage, theft, fire, mechanical failure and third party liability across all operating environments.

What Types of Crushers Can Be Insured?
Crusher insurance covers the full range of crushing and screening equipment used in Australia:

  • Jaw Crushers: Primary crushers that use a compressive force between a fixed and moving jaw plate to break large rock and concrete. Common brands include Metso, Sandvik, Kleemann and Terex.
  • Cone Crushers: Secondary and tertiary crushers that produce finer aggregate sizes through compression between a mantle and concave. Used in quarrying and aggregate production.
  • Impact Crushers (HSI/VSI): Use high-speed impact force to break material. Horizontal shaft impactors (HSI) are used for demolition recycling, while vertical shaft impactors (VSI) produce manufactured sand.
  • Mobile Crushing Plants: Track-mounted or wheeled units that combine crusher, feeder and conveyor in a single mobile platform. Essential for on-site crushing in quarries, demolition and road construction.
  • Screening Plants: Vibrating screens and trommels used alongside crushers to separate material into specified sizes. Often insured as part of a crushing spread.
  • Fixed / Stationary Crushers: Permanent installations in quarries and processing plants, typically insured under industrial special risks or plant and machinery policies.

What Does Crusher Insurance Cover?

  • Material Damage: Covers accidental damage, collision, fire, theft, storm, flood, vandalism and malicious damage to your crusher. This includes damage from tramp metal, uncrushable material and feed blockages.
  • Third Party Liability: Covers property damage or injury caused by the operation of your crusher to third party assets, infrastructure, vehicles or personnel on or near the worksite.
  • Public Liability: Protects against claims for injury or property damage arising from crushing operations, including dust, noise, vibration and material discharge affecting neighbouring properties.
  • Downtime / Loss of Use: Provides daily payments when your crusher is unable to work following an insured event. For contract crushing operators, every day of downtime affects production targets and revenue.
  • Hired-In Plant: If you hire a crusher from a third party, this covers damage to the machine while in your care, custody and control.
  • Transit Cover: Protects your crusher while being transported on a float between quarries or worksites.
  • Machinery Breakdown: Optional cover for mechanical and electrical breakdown of critical components such as the crusher chamber, bearings, hydraulics and drive systems.

What Affects the Cost of Crusher Insurance?
Premiums for crusher insurance are typically calculated as a percentage of the sum insured:

  • Sum Insured Value: The replacement or agreed value of the machine. Large mobile crushing plants valued over $1 million attract proportionally higher premiums.
  • Use Type: Crushers in permanent quarry installations may be rated differently to mobile contract crushers that move between sites frequently.
  • Material Being Processed: Crushing hard rock, reinforced concrete or demolition waste with embedded steel carries higher damage risk than processing softer materials.
  • Claims History: A clean claims record results in more competitive premiums. Frequent claims for tramp metal damage, chamber wear or conveyor incidents increase costs.
  • Maintenance Standards: Well-maintained crushers with documented service histories are viewed more favourably by insurers.
  • Fleet Size: Operators with multiple crushers and screening plants may qualify for fleet rates covering the entire crushing spread.

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

  • Small / Compact Crusher ($200K-$500K): $4,000 - $14,000 per year
  • Mid-Range Mobile Crusher ($500K-$1M): $10,000 - $28,000 per year
  • Large Mobile Crushing Plant ($1M-$1.5M+): $20,000 - $45,000+ per year

Key Considerations for Crusher Owners

  • Tramp Metal and Uncrushable Material: Foreign objects such as steel reinforcement, drill bits and uncrushable rock entering the crusher chamber are a leading cause of damage. Pre-screening, metal detectors and magnet separators reduce this risk and may be expected by insurers.
  • Wear Parts vs Accidental Damage: Jaw plates, cone mantles, blow bars and liners are considered wear parts and are not covered by insurance. However, damage to the crusher frame, bearings or hydraulics caused by an insured event is covered.
  • Dust and Environmental Liability: Crushing operations generate significant dust, noise and vibration. Ensure your public liability policy addresses environmental complaints and nuisance claims from nearby residents or businesses.
  • Crushing Spread Cover: Many operators run a complete crushing spread including crusher, screen, stacker and conveyors. Ensure all components are individually listed with accurate values on your policy schedule.
  • Machinery Breakdown: Consider adding machinery breakdown cover for critical components, particularly for older machines outside manufacturer warranty. This covers electrical and mechanical failure that standard accidental damage policies exclude.

How do you get started?

We make machinery and equipment insurance fast and easy at Shielded. Get a quote today.

1

Start a quote.

Fill the quote form above, or call us on 1800 97 98 99.

2

Quotes gathered.

Our team will procure competitive quotes.

3

You're covered.

Choose your option and receive your policy documents.

Why choose Shielded

Protect yourself with a policy backed by a reputable and award winning insurance advisor.

Professional

Our team are professional and experienced in machinery insurance.

Highly Reviewed

Shielded is an award winning insurance advisor with thousands of 5 star reviews.

Renewal Management

Our team will manage your renewals and keep you informed and up to date.

24/7 Claims

Notify of a claim 24/7 365 days a year.

Cover Options

We can provide different levels of cover for machinery and equipment owners

Material Damage

Comprehensive cover for your plant and machinery.

Get a quote

Public Liability

Protection for third party property damage or personal injury.

Get a quote

Downtime

Income whilst your machinery is out of action.

Get a quote

Road Risk Liability

Third party cover for equipment on public roads.

Get a quote

Personal Accident

Protect your income from injury or sickness.

Get a quote

Workers Compensation

Protection for your employees and operators.

Get a quote

Types of Equipment Insurance

We insure all types of plant, machinery and equipment across Australia. Select a category to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about Crusher Insurance and General Enquiries

How much does crusher insurance cost in Australia?

Premiums are typically 1.5% to 3.5% of the sum insured per year. A $750,000 mobile jaw crusher might cost $14,000 to $24,000 per year for comprehensive cover. The material processed, claims history and use type all influence the final price. Request a free quote for an accurate indication.

Does crusher insurance cover damage from tramp metal?

Yes. Accidental damage caused by tramp metal, steel reinforcement and uncrushable foreign objects entering the crusher chamber is covered under comprehensive material damage policies. Insurers expect reasonable precautions such as pre-screening, metal detectors and magnet separators to minimise this risk.

Are crusher wear parts covered by insurance?

No. Jaw plates, cone mantles, blow bars, liners and screen meshes are considered wear parts and are excluded from insurance cover. However, damage to the crusher frame, bearings, hydraulics or drive components caused by an insured event is typically covered.

Can I insure a complete mobile crushing spread?

Yes. Crushers, screens, stackers, conveyors and feeders can all be insured under a single plant and machinery policy. Each item should be individually listed on the policy schedule with an accurate sum insured value. Fleet rates may apply to larger spreads.

Does crusher insurance cover mechanical breakdown?

Standard material damage policies cover accidental damage but generally exclude mechanical or electrical breakdown. Separate machinery breakdown cover can be arranged for critical components such as bearings, hydraulics, drives and electrical systems. This is particularly valuable for older machines outside warranty.

Is my mobile crusher covered during transport between sites?

Transit cover protects your crusher while being transported on a float or low loader between quarries and worksites. Mobile crushers move frequently, so this is an important cover to confirm with your broker. Some policies include transit as standard, while others require it as an add-on.

Do I need environmental liability cover for crushing operations?

Crushing operations generate dust, noise and vibration that can affect neighbouring properties. Public liability policies typically cover third party property damage and injury claims. For operations near residential areas, discuss environmental and nuisance liability with your broker to ensure adequate protection.

Which insurers cover crushers in Australia?

Shielded compares quotes from specialist plant and machinery 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.