Yellow excavator digging on construction site with cranes for earthmoving contractor public liability insurance

Earthmoving & Excavator Insurance

Get personalised cover for your earthmoving or excavation business. Keep your equipment, team and operations protected.

100%

AU Owned

24h

Typical Turnaround

50+

Civil Risks

Recognition

Industry Awards

Access to Australia's leading insurers and underwriting agencies, including:

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Earthmoving and Excavator Insurance is a customised package for businesses and contractors. We help secure the right cover for your civil and excavation projects.

Technical Scope

This includes activities like digging, grading, land clearing, site preparation and landscaping which rely on heavy machinery. The insurance combines various covers to address the specific risks of operating expensive equipment.

Risk Management

Whether you are on a construction site or a mining operation, potentially hazardous environments require specialist protection. We find cover that actually fits your setup, not a generic policy.

RISK ARCHITECTURE

What does Earthmoving & Excavator Insurance cover?

Provides cover for accidental damage to your machinery, such as hitting a rock, overturning, or mechanical failure during operation. Excavators and bulldozers are significant investments that require robust protection.

Theft is a major concern on unsecured or remote worksites. Specialist cover can help protect your business from the significant costs associated with equipment theft.

Excavation work can accidentally damage nearby property, such as underground utilities: water mains, gas lines or adjacent structures. This cover handles the resulting repair costs and liability claims.

Operating heavy machinery can lead to injuries to bystanders or pedestrians. This insurance can cover legal defence costs and liability claims resulting from such incidents.

Excavation can disturb hazardous materials, causing soil contamination or spills. This may lead to clean-up costs or regulatory fines, which can be covered by the right policy.

Equipment breakdowns, theft or legal disputes can halt operations, causing lost income and project delays. This cover helps bridge the gap during periods of downtime.

Earthmoving and excavator insurance is not a single policy but a combination of covers tailored to your business.

SECTOR ANALYSIS

Who can benefit from Earthmoving & Excavator Insurance?

Our insurance solutions are designed for a wide range of professionals and businesses in the excavation and civil construction space.

Large tracked excavator with raised bucket against blue sky for heavy earthmoving machinery insurance

Businesses or sole traders hired to perform excavation, land clearing, grading or site preparation for construction projects, roadworks or landscaping.

Firms managing residential, commercial or infrastructure projects that use earthmoving equipment, either owned or hired.

Businesses that lease out earthmoving equipment, either without an operator (dry hire) or with one (wet hire).

Professionals involved in landscaping, road construction or civil works, using equipment like bobcats or mini-excavators.

Companies operating heavy machinery in resource extraction or quarrying, often in remote or high-risk environments.

Independent operators who own or lease a single piece of equipment, such as an excavator or skid-steer loader, for small-scale projects.

Fleet of excavators silhouetted against twilight sky for earthmoving equipment insurance and plant cover

Why these risks matter

The earthmoving and excavation industry faces unique challenges that can disrupt your business without proper cover:

  • 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 in civil works.
  • Business Continuity: Uninsured losses can lead to downtime, project delays or even bankruptcy for small operators.

The earthmoving industry operates with high-value assets in high-risk environments. Proper cover is a fundamental requirement for business continuity and regulatory compliance.

KNOWLEDGE BASE

Frequently asked questions

Yes, most policies can cover your equipment across multiple worksites. You will need to declare all equipment and sites when setting up your policy to ensure full cover. If you frequently move equipment, you can reach out to us at Tank Insurance about Road Risk extensions to cover transport-related incidents or road use.
Yes, Earthmoving & Excavator Insurance can cover older or second-hand equipment, like a used bulldozer or grader, as long as it is in good working condition and its value is declared accurately. Insurers may require an inspection or maintenance records for older machines to assess risk.
Standard Earthmoving & Excavator Insurance typically does not 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 helpful for high-use equipment.
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, provided you have followed required procedures like 'Dial Before You Dig'.
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.
Excavator operator in cab digging earth on construction site for earthmoving plant and equipment insurance

Get a quote

Protect your equipment and your business with a tailored insurance package. Call us on 02 9000 1155 or request a quote online.

Expert Review: 03/01/2026

Verified by Tank Insurance Brokers

Call Us Now +61 2 9000 1155