Hiring Equipment

“Need to know” issues for production and broadcast technicians.

Hiring in equipment? Here are 5 tips to make sure nothing catches you out...

1. Use a well-respected hire company: get a recommendation if possible. It’s worth noting that each company will have slightly different terms of business which can catch you out.

2. Always read the small print: some companies cap continuing hire charges at 30 days or at £30,000 – but some have no limits at all, which can leave you completely exposed! You could end up having to pay hire charges until you get the equipment replaced or repaired – and at £100+ per day, this soon adds up…

3. Question terms that seem unreasonable: check that you aren’t responsible for the equipment while it’s being delivered to you. Some hire companies hide this in small-print terms of business - but until it’s in your hands, it’s out of your control.

4. Check, check & check again: before you sign the delivery note, make sure that the equipment is fully functioning and what you were expecting.

5. You must have insurance: all hire companies will insist on it. Make sure you get advice from an experienced specialist who understands your work.

The Insurance Bit - Expert advice on hand...

• If you’re hiring in equipment on a regular basis, ie: 4+ times per year, it makes sense to include hiring-in-equipment insurance as part of an annual package. This will save you money – and best of all, time!
• If you seldom hire equipment you could be better off taking out a one-off short period cover which we can help you arrange.
• Most hire companies’ terms of business stipulate that the ‘hirer’ must keep the equipment insured for its full replacement value and against loss or damage for all risks. So make sure you know the true value of the equipment you’re hiring.
• Watch out for two common insurance loop-holes:

1. Some policies don’t cover losses from unattended vehicles, so even if your vehicle is locked, your policy still won’t pay out.
2. Make sure continuing hire charges are covered as a part of your policy – see point 2 above.

And finally, talk it through with a specialist. At La Playa we can go through the terms of business, discuss the limits of cover and provide jargon-free, independent advice. We can also send documents to you electronically which can speed up the hiring process.

Talk to Rachel Holmes for more advice: rachel.holmes@laplayainsurance.com or 01223 200656.