Plant and Machinery Insurance Australia | Construction & Excavator Cover
In the construction industry, mobile plant and equipment aren’t just assets—they’re the backbone of your business activities. That’s why having tailored construction plant and equipment insurance is not simply a precaution; it’s a vital step toward long-term stability and protection.
From bulldozers to excavators, every piece of equipment plays a critical role on-site. Having the right insurance in place can be the difference between a manageable delay and a costly business interruption.
At ProTrades, we offer comprehensive plant and machinery insurance designed for the unique demands of the trades and construction industry. From machinery breakdowns to accidental damage during transit, we understand the wide range of risks your business faces. Our experienced insurance brokers make it simple to get the right cover without the hassle. With ProTrades, you can focus on the job at hand, knowing your valuable assets are protected against unexpected setbacks.
We also help simplify the process of insuring larger, heavier machinery.
At ProTrades, we offer comprehensive machinery and equipment insurance specifically designed for the unique demands of the trades industry. From machinery breakdowns to accidental damage during transit, we understand the wide range of risks your business faces. Our experienced insurance specialists are here to simplify the process—making it easy to get the right cover without the hassle. With ProTrades, you can focus on the job at hand, knowing your valuable assets are protected against unexpected setbacks.
Excavator Insurance in Australia
Excavators are some of the most valuable and high-risk machinery on site. Our excavator insurance Australia policies cover accidental damage, theft, and increased costs of hiring replacement machines if yours is out of action. Whether you operate under wet hire or dry hire, we tailor cover that keeps projects moving without costly delays.
What Types of Machinery Can Be Covered?
Excavators
From mini excavators to large-scale models used for digging, trenching, and demolition.
Bulldozers
Essential for earthmoving, site clearing, and heavy pushing tasks across construction.
Cranes
Mobile, tower, and truck-mounted cranes for lifting and moving heavy materials safely.
Loaders
Wheel loaders, skid steers, and backhoes for transporting materials and site prep.
Forklifts
High-risk assets frequently used in warehouses, yards, and construction sites.
Tractors
Common across agriculture, landscaping, and rural contracting operations.
What Does Plant & Equipment Insurance Cover?
Accidental damage
Protection for owned or hired plant & equipment when unexpected incidents occur.
Theft or damage
Cover on site, in storage, or while in transit between jobs.
Mobile plant & equipment
Including excavators, cranes, bulldozers, loaders, forklifts, and attachments.
Increased costs of working
Helps you hire replacement machinery and minimise downtime.
Public & Product Liability (optional)
Protects against third-party claims for injury or property damage linked to your business activities.
Claim Example
A construction business in Melbourne suffered a $45,000 loss when an excavator hired out on a dry hire basis was damaged during transport. Their plant & equipment insurance covered the repairs, legal fees, and the increased costs of hiring a replacement machine, ensuring the project was completed on time.
What are the most commonly covered types of machinery?
When it comes to machinery and equipment insurance, protecting your most valuable assets is essential. At ProTrades, we provide tailored cover for a wide range of heavy equipment commonly used across the trades, construction, and civil industries.
Here are some of the most commonly insured types of machinery:
Excavators
From mini excavators to large-scale models, excavators are vital for digging, trenching, and demolition work.
Bulldozers
Heavily used in earthmoving, construction, and clearing projects, bulldozers are essential to many trade businesses.
Cranes
Mobile cranes, tower cranes, and truck-mounted cranes are all covered for lifting and moving heavy materials.
Loaders
Wheel loaders, skid steers, and backhoes are crucial for transporting materials and site prep.
Forklifts
Used in warehouses, construction sites, and yards, forklifts are a high-risk asset that should be properly insured.
Tractors
Popular in agriculture, landscaping, and rural contracting work, tractors are frequently included in cover.
Ready to get insured?
Request a quote
Our friendly team is ready to listen to your needs and guide you through the tradie plant/machinery insurance process.
Review your options
Your broker will discuss various insurance covers that fit your specific machinery and business operations
Review and customise
Once you’re satisfied with your coverage options, we’ll help you finalise your policy and activate it.
Customise your coverage
Together with your broker, you will tailor a policy that best fits your business’s risk profile and budget.
Material damage
When your machinery suffers an unexpected mishap, you can rely on ProTrades insurance to keep your operations on track. Whether it’s a vital piece of heavy equipment or smaller tools essential to your workflow, our accidental damage cover is designed to minimise downtime and protect your bottom line. We understand that in the trades and construction industries, even a single breakdown can cause significant delays. That’s why our tailored machinery insurance ensures you’re covered for accidental damage, helping you get back to work—fast.
Equipment in transit
As your equipment moves from site to site, the risk of damage or loss increases. At ProTrades, our equipment in transit insurance is designed to protect your valuable assets while they’re on the move. Whether you're transporting a small set of portable tools or relocating large-scale machinery, our coverage ensures your equipment is protected against accidental damage, theft, or loss during transit. We help keep your operations running smoothly—no matter where the job takes you.
Portable tools and parts
At ProTrades, we know that your smaller tools and parts are just as crucial to your trade as heavy machinery. That’s why our portable tools and parts insurance is designed to protect these essential assets—so you can focus on the job, not the risk. Our cover includes protection against theft, loss, and accidental damage, giving you peace of mind whether you're on-site, in transit, or storing your tools between jobs. With ProTrades, even the smallest tools get the protection they deserve.
Public & product liability
Accidents can happen on any job site. If your work unintentionally causes injury to a third party or damage to their property, ProTrades’ Public and Product Liability Insurance is here to protect you. This essential cover safeguards your business against costly legal fees, compensation claims, and other liabilities—helping ensure that one unexpected incident doesn’t put your financial future at risk. With ProTrades, you can operate with confidence, knowing you're covered when it matters most.
Plant and machinery insurance - Why use ProTrades?
Find an insurance solution that works for you and gives you the right coverage for your specific trade.
If the unexpected happens and you need to make a claim, we are here to go into bat for you. We’ll liaise with your insurers on your behalf.