Scraper Insurance

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Compare scraper insurance quotes from leading Australian insurers. Cover for motor scrapers, elevating scrapers and pull scrapers - own use, dry hire and wet hire. Free quotes from Shielded Insurance.

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Scraper Insurance

Specialist cover for motor scrapers and elevating scrapers across Australia.

Scrapers are high-production earthmoving machines designed to cut, load, haul and spread large volumes of material in a single pass. Used extensively in Australian road construction, land development, mining and large-scale civil works, motor scrapers typically cost between $500,000 and $2,500,000 or more. Scraper insurance protects that substantial 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 Scrapers Can Be Insured?
Scraper insurance covers the full range of scraper machines used across Australia:

  • Open Bowl Motor Scrapers: Self-propelled scrapers that rely on a push dozer to assist with loading. Used for large cut-and-fill operations on road construction and land development projects. Popular brands include CAT and John Deere.
  • Elevating Scrapers: Self-loading scrapers with an internal elevator mechanism that eliminates the need for a push dozer. Ideal for projects where push assistance is not practical.
  • Tandem-Powered Scrapers: Twin-engined scrapers with power to both axles, providing the traction to self-load in many soil conditions without push assistance.
  • Pull Scrapers: Towed scrapers pulled behind a large tractor or dozer. A cost-effective option for agricultural land levelling and smaller earthworks projects.
  • Paddle Wheel Scrapers: Scrapers with a paddle wheel loading system for self-loading capability in a range of material types.

What Does Scraper Insurance Cover?

  • Material Damage: Covers accidental damage, collision, rollover, fire, theft, storm, flood, vandalism and malicious damage to your scraper.
  • Third Party / Road Risk: Covers property damage your scraper causes to other vehicles, property or infrastructure. Scrapers occasionally travel on public roads between cut and fill areas, making road risk cover relevant.
  • Public Liability: Protects against claims for injury or property damage arising from scraper operations on any worksite.
  • Downtime / Loss of Use: Provides daily payments when your scraper is unable to work following an insured event. Given the high hourly production rates of scrapers, downtime has a significant financial impact on project schedules.
  • Hired-In Plant: If you hire a scraper from a third party, this covers damage to the machine while in your care, custody and control.
  • Transit Cover: Protects your scraper while being transported on a float between worksites. Scrapers are large, heavy machines requiring specialist transport.
  • Bowl and Cutting Edge: Bowl liners, cutting edges, elevator components and apron mechanisms should be covered for accidental damage.

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

  • Sum Insured Value: The replacement or agreed value of the machine. Motor scrapers are among the most expensive pieces of earthmoving equipment and premiums reflect this.
  • Use Type: Own use is generally cheaper than dry hire or wet hire. Scrapers are specialist machines and are less commonly hired out than other plant, but hire operations still attract higher premiums.
  • Operating Conditions: The type of material being cut (soft soil vs rocky ground) and haul road conditions affect the risk of bowl damage, tyre punctures and drivetrain strain.
  • Tyre Costs: Scraper tyres are large and expensive, typically $10,000 to $30,000 each. Tyre damage from rock and debris is a frequent claim category.
  • Operator Experience: Scrapers require highly skilled operators. Loading technique, cut depth and haul speed all affect machine wear and the likelihood of incidents.
  • Fleet Size: Scraper operations often involve multiple machines working in fleets. Fleet policies covering multiple scrapers and push dozers can be more cost-effective.

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

  • Pull Scraper ($100K-$300K): $1,500 - $8,000 per year
  • Elevating Scraper ($500K-$1M): $7,500 - $30,000 per year
  • Open Bowl Motor Scraper ($800K-$2.5M+): $12,000 - $75,000+ per year

Key Considerations for Scraper Owners

  • Tyre Management: Scraper tyres are a major operating cost. Accidental tyre damage from rock, steel and embedded objects is typically covered, but wear and tear is excluded. With six or more tyres per machine at $10,000 to $30,000 each, tyre cover is an important policy consideration.
  • Agreed Value Essential: Given the very high value of motor scrapers, agreed value policies are essential. They pay a pre-determined amount in the event of a total loss, providing certainty and avoiding disputes over depreciated values for older machines.
  • Push-Pull Operations: Scrapers often work in push-pull pairs or rely on push dozers for loading. Collision between machines during push loading is a common incident. Ensure both the scraper and push dozer are adequately insured.
  • Bowl and Cutting Edge Wear: Bowl liners and cutting edges are wear items that are not covered under insurance. However, accidental damage to the bowl structure, elevator mechanism and apron is covered.
  • Specialist Transport: Motor scrapers are extremely heavy and wide, requiring specialist float transport with permits. Ensure transit cover includes loading and unloading, as these are high-risk activities for large machines.

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Protection for third party property damage or personal injury.

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Downtime

Income whilst your machinery is out of action.

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Road Risk Liability

Third party cover for equipment on public roads.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about Scraper Insurance and General Enquiries

How much does scraper insurance cost in Australia?

Premiums are typically 1.5% to 3.5% of the sum insured per year. A $1,000,000 motor scraper might cost $15,000 to $35,000 per year for comprehensive cover. Machine type, use, operating conditions and claims history all affect the price. Request a free quote for an accurate indication.

Does scraper insurance cover tyre damage?

Accidental tyre damage from hazards such as rock, steel and embedded objects is typically covered. Tyre wear from normal operations is excluded. Scraper tyres can cost $10,000 to $30,000 each, so tyre cover is an important consideration. Ask your broker about tyre damage extensions.

Does scraper insurance cover damage during push loading?

Yes. Accidental damage sustained during push loading operations, including collision between the push dozer and scraper, is covered under a comprehensive material damage policy. Push loading is a routine part of open bowl scraper operations and is an anticipated risk.

Does scraper insurance cover theft?

Yes. Comprehensive scraper insurance includes theft cover. While motor scrapers are very large and difficult to steal, theft from remote and unattended worksites is possible. GPS tracking and secure storage are recommended and may be required by insurers.

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

Own use means you operate the scraper 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 a pull scraper towed behind a tractor?

Yes. Pull scrapers and towed scrapers can be insured under plant and machinery policies. The sum insured should reflect the replacement value of the scraper unit. The towing tractor or dozer should be insured separately under its own policy.

Is my scraper covered while being transported between sites?

Transit cover protects your scraper while being transported on a float between worksites. Motor scrapers require specialist heavy haulage transport. Ensure your policy covers loading and unloading as well as in-transit damage.

Which insurers cover scrapers 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.