Mobile Equipment Classification

Insurance is so much easier when one understands how protection applies. However, mobile equipment is a class of property that complicates things because the line is blurred between it and what are considered to be vehicles. The distinction is important because of how protection is handled. When a loss involves mobile equipment, questions arise whether coverage exists under general liability or some form of a commercial auto policy. 

What is Classified as Mobile Equipment?

Mobile equipment typically refers to equipment or machinery that is primarily designed for either off-road use or which has a primary purpose of  transporting permanently attached equipment. The definition still applies when this type of property must cross a public road, or occasionally travel on public roads to get to a job site. Mobile equipment also refers to: 

• any equipment or vehicles on crawler treads; 

• vehicles, whether self-propelled or not, maintained primarily to give mobility to permanently mounted equipment. Such as power cranes, shovels, loaders, diggers, or drills; or road construction or resurfacing equipment such as graders, scrapers, or rollers 
• non–self-propelled equipment maintained primarily to move permanently attached equipment such as air compressors, pumps, and generators 
• spraying, welding, building cleaning, geophysical exploration, lighting, well–servicing equipment, and similar items 
• cherry pickers, scissors, and other devices used to raise or lower workers 
• trailers that have been modified by contractors to haul permanently attached machinery and equipment. Such as hot tar buckets or concrete mixers 

Exceptions

However, there are exceptions. Some equipment designed for special use is still classified as a vehicle. It should be covered under a commercial vehicle policy. Such as the following: 

• equipment designed to be used primarily for snow removal, road maintenance (excluding construction or resurfacing), or street cleaning equipment (such as street and parking lot sweepers) 
• cherry pickers and similar devices mounted on automobile or truck chassis and used to raise or lower workers 
• self-propelled air compressors, pumps, generators, including spraying, welding, building cleaning, geophysical exploration, lighting, or well servicing equipment that is subject to a compulsory or financial responsibility motor vehicle law in the state where it is licensed or principally garaged. 

How property is classified and used affects when and how such property is insured. If you don’t know the difference, then contact a Hertvik Insurance Group professional and discuss what coverage is needed.