Most shop owners assume "the rigger has insurance" is enough, without realizing there are actually two distinct types of coverage involved, and having one without the other leaves a real gap. If your machine gets damaged during a move, which coverage applies depends entirely on what actually happened and what the rigger carries.
The Two Coverages That Actually Matter
- General liability insurance. This covers damage a rigger might cause to other property or injuries to people, think dropping a machine on something else in your shop, or a worker getting hurt during the move.
- Inland marine or cargo coverage. This specifically covers the equipment being moved itself, your actual machine, while it's in the rigger's care, custody, or control. This is the coverage that actually protects your machine if it's dropped, damaged in transit, or harmed while in their warehouse.
A rigger can have solid general liability and little to no cargo coverage on your specific machine, which means if your equipment is the thing that gets damaged, you may have far less protection than you assumed.
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Browse the Rigger Directory →What to Actually Ask For
1. A certificate of insurance naming you, or your shop, as certificate holder
This is standard practice and should be provided without pushback before the job starts.
2. Confirmation of coverage limits that actually match your machine's value
A policy with low limits may technically exist but fall far short of covering a six-figure machine if something goes wrong.
3. Clarification on what triggers the cargo coverage specifically
Ask directly: does this policy cover the machine while it's being lifted, while it's on their truck, and while it's in any warehouse or storage in between moves.
Why This Gap Happens So Often
Many riggers genuinely do carry solid general liability coverage, since it's required for most commercial work. Cargo or inland marine coverage specifically for the equipment is a separate, sometimes optional add-on that not every rigger maintains at adequate limits. This isn't necessarily dishonesty, it's often just a gap owners don't think to ask about until it's too late.
FAQ
Should I buy my own insurance for the move instead of relying on the rigger's policy?
Some shop owners do add a rider to their own policy for extra protection during a move. Worth discussing with your insurance agent alongside confirming the rigger's coverage.
What if a rigger says cargo coverage isn't necessary for a short, in-shop move?
Damage can happen regardless of distance moved. This is worth pushing back on directly rather than accepting as a reason to skip proper coverage.
How do I verify a certificate of insurance is real and current?
Most insurance certificates include contact information for the issuing agent or broker, who can confirm the policy is active and in good standing if you call directly.
Does this apply to moving manual machines too, or just CNC equipment?
The same insurance principles apply to any valuable equipment being moved, manual or CNC, the coverage gap risk is identical.
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