Insurance · practical overview

Insuring a forklift: what is mandatory and what is wise?

A forklift is not covered under your standard fleet insurance policy. What do you need to arrange—obligatory and wise—before the machine starts operating? A practical overview.

The work equipment insurance

You insure forklifts with a plant and machinery insurance (also known as land machinery or mobile equipment insurance). The basis is third-party liability coverage: damage you cause to others with the machine. Can be extended with hull coverage (damage to the truck itself, including by your own fault), fire/theft, and damage to underground objects such as pipes and floors.

When is insurance mandatory?

If the forklift is driven exclusively on closed private property, Third-Party Liability (WA) insurance is not legally required — but commercial liability often does not cover work equipment, or only to a limited extent, so in practice it is indispensable. Does the truck on or along the public road (ook even oversteken naar een tweede hal), dan is een WA-verzekering verplicht en gelden kenteken- en registratieregels (RDW) — lees ons artikel over forklift on public roads.

Comprehensive insurance: when is it useful?

For a new machine of €25,000–€60,000, comprehensive coverage is almost always advisable; for older used machines, you can weigh the risk against the current market value. Pay attention to exclusions: damage due to improper use or an uncertified machine may not be covered — keep the VA inspection always in order.

With leasing or renting: who insures what?

Bee operational lease is the insurance often included in the monthly amount — check the contract. With financial lease, as the economic owner you are responsible yourself. If you are renting temporarily, always ask how the deductible and damage settlement are arranged.

Keep premiums low: prevention pays off

Insurers look at claims history and prevention. Demonstrably instructed drivers (see mandatory certification), a valid inspection, access control with PIN or badge, and safety options such as cameras and blue spots reduce the risk — and therefore often the premium. We deliver every machine VA-inspected and ready for operation, with the documentation your insurer wants to see.

Direct advice from the importer?

Call 0168 467 467 or request a quote — response within 24 hours.

Request a quoteView all forklifts

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is fork-lift truck insurance legally required?

Not on private, enclosed property, but practically indispensable. As soon as the forklift enters or drives along public roads, third-party liability (WA) coverage is legally required.

Does a forklift fall under my commercial general liability insurance?

Usually not or to a very limited extent: damage involving motor vehicles and work equipment is almost always excluded. That is what the work equipment insurance is intended for.

How much does it cost to insure a forklift?

Indicatively a few hundred euros per year for third-party liability and increasing with comprehensive coverage, depending on value, usage, and claims history. Ask your insurance advisor for a suitable proposal.

Is damage covered if the inspection has expired?

That can be a problem: insurers can limit coverage in the event of deferred maintenance or an expired inspection. Therefore, always keep the VA inspection up to date.

On this subject