Dry Hire Insurance in Australia

Protect Your Equipment and Business with Dry Hire Coverage That’s Tailored to You.

When you rent out equipment without an operator, you put your trust in the hirer to handle it responsibly—but what happens if things go wrong?

That’s where dry hire insurance steps in to safeguard your assets and business. Unlike wet hire—where an operator is included—dry hire agreements place full responsibility on the hirer, increasing the risk of damage, theft, and liability claims.

At CGIB, we provide dry hire insurance that Australian businesses can rely on to ensure machinery, tools, and vehicles remain protected.

You could be hiring out equipment for construction, mining, agriculture, or logistics, but with our help, you’ll always be covered from any unexpected losses. Don’t take the risk—get full peace of mind today and leave your insurance to those who know it best.

For broader coverage, explore our Business Insurance solutions to protect multiple aspects of your operation.

Please refer to the Insurer’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or Policy Wording when deciding if this product is right for you

Dry Hire

When equipment is rented without an operator, the responsibility shifts entirely to the hirer, exposing you to significant risks. Without adequate coverage, you could face:

Coverage Details at a Glance

Damage or misuse: Inexperienced users may improperly operate the machinery, leading to costly repairs.
Public liability risks: If rented equipment causes injury or property damage, it could be up to you to cover expensive legal claims.
Financial losses from theft: Expensive machinery left unattended at worksites is vulnerable to theft and vandalism.

By taking out dry hire insurance in Australia, any gaps in your standard hire contract will be covered. For cover that’s even more comprehensive, many businesses combine dry hire insurance with public liability insurance to safeguard against third-party injury and property damage.

A Holistic Approach to Dry Hire Coverage

Public Liability Insurance

Protect against legal claims if hired equipment injures someone or causes property damage. This insurance also covers legal fees and compensation costs for complete financial security.

Equipment Coverage

Cover accidental damage, fire, theft, and vandalism of your dry hire equipment. Also includes protection for machinery during transit between hire locations.

Add-Ons for Extra Protection

Coverage for trailers, attachments, and accessories that are rented alongside your main equipment. If you own excavators, loaders, and cranes, our Mobile Plant, Equipment and Machinery Insurance offers a more specialised coverage approach.

Dry Hire Insurance That’s Different From the Rest

Plant & equipment insurance: Covers owned and leased machinery against damage.
Expert contract alignment: Our team ensures that your insurance policy matches the terms of your hire agreements to avoid contract loopholes.
Quick claims processing: Get fast resolution in case of theft, damage, or liability claims to keep downtime to a minimum.
Competitive pricing and flexible payment plans: Choose from monthly or annual payment options.

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Maximise Risk Management With Insurance and Contracts Alignment

A well-structured dry hire agreement is critical for getting the most out of your risk management. If contracts are unclear or incomplete, business owners could be:

Liable for damages if the hirer refuses responsibility.
Exposed to financial loss in the event of theft or misuse.
Unprotected against legal claims for third-party injuries or property damage.

CGIB works alongside you so that your insurance policies align with your contractual terms, helping to minimise disputes and unforeseen liabilities.

Additional Resources

For property owners who lease out equipment alongside commercial buildings, our Landlord Insurance Products provide an extra layer of protection. If your business extends beyond equipment hire, consider Builders’ Insurance Products for added protection tailored to the construction industry. Whatever your protection looks like, you’ll be safeguarding your business against anything that comes your way.

Receive Your Dry Hire Insurance Quote Online Today

With CGIB’s comprehensive dry hire insurance policies on hand, you can confidently rent out your equipment, knowing you’re covered for theft, damage, and liability claims.

Call CGIB today at 1300 764 244 or request a quote online to protect your dry hire business. Don’t let the unexpected get in the way of your business—get protected and secure what you’ve worked hard to build.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need dry hire insurance?

Dry hire insurance protects your business and equipment from theft, damage, and liability risks when renting out machinery without an operator. Without coverage, you could face significant financial loss if something goes wrong.

What is included in a typical dry hire insurance policy?

Coverage often includes theft, accidental damage, transit protection, and public liability insurance. Add-ons like attachments and environmental damage can be customised to suit your needs.

Do I need public liability insurance for my dry hire business?

Yes. If a rented machine causes injury or property damage, public liability insurance helps cover legal fees and compensation costs, protecting your business from lawsuits.

Is equipment misuse covered under dry hire insurance?

Most policies do not cover damage caused by misuse or negligence. It’s essential to train hirers on proper equipment use and outline responsibilities in your rental agreement.

Can I insure multiple pieces of equipment under one policy?

Yes. Equipment hire insurance from CGIB allows businesses to cover multiple machines under a single policy, simplifying management and reducing costs.

Are accessories and attachments covered?

Optional add-ons can cover trailers, attachments, and accessories. Speak with our team to ensure all additional equipment is included in your policy.

Is it possible to pay for dry hire insurance monthly?

Yes. CGIB offers flexible payment options, including monthly, and annual plans. Contact us to discuss the best payment structure for your business.

Hear Directly from Our Clients

Don’t take our word for it, see what other business owners and clients have to say.

PINA SERNIO

Wouldn't go anywhere else! We have been in the building industry for over forty years and have used other companies to handle our insurances and it was a nightmare. CGIB has been responsive, efficient and pleasure to do business with. They have handled our claims in a speedy manner and stayed on top of things, sending ME friendly reminders to help me stay on top of things. We have been with them for what could be over 15 years and highly recommend them.

Peter Clapham

Very easy to work with. Nothing a problem Caroline exception to deal with always obliging.

Cheryl Griffiths

We have used CGIB for many years. Caroline is very easy to deal with. Communication is always punctual & polite.

Todd Hampson

Thank you, CGIB has been an easy company to work with and was able to find me a competitive insurance offering.

Carl

Very knowledgeable and helpful. My hat off to Sarah and the team. So friendly and she goes out of her way to help as much as possible.

Anthony

Our family has been working with Joe and his team for over 15 years and we couldn’t be happier with the service. From day one, they’ve been hardworking, trustworthy, and genuinely committed to looking after our needs. What really sets them apart is how they stay on top of current insurance developments and proactively keep us informed. Joe and his team take the time to understand our situation and always provide clear, honest guidance. They’re not just our insurance brokers—they’re trusted advisors we rely on completely. We can’t recommend CGIB highly enough.

Kate Campbell

Efficient and wonderful service and experience. Thank you Andrea

Anthony Nelson

Once again Caroline has been amazing to deal with, her experience and knowledge is second to none, I would not insure with anyone else.

Martin Freney

Caroline Cori at CGIB has provided excellent service over many years. I particularly appreciate her thorough approach in making sure the insurance cover is genuinely suited to my needs, not just off-the-shelf, while also getting me a great price.

Kristen Heinrich

Caroline Cori has been absolutely fantastic to deal with, she has always been prompt, professional and knowledgeable with her responses and feedback. Highly recommend to any individual or Business seeking insurance advice!

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