Insurance for operated crane and equipment rental companies.

General liability, contractors equipment, riggers liability, auto, and workers’ comp for companies that rent cranes, excavators, and other heavy equipment with an operator in the seat.

What equipment rental companies usually carry

General liability, $1M / $2M
Contractors equipment
Riggers liability
Workers’ comp
Commercial auto
Rental income
Umbrella

Watch for these in an equipment rental policy

Operated versus bare rentalsWith your operator in the seat, you answer for how the machine is run, unless the contract shifts it. Bare rentals put that on the renter. Your policy should be written for the way you rent.
Loaned operatorsMany crane rental contracts make your operator the renter’s borrowed employee for the job. That moves injury claims between policies, and gaps open when neither side’s policy expects it.
The load on the hookDamage to the customer’s material while you lift it is excluded by general liability. Riggers liability pays for it.
Lost rental incomeWhen a crane is down after a loss, the rental income stops. Equipment coverage pays for the machine, but lost income only if you add it.
Operator warrantiesSome crane policies require certified operators and current annual inspections. A lift made outside those terms can lose coverage.

What GCs and project owners ask equipment rental companies for

Additional insuredGCs and owners, for the time your equipment and operator are on their site.
Waiver of subrogationOn general liability, auto, and workers’ comp.
Alternate employerSome renters ask for it on your workers’ comp, since your operator works under their direction.
UmbrellaCrane work often requires a high umbrella limit.

Questions equipment rental companies ask

Straight answers.

The questions we hear most, answered plainly.

Who is liable when my operator runs the equipment on someone else’s job?

Usually you, because it is your operation. The rental contract can shift that, so read the indemnity and insurance sections before you sign.

Is my equipment covered while it is out on rent?

Under a contractors equipment policy, usually yes, including rentals with your operator. On bare rentals, many owners also require the renter to insure it.