Crane and rigging contractors insurance

A lift can involve the crane, the load, adjacent property, traffic, other workers and several contracts. Wet hire, dry hire and contract lifting allocate responsibilities differently.

What changes the insurance assessment

Fleet and lifting capacity; wet/dry hire; who designs and supervises lifts; high-risk or engineered lifts; load values; work near powerlines, rail or roads; subcontractors; operator and rigging licences; maintenance.

Covers to discuss

Public/products liability, crane/plant damage, hired plant, lifted load and property in care/custody/control, motor and contract works where applicable. Verify damage to the load and recovery costs separately.

Crane and rigging information

Identify crane types and capacities, mobile versus fixed work, typical lift weights, maximum lift values and whether lifts occur over live property or public areas. Explain who plans and supervises lifts, checks ground bearing, provides rigging and operates hired equipment. Include subcontracted operators and any contract requiring the contractor to insure a customer’s goods while lifted.

Liability for third-party damage, damage to the crane and damage to the item being lifted should be examined separately. Standard liability wording may treat property in care, custody or control differently. Ask for a clear response on lifting, load, hired-in plant and contractual indemnities before relying on a certificate of currency.

Information to prepare

Provide a clear description and turnover split of your activities, locations, project values, required liability limits, licences, subcontractor arrangements, current policy and claims history. Include relevant contracts and methods for the higher-risk work. We will identify any further information underwriters need.

Questions contractors ask

“Does public liability cover the load being lifted?” A standard policy may restrict property in care/custody/control. “Is the crane itself covered?” That normally calls for a separate plant section.

Public and products liability guide · Contract works · D&C PI

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