Insurance For Mini Digger Hire- Where To Start?
Hiring a mini digger for a home DIY project can be a game-changer — especially if you’ve got a load of muck to shift or some deep foundations to dig. However, before you order your equipment and jump behind the controls, there’s one crucial element to consider: insurance.
Do you need it?
What’s already covered?
What happens if you don’t have it?
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about insurance for hiring a mini digger, so when the time comes, you’ll have all the information you need to make the right choice for your project.
Just a quick note: At WHC Hire, we don’t sell or offer insurance with our equipment. So, what you’ll find here is impartial advice, drawn from over 25 years of experience in supplying mini diggers to DIYers and professionals across the UK.
Do You Need Insurance To Hire A Mini Digger
In the UK, there are no legal restrictions on hiring a mini digger with or without insurance. This means the decision to insure the machinery is entirely up to the person hiring it.
Most reputable plant hire companies will strongly recommend arranging temporary insurance cover for the duration of your hire. While it isn’t a legal requirement, the decision to release the equipment ultimately lies with the mini digger supplier you’re working with.
Should You Have Insurance When Hiring A Mini Digger?
While we’re not an insurance company, we can provide you with the facts. Mini diggers are designed to be user-friendly, but accidents are still common — especially among users with limited experience.
Here are just a few reasons why you should consider insuring your hired mini digger:
Accidental Damage
If you damage the machinery during your hire period, you’ll be liable for the repair costs. Mini digger repairs can be expensive, often running into thousands of pounds.
Theft or Loss
Because of their compact size and ease of transport, mini diggers are a common target for theft. In most cases, the hirer (that’s you) would be responsible for covering the full replacement cost.
Peace of Mind
For most DIY users, having insurance offers peace of mind. It allows you to focus on the job at hand without worrying about unexpected financial setbacks.
Reasons Why DIYers Avoid Insuring Their Mini Digger
There are several reasons why DIYers may choose not to take out insurance when hiring a mini digger. These often include:
Additional Cost
When budgeting for mini digger hire, inexperienced users may overlook the added cost of insurance. That’s why we always recommend working with a reputable supplier who can walk you through the entire hire process.
Feeling Pressured
Let’s face it — most of us have felt pressured by a salesperson at some point. When it comes to deciding whether to insure their mini digger, some homeowners may feel uncomfortable or prefer to avoid the conversation altogether.
Assuming They’re Already Covered
Some users may be under the illusion that an existing insurance policy — such as home insurance or builders’ cover — includes hired equipment. In reality, most standard policies don’t offer this kind of protection unless specifically arranged in advance.
What Happens If You Don’t Have Insurance
While it’s not a legal requirement, some plant hire companies may insist that you have insurance in place before they release the equipment to you.
Every mini digger hire agreement is different, but all make clear that you’re fully liable for any damage, loss, theft, or misuse during the hire period.
In short, this means:
- You could be billed for the full repair or replacement of the machinery — often at retail value.
- You may be charged for lost revenue while the equipment is out of service for repairs.
- You won’t be provided with a replacement machine if an incident occurs, meaning your project could come to a sudden halt.
Does Home Insurance Cover Mini Digger Hire?
Most standard UK home insurance policies do not cover mini digger hire. While some policies may offer accidental damage or extended cover for building projects, this is very rare and usually requires pre-approval.
In short, most standard home insurance policies:
- Do NOT cover hired-in plant or machinery.
- Do NOT cover accidents caused by hired equipment on your property.
- Do NOT include public liability for damage caused while operating the machinery.
Where To Get Mini Digger Hire Insurance For Your DIY Project
If you’re considering mini digger hire insurance for your rental, the good news is that arranging cover is quick and straightforward. Most reputable plant hire suppliers will be able to point you in the right direction.
Generally, you’ll have two main options:
1. In-House Plant Hire Insurance
Some hire providers offer a damage waiver or short-term hire insurance as part of their hire package. This can be a convenient and effective solution, though it’s not always available across all suppliers. Before you commit to hiring, it’s worth discussing this option directly with your provider.
2. Specialist Plant & Tool Hire Insurers
In the UK, there are many trusted specialists offering fast and affordable cover for hired-in machinery. At WHC Hire Services, we highly recommend the following providers:
What You’ll Need to Arrange Cover
Organising temporary insurance through one of these suppliers can give mini digger hirers complete peace of mind in the event of theft, damage, or other unexpected issues. These policies are often more affordable than those offered directly through a plant hire company.
To arrange cover, you’ll typically need the following details:
- Machine make and model
- Equipment value (not always required)
- Hire period, including start and end dates
- How the machinery will be stored when not in use
Tips For First-Time Hiring A Mini Digger
If you’re hiring a mini digger for the first time, here are some useful insurance-related tips to help you stay protected and stress-free:
1. Read the Hire Terms
Always read the hire agreement carefully to understand your insurance responsibilities while the digger is in your possession.
2. Identify a Safe Storage Space
Before placing your hire, make sure you have a secure location to store the machine when it’s not in use. This not only helps meet insurance requirements but also gives you peace of mind.
3. Take Photos
Photograph the mini digger when it arrives and again before it’s collected. Many reputable plant hire companies do this too, but having your own photos ensures you’re not wrongly held responsible for any pre-existing damage.
4. Work Closely with Your Plant Hire Supplier
A good supplier can point you towards trusted insurance providers they regularly work with. These recommendations can help speed up the process of arranging short-term cover.
5. Understand the Excess
Most insurance policies will include an excess for different types of claims. Make sure you take the time to read the terms and understand what your financial responsibility would be in the event of a claim.
Can You Hire a Mini Digger Without Insurance?
Some plant hire companies may allow you to hire a mini digger without insurance — particularly if you’ve hired from them before and paid a security deposit. However, for DIYers and first-time hirers, this approach is not recommended.
While there’s currently no legal obligation to insure a mini digger while it’s in your possession, you should be fully aware that you are solely responsible for it throughout the hire period.
Additionally, plant hire suppliers have the right to refuse the hire if they feel it’s necessary to protect their assets — especially if no insurance or adequate security measures are in place.
Don’t Risk It – Get Insured
Hiring a mini digger without insurance can be a risky move. Trust us — we’ve seen plenty of accidents over the years. Taking out cover gives you complete peace of mind should the unexpected happen, so you can focus on your home improvement project, not the legal complications.
Not sure where to start with mini digger hire in the UK?
Speak to your nearest WHC Hire depot today to learn more about our mini digger hire options — or browse our range of machines, all available for fast delivery.