Bulldozer Insurance

The proper protection can help your business avoid the potentially hefty costs of having to repair or replace its heavy equipment due to a number of disasters.

Christine Lacagnina Written by Christine Lacagnina
Christine Lacagnina
Written by Christine Lacagnina

Christine Lacagnina has written thousands of insurance-based articles for TrustedChoice.com by authoring consumable, understandable content.

Updated
Bulldozer in open field operation. Find Bulldozer Insurance.

Operating a bulldozer and other heavy machinery is no easy task. A bulldozer moves large quantities of land, materials, or rubble during construction projects. Just one mishap could easily result in destruction or injury, which could lead to a lawsuit against your business. Further, you also need protection for the bulldozer itself against weather damage, theft, and vandalism.

Fortunately, a local independent insurance agent can help you find the right bulldozer insurance. They'll get you matched to a policy that includes all the heavy equipment insurance you need. But first, here's a closer look at bulldozer insurance coverage, including why it's necessary.

Trusted Choice independent insurance agency video

What Is Bulldozer Insurance?

Bulldozer insurance is a special type of equipment insurance that protects bulldozers against third-party loss and damage such as theft or vandalism, natural disasters such as fires and other storms, and accidental damage during a job. It can also cover the cost of lawsuits and injuries that arise from operating a bulldozer and other heavy machinery. 

Coverage typically won't include general wear and tear on the equipment, however. Contractors need bulldozer insurance to protect the equipment they use, whether they borrow, lease, rent, or own the machinery.

business vehicle

Find Commercial Auto Insurance

Our independent agents shop around to find you the best coverage.

Is Bulldozer Insurance Required?

Usually, construction project contracts require bulldozer operators to have at least a minimum level of liability coverage. Additional coverage options are typically also necessary to protect your business from costly heavy equipment repairs or replacements. Having lawsuit coverage is also critical for contractors and construction companies due to the high-risk nature of the work.

Why Should I Get Bulldozer Insurance?

Since construction projects require the use of equipment that can be expensive to repair regardless of the cause of damage, it's typically wise to have coverage in place to absorb potential financial losses. Also, a project that goes wrong could result in damage to third-party property or cause injury. Fortunately, bulldozer equipment coverage can protect your business against costs associated with liability claims.

What Does Bulldozer Insurance Cover?

A bulldozer insurance policy is designed to protect your business should its bulldozer get damaged, destroyed, vandalized, or stolen. Most operating risks are covered, too. Policies also typically cover third-party liability claims for property damage or injuries caused during a job. Look for the following types of business insurance and equipment protection in a bulldozer insurance policy:

  • Commercial general liability insurance: Protects against lawsuit expenses and other costs associated with personal property damage and bodily injury claims made by a third party.
  • Rented/leased equipment coverage: Covers the costs of rented or leased equipment needed while awaiting repairs on employee tools and protects the equipment while it's in use by your business.
  • Inland marine insurance: Covers equipment that cannot be permanently affixed to a specific location, including while it's in transit between job sites.
  • Equipment floater coverage: This can be added to inland marine coverage to protect equipment, including rentals, from the dangers of transporting it between jobs, including theft.
  • Commercial property insurance: This protects the property used by your business, including its office building, equipment, machinery, etc., against many different perils, including vandalism and fire damage.
  • Physical damage coverage: Covers physical damage to bulldozers up to their full replacement cost from perils like fire damage and vandalism.
  • Theft coverage: Covers the replacement of equipment that is stolen.

An independent insurance agent can help you assemble a bulldozer insurance policy that includes each type of protection your business needs.

Additional Coverage Options to Consider for Bulldozer Insurance

There are a few additional coverage options you may want to consider adding to your bulldozer or excavator insurance policy. You might benefit from any of the following extra coverages:

  • Equipment breakdown insurance: Covers serious disasters that can damage or destroy business equipment and are typically excluded by other policies, such as explosions.
  • Business interruption insurance: Covers loss of income and other expenses while a business's operations are suspended due to equipment maintenance or other disasters such as fire damage. 
  • Business umbrella insurance: Provides excess liability coverage in case a lawsuit surpasses the limits included in your commercial general liability insurance or other policies.
  • Commercial auto liability insurance: Covers bulldozers against liability while driving on public roads.

Your independent insurance agent can help recommend any additional types of coverage you may want to include in your bulldozer insurance.

What's Not Covered by Bulldozer Insurance?

Certain coverage exclusions apply to bulldozer insurance that are important to be aware of. Don't expect bulldozer insurance to cover any of the following:

  • Typical wear and tear of equipment
  • Malicious and intentional acts against third parties
  • Insect or pollutant damage to bulldozers

Review your specific bulldozer insurance policy to be certain of its exclusions. You may decide to add more coverage to your policy to bridge any gaps.

How Much Does Bulldozer Insurance Cost?

The cost of a bulldozer or heavy equipment insurance policy depends on the amount of equipment owned, rented, or leased by your business annually and its total value. The exact location of your business can also impact your premium rates, as can your business's claims history. Since the cost of bulldozer insurance can vary so widely by policy, it's difficult to offer an average figure. 

However, an independent insurance agent can help you find an affordable policy sold by a local insurance company and provide you with quotes from many different carriers. Your agent can also advise you on an appropriate deductible amount to select to help your business avoid hefty out-of-pocket costs in the event of a claim.    

business vehicle

Find Commercial Auto Insurance

Our independent agents shop around to find you the best coverage.

Here's How an Independent Insurance Agent Can Help

Independent insurance agents know which insurance companies underwrite the best bulldozer insurance near you. These agents can shop and compare policy options for you and present you with only the results that provide the best overall blend of coverage and cost. And down the road, your agent can help file claims for you and update your coverage as necessary. 

Share this page on Twitter Share this page on Facebook Share this page on LinkedIn