What is Hired-In Plant Insurance?
Hired‑In Plant Insurance (HIP) protects rented equipment and site accommodation – from diggers and scaffolding to solar‑powered welfare units. It typically covers:
- Theft, malicious or accidental damage
- Fire, storm, flood, and weather-related incidents
- Continuing hire charges (if equipment can’t be used)
- Transit cover to and from site
Under standard hire terms, the hirer is responsible from delivery until collection – making HIP essential for protecting against unexpected costs.
Why It’s Required Before Hire
Under CPA or HAE hire terms, the hirer is assumed liable for loss or damage. That’s why most suppliers – including ecowelfare – require proof of HIP before delivery. This applies across the industry, whether you’re hiring welfare cabins, machinery, or access towers.
Key Features to Look For in HIP Coverage
Ensure your policy includes:
- “All‑risks” (theft, fire, flood, storm, accidental damage)
- Continuing hire charges (commonly up to 90 days)
- Transit cover (to and from site)
- Temporary buildings/site accommodation
- UK territorial limit
- Sum insured per item ≥ replacement value
- Realistic excess and fair overnight site security terms
Note: Motor insurance doesn’t cover the welfare cabin itself—it only covers third-party road risks. HIP is still required.
How Much Does It Cost?
- Short‑term HIP: From around £75/week, typically with a £100k per-claim cap.
- Annual HIP: Often bundled with contractors’ or trades policies – more cost-effective if hiring regularly.
- Price varies by equipment value, hire duration, and chosen continuing hire cover.
Top Hired-In Plant Insurance Providers (UK, 2025)
Trusted brokers and insurers offering HIP:
- Admiral Business – Add-on HIP to public liability; starting at ~£14.92/month. (admiralbusiness.com, Insurance 4 Plant, Howden Insurance, business.axa.co.uk, Howden Group, Insurance 4 Plant)
- Alan Boswell Group – Broker offering HIP in plant, tools, and equipment cover. (Alan Boswell Group)
- AXA – New plant-specific cover section added to Commercial & Contractors Combined offerings. (AXA Connect)
- Great American International (UK) – Legal liability basis covering continuing hire charges. (greatamericanuk.com)
- HSB (Munich Re) – Comprehensive cover for owned and HIP. (Munich Re)
- Howden – Flexible HIP policies tailored for all tradesmen. (Howden Insurance)
- Insurance4Plant – Specialist HIP broker offering short-term and annual options, with quick quotes. (Insurance 4 Plant)
- Jensten – HIP cover for machinery and equipment you hire—and tools. (Jensten Insurance Brokers)
- JCB Insurance Services – Covers owned and hired equipment, with road-risk options and no theft excess. (jcbinsurance.co.uk)
- Markel UK – Guide to plant hire insurance and hire charge cover. (markeluk.com)
- PIB Insurance Brokers
- Trade Direct Insurance – HIP extensions to trades policies including transit and hire charges.
(Worth also exploring: Towergate, Simply Business, Tysers for CPA/HAE-specific covers.)
HIP & Welfare Unit Hire
HIP applies whether you’re renting plant machinery or welfare cabins. For example, if you’re hiring an ecowelfare solar-powered unit, you’ll need:
- Cover ≥ unit replacement value
- Continuing hire charges included
- Transit cover
- UK territorial limit
We provide all values and checklist details required by your insurer. Once this is in place, we’ll deliver a sustainable welfare unit to your site.
FAQs
Do I need HIP for all plant hire?
Yes—under CPA/HAE terms, the hirer holds liability and HIP is required.
Does HIP cover continuing hire charges?
Yes—many policies include up to 90 days.
Can I buy HIP for just one project?
Yes—short-term HIP policies are available.
Does vehicle insurance cover towable welfare cabins?
No—vehicle policies only cover third-party road risks; HIP is needed for the unit itself.
Next Steps
- Obtain the replacement value of the equipment from your supplier.
- Share this checklist and provider list with your broker or insurer.
- Confirm HIP is in place before delivery.
Once covered, we can supply an ecowelfare solar-powered welfare unit—keeping you compliant, insured, and environmentally responsible.
