Earthmoving insurance for machines that earn their keep
Excavators, graders, loaders and tippers work hard, often on sites you don’t control. We arrange earthmoving and plant insurance for owner-operators and contractors across regional Victoria.
- Operating In Victoria From 1980
- Proudly Australian Owned
- Steadfast Network Broker
Plant and machinery insurance for the people who run it
Owner-operators
One or two machines and a float. We make sure the gear, the float and your liability are all in step.
Civil & earthmoving contractors
Multiple machines across multiple sites. We help you build a program that follows the work.
Farmers with machinery
Dozers, excavators and loaders used on farm. We make sure they're covered for the work they really do.
Earthmoving and plant cover we arrange
What’s included depends on the insurer and the policy, and all cover is subject to the insurer’s terms and underwriting.
Earthmoving & Machinery
Covers your machines for accidental damage, fire and theft, on site and in storage.
Hired-In Plant
Covers gear you hire in for a job, which your own policy may not pick up. A common gap.
Machinery Breakdown
Can cover sudden mechanical or electrical breakdown, which accidental damage cover often excludes.
Contract Works
Protects the works themselves during a project, along with materials on site.
Public & Products Liability
Your liability if your work injures someone or damages property. Many principal contractors require it.
Tools of Trade
Covers the tools and smaller equipment that travel with you.
Cover descriptions are general only. Read the policy wording, Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination.
Hired-in, hired-out, wet and dry hire
Hired-in vs hired-out plant
Hired-in plant is equipment you bring in from someone else for a job. Hired-out plant is your equipment working for someone else. Each needs its own cover, and many hire agreements make you responsible for the gear while it’s with you.
In short: whoever has the machine needs to know whose policy responds.
Wet hire vs dry hire
Wet hire means the machine goes out with your operator. Dry hire means the machine goes out alone and the customer operates it. Insurers treat them differently, especially for liability.
In short: tell us how your gear goes out so the cover matches.
When a machine goes down
A damaged excavator can stop a whole job. If you have a loss, call your Johansen office straight away. We’ll get the claim to the insurer, help organise assessment, and keep pushing so you can get back to work.
Earthmoving insurance questions
Is my machine covered when it's on a float?
It depends on the policy. We check how your gear moves between jobs and talk you through what is and isn’t covered while it’s being moved.
Do I need separate cover for hired-in plant?
Often, yes. Hire agreements commonly make you responsible for the equipment, and your own policy may not extend to it. Tell us before you hire in.
What's the difference between wet and dry hire for insurance?
Wet hire includes your operator, dry hire doesn’t. Insurers rate the liability differently, so let us know which way your machines go out.
Does machinery breakdown come with my earthmoving policy?
Not usually. Mechanical and electrical breakdown is often a separate cover or extension. We’ll explain the options.
Will a principal contractor ask for my public liability details?
Most do, often with a minimum limit and a certificate of currency. We can provide certificates when you need them.
Are my buckets and attachments covered?
They can be, if they’re listed or the policy includes them. Give us a full list so nothing is missed.
Can you cover farm machinery as well?
Yes. See our farm insurance page, or talk to us about a program that covers both.
Get an earthmoving and plant insurance quote
Tell us about your machines and one of our brokers will be in touch.