A rigger's job is inherently risky. Riggers work at great heights and hoist objects weighing several tons, often in extreme weather. Despite riggers' many years of experience and extensive safety training, the potential for falls, accidents and damage to property and equipment remains a daily threat.

To protect your insureds and their livelihoods, carrying adequate insurance is a must — and that means including Riggers Liability coverage.

What Is Riggers Liability Insurance?

Riggers Liability insurance protects equipment the insured doesn't own that the rigger is moving, lifting or installing. It covers the item being moved, lifted or installed, but not damage the item might cause.

For example, if a rigger drops an air conditioner unit while lifting it to the upper floor of a building, a standard General Lability policy likely cover injuries or damage the falling unit causes — such as if someone gets hurt or the unit breaks a window. However, General Liability insurance won't cover damage to the AC unit itself, leaving your client personally liable if your client doesn't carry Riggers Liability insurance.

Do Your Insureds Need Riggers Liability Insurance?

If your Crane & Rigging insureds lift property or materials that they don't own, it's advisable to include Riggers Liability insurance.

Alternatively, if your client fulfills other contracting roles on the job in addition to rigging, and the equipment they're moving is part of that project, installation floater coverage may be a better option. Installation floater insurance covers machinery and equipment that are part of an entire construction process or phase — such as plumbing — regardless of who owns the items.

Benefits of Riggers Liability Insurance

Riggers Liability protects your client four ways.

1. It Protects Your Insured and the Equipment Owner

When your client carries Riggers Liability coverage, both the insured and the owner of the materials the insured lifts can have peace of mind knowing that they won't bear the cost if the equipment is damaged.

2. It Prevents Long and Costly Downtimes

Riggers often lift materials that are critical to a project. If something goes wrong and neither the insured nor the equipment's owner has adequate coverage, a single incident can end up halting the job until the owner can repair or replace the item.

3. It's Flexible and Adapts to Your Client's Needs

Riggers Liability insurance can cover a specific project or the whole year. It's also available as standalone coverage or as an endorsement to General Liability and Inland Marine policies.

Alternatively, you can opt for a more comprehensive package for your client, such as our Crane & Rigging multi-line insurance solution. It caters specifically to the complex needs of crane operators and builds on our 25+ years of experience in the industry. The program includes Riggers Liability as well as the following coverage types:

  • Auto
  • Excess
  • Inland Marine
  • Workers' Compensation
  • General Liability

4. It Helps Attract More Business for Your Client

Jobs your insured bids on prefer riggers who can show adequate coverage. Crane liability lawsuits can be costly and time consuming, so insurance is definitely something jobs value. By investing in policies that protect the property of others, your insured can attract more business and win more projects.

Protect Yourself and Your Business with RPS Signature Programs

If you insure clients in the business of lifting and moving others' property, Riggers Liability should be part of their insurance portfolio. Inadequate coverage can leave your clients liable for hundreds of thousands of dollars in damaged equipment overnight.

Luckily, our multi-line Crane & Rigging insurance solution can provide you with all the liability protection you need, including Riggers Liability.

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