Earthmoving & Excavator Insurance
Get personalised Earthmoving & Excavator Insurance for your earthmoving or excavation business. Keep your business, equipment and team protected.
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What is Earthmoving & Excavator Insurance?
Earthmoving & Excavator Insurance is a customised insurance package that protects businesses, contractors and owner-operators involved in earthmoving and excavation work.
This includes activities like digging, grading, land clearing, site preparation and landscaping which rely on heavy machinery.
The insurance combines various types of coverage to address the specific risks of operating expensive equipment in potentially hazardous environments, such as construction sites or mining operations.
Who Can Benefit from Earthmoving & Excavator Insurance?
This insurance is designed for anyone involved in earthmoving or excavation, including:
01
Earthmoving Contractors and Subcontractors:
Businesses or sole traders hired to perform excavation, land clearing, grading or site preparation for construction projects, roadworks or landscaping.
02
Construction Companies
Firms managing residential, commercial or infrastructure projects that use earthmoving equipment, either owned or hired.
03
Equipment Hire Companies (Dry and Wet Hire)
Businesses that lease out earthmoving equipment, either without an operator (dry hire) or with one (wet hire).
04
Landscapers and Civil Contractors
Professionals involved in landscaping, road construction or civil works (e.g., drainage systems or retaining walls), using equipment like bobcats or mini-excavators.
05
Mining and Quarrying Businesses
Companies operating heavy machinery in resource extraction or quarrying, often in remote or high-risk environments.
06
Sole Traders and Owner-Operators
Independent operators who own or lease a single piece of equipment, such as an excavator or skid-steer loader, for small-scale projects.
What Does Earthmoving & Excavator Insurance Cover?
Earthmoving and excavator insurance is not a single policy but a combination of coverages tailored to your business.
Here are the main risks covered:
01
Equipment Damage: Accidental damage to your machinery, such as hitting a rock, overturning, or mechanical failure during operation. Excavators and bulldozers, often costing $50,000 to $500,000, are significant investments.
02
Theft of Machinery: Theft is a major concern, especially on unsecured or remote worksites. In Australia, equipment theft costs the construction industry millions annually.
03
Third-Party Property Damage: Excavation work can accidentally damage nearby property, such as underground utilities (e.g., water mains, gas lines) or adjacent structures.
04
Third-Party Injury: Operating heavy machinery can lead to injuries to bystanders, workers or pedestrians, resulting in costly compensation claims.
05
Environmental Damage: Excavation can disturb hazardous materials, causing soil contamination or spills which may then lead to clean-up costs or regulatory fines.
Note that there may be relevant exclusions that apply!
06
Project or Site Damage: Unfinished projects or worksites can be damaged by events like storms, fire or vandalism, delaying projects and increasing costs.
07
Personal Injury to Operators: Sole traders or employees can be injured on the job, such as in an equipment rollover, leading to medical costs or lost income.
08
Business Interruption: Equipment breakdowns, theft or legal disputes can halt operations, causing lost income and project delays. Downtime can cost thousands in lost revenue.
09
Damage During Transport: Moving heavy machinery on public roads can lead to accidents, damaging your equipment or third-party property.
Why These Risks Matter
The earthmoving and excavation industry faces unique challenges that can disrupt your business without proper coverage:
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High Costs
Equipment repairs or replacements and liability claims can cost tens of thousands.
Regulatory Requirements
Many construction sites in Australia require proof of insurance to comply with Work Health and Safety regulations.
Frequent Incidents
Utility strikes, equipment theft and accidents are common.
Business Continuity:
Uninsured losses can lead to downtime, project delays or even bankruptcy for small operators.
Frequently asked questions
Can Earthmoving & Excavator Insurance cover equipment used on multiple sites?
Yes, most policies can cover your equipment across multiple worksites. You’ll need to declare all equipment and sites when setting up your policy to ensure full coverage.
If you frequently move equipment, you can reach out to us at Tank Insurance about Road Risk Liability to cover transport-related incidents.
Does Earthmoving & Excavator Insurance cover older or second-hand machinery?
Yes, Earthmoving & Excavator Insurance can cover older or second-hand equipment, like a used bulldozer or grader, as long as it’s in good working condition and its value is declared accurately. Insurers may require an inspection or maintenance records for older machines to assess risk.
What happens if my equipment breaks down due to wear and tear?
Standard Earthmoving & Excavator Insurance typically doesn’t cover breakdowns due to normal wear and tear as these are considered maintenance issues. However, some policies offer optional Breakdown Cover for mechanical or electrical failures which can be a lifesaver for high-use equipment.
How does Earthmoving & Excavator Insurance typically handle underground utility strikes?
Striking underground utilities, like water mains or cables, is a common risk in excavation. Public Liability can cover third-party damage, such as repair costs for a damaged gas line.
Can I get temporary insurance for a short-term project?
Yes, short-term Earthmoving & Excavator Insurance is available for specific projects such as a three-month site preparation job. These policies can cover equipment, liability and contract works for the project’s duration, often at a lower cost than annual policies.