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Kobelco Insurance

Compare Kobelco insurance quotes from leading Australian insurers. Cover for Kobelco excavators, mini excavators and crawler cranes - own use, dry hire and wet hire. Free quotes from Shielded Insurance.

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Kobelco Insurance

Specialist insurance for Kobelco excavators and equipment across Australia.

Kobelco is one of the most respected names in the Australian earthmoving and construction sector. Known for fuel efficiency, low-noise operation and advanced hydraulic technology, Kobelco excavators are a common sight on job sites from suburban Sydney to remote mining operations in the Pilbara. Whether you own a single SK55SRX mini excavator or a fleet of SK500LC large machines, Kobelco insurance protects your investment against accidental damage, theft, fire and third party liability. Shielded works with a panel of specialist insurers including GT Insurance, Chubb, CGU, Zurich, QBE, Vero and Hollard to find competitive cover tailored to your Kobelco equipment.

Which Kobelco Models Can Be Insured?
Kobelco manufactures a wide range of equipment used across Australian industries. All models can be covered under specialist plant and machinery policies:

  • Mini Excavators (SK17SR, SK28SR, SK30SR, SK55SRX): Compact zero and short tail swing machines used for landscaping, plumbing trenching and residential construction. Typically valued between $40,000 and $110,000.
  • Midi Excavators (SK75SR, SK85MSR): Versatile mid-range machines suited to commercial building, road works and utility installation. Values generally range from $120,000 to $250,000.
  • Large Excavators (SK210LC, SK260LC, SK350LC, SK500LC): Heavy machines for major earthmoving, quarrying, demolition and mining. Values from $300,000 to well over $900,000 depending on specification and attachments.
  • Crawler Cranes (CK Series): Kobelco is also a leading manufacturer of crawler cranes. These high-value assets require specialist crane insurance with appropriate lifting liability cover.

What Does Kobelco Insurance Cover?

  • Material Damage: Accidental damage, collision, rollover, fire, theft, storm, flood, vandalism and malicious damage. This is the foundation of any plant insurance policy.
  • Third Party Property Damage: Covers damage your Kobelco causes to other vehicles, structures, underground services or infrastructure during operation or transit.
  • Public Liability: Protects against injury or property damage claims arising from the use of your Kobelco on site or on the road.
  • Hired-Out Plant: If you dry hire your Kobelco to other operators, this covers the machine while in the hirer's care, custody and control.
  • Transit Cover: Protection while your Kobelco is being transported on a float or low loader between job sites.
  • Attachments and Accessories: Buckets, hammers, augers, grabs, tilt hitches and quick couplers should be individually listed to ensure full coverage.

What Affects the Cost of Kobelco Insurance?
Premiums for Kobelco equipment are calculated as a percentage of the sum insured, typically between 1.5% and 3.5% per year:

  • Machine Value: The agreed or market replacement value drives the premium. Newer Kobelco machines with higher values attract higher premiums but often benefit from more favourable rates.
  • Use Type: Own use is generally the cheapest. Dry hire and wet hire operations involve higher utilisation and exposure, which increases the premium.
  • Operator Experience: Insurers assess the age, licensing and experience of operators. Kobelco machines with advanced control systems still require skilled operators to avoid costly incidents.
  • Claims History: A clean record over several years is the single most effective way to reduce premiums. Frequent claims for theft or accidental damage will push costs up significantly.
  • Location and Storage: Machines stored securely in a locked yard with GPS tracking and immobilisers attract better rates than those left on open sites.

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

  • Mini Excavator ($40K-$110K): $700 - $3,500 per year
  • Midi Excavator ($120K-$250K): $2,000 - $7,000 per year
  • Large Excavator ($300K-$900K+): $5,000 - $25,000+ per year

Key Considerations for Kobelco Owners

  • Agreed Value Is Recommended: Kobelco machines tend to hold their value well in the Australian market. An agreed value policy ensures you receive the full insured amount in the event of a total loss, rather than a depreciated market value figure that may leave you out of pocket.
  • List All Attachments Separately: Standard buckets, hammers, augers and quick couplers need to be individually listed with accurate values. Unlisted attachments are commonly excluded from claims.
  • GPS Tracking and Immobilisers: Kobelco machines are a target for theft, particularly mini and midi excavators which can be loaded onto a trailer quickly. GPS tracking and factory or aftermarket immobilisers may be required by some insurers and can reduce premiums.
  • Fleet Discounts: If you own multiple Kobelco machines or a mixed fleet, Shielded can negotiate fleet pricing through our insurer panel, which often delivers significant savings compared to insuring machines individually.
  • Hire Agreement Requirements: If you dry hire your Kobelco equipment, ensure your hire agreements clearly define the hirer's obligations for damage, excess payments and insurance. Some insurers require specific clauses in your hire contracts.

How do you get started?

Three steps, and we do the legwork.

1

Start a quote.

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

2

We compare the market.

We go to 10+ insurers and come back with options that fit your machines and how you use them. Same-day quotes available.

3

You're covered.

Pick the option that suits and we handle the paperwork.

Why choose Shielded

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Plant specialists

We insure plant every day, from owner-operators with one excavator to hire companies and contractors running a fleet.

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Named #1 Top Brokerage 2025 and rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot and 4.7/5 on Google from over 12,000 reviews.

We handle renewals

We manage your renewals and keep your cover up to date as you add, sell or upgrade machines.

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Notify a claim 24/7. Our team deals with the insurer for you, so you can get your machine back to work.

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Cover Options

Build the cover your operation needs. Mix and match on one quote.

Material Damage

Accidental damage, collision, fire, theft, storm, flood and malicious damage to your plant and machinery.

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Public Liability

Cover for injury or property damage caused by your equipment or operations on site.

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Downtime

Daily or weekly payments while your machine is off-hire after an insured event.

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Road Risk Liability

Third party cover for registered equipment travelling on public roads.

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Personal Accident

Replaces your income if you're injured or sick and can't work.

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Workers Compensation

Required cover if you employ operators or staff.

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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 Kobelco Insurance and General Enquiries

How much does Kobelco insurance cost in Australia?

Premiums typically range from 1.5% to 3.5% of the sum insured per year. A Kobelco SK210LC valued at $400,000 might cost between $6,000 and $14,000 per year for comprehensive cover. The actual premium depends on use type, claims history, security measures and location. Request a free quote through Shielded for an accurate indication.

Can I insure a Kobelco mini excavator?

Yes. Kobelco mini excavators such as the SK17SR, SK28SR, SK30SR and SK55SRX are fully insurable under plant and machinery policies. Mini excavators are increasingly popular for residential and landscaping work across Australia and should be insured just like larger machines.

Does Kobelco insurance cover theft?

Yes. Comprehensive Kobelco insurance includes cover for theft. However, insurers may require specific security measures such as GPS tracking, immobilisers and secure storage. Higher excesses may apply to theft claims if minimum security standards are not met.

Is my Kobelco covered during transport between sites?

Transit cover protects your Kobelco while being transported on a float or low loader. Some policies include transit as standard, while others require it as an add-on. Confirm with your broker that transit is included before moving your machine.

Do I need to list Kobelco attachments separately on my policy?

Yes. Attachments such as buckets, hammers, augers, grabs, tilt hitches and quick couplers should be individually listed with accurate values. The base machine policy typically does not automatically cover attachments, and unlisted items may be excluded from a claim.

Can I insure a Kobelco for dry hire or wet hire?

Yes. Shielded arranges cover for Kobelco machines used for own work, dry hire and wet hire. Each arrangement has different insurance requirements. Dry hire needs hired-out plant cover, while wet hire also requires workers compensation and public liability for the operator you supply.

What is the difference between agreed value and market value for Kobelco insurance?

Agreed value pays a pre-determined amount in the event of a total loss. Market value pays the depreciated value at the time of the claim. For newer Kobelco machines, agreed value is generally recommended as it provides certainty and avoids disputes over depreciation.

Which insurers cover Kobelco equipment in Australia?

Shielded compares quotes from specialist plant insurers including GT Insurance, Chubb, CGU, Zurich, QBE, Vero and Hollard. The best insurer for your Kobelco depends on the machine value, use type, fleet size and 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.

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