Hiring plant and equipment is a normal part of construction, civil works, and ready-mix operations. But in the rush of site work, contracts and documentation are often overlooked, and that can lead to serious problems if something goes wrong.
We’re not here to alarm you, just to help you manage risk better.
You’re Not Just Hiring Equipment. You’re Taking on Responsibility.
Even a short-term hire, like a digger at R300/hour, comes with legal and financial obligations.
A few key points to remember:
If there’s no written contract, you’re still liable under common law as the hirer (bailee).
- If you hire equipment under CPHA (Contractors Plant Hire Association) terms, you’re typically responsible for damage, theft, and ongoing hire charges while equipment is out of action.
- Verbal or informal hire arrangements, even via WhatsApp, leave you open to misunderstandings and uninsured risks.
Want to See the Standard CPHA Terms?
The CPHA publishes official contract wording and hire conditions used widely across South Africa’s plant hire industry. You can view them directly here:
Visit CPHA to view sample hire terms and conditions
Note: Always consult a legal or insurance advisor to ensure the terms match your needs.
What Insurers Need to Quote on Hired-In Plant
To get a quote that covers your risks properly, insurers usually ask:
- What’s the maximum value of a single item you hire (market value)? What’s your estimated total annual hire value (what you pay in a year to hire plant in)? What type of plant do you typically hire? Where will the plant predominantly be used?
These questions help insurers assess exposure and give you the right cover, no more, no less.
Why You Need Cover
Hired-in plant cover protects you against:
- Theft Accidental damage Fire Third-party liability while the plant is under your control
You can include this under a Contractors All Risk (CAR) policy or arrange a standalone Hired-In Plant policy depending on your needs.
We’re Here to Help
We know site hires can happen fast. If you’re not 100% sure your team is covered, or if you’ve never looked at the fine print, we’ll help you sort it out.
Get a Quick Quote on Hired-In Plant Cover
CivilSure: Proudly supporting South African contractors with insurance that works on-site, not just on paper.
