Robot Insurance UK: What You Need to Know Before Hiring

Deploying a robot in a public-facing or industrial environment carries risk. From accidental damage to the robot itself, to third-party injury or property damage, proper insurance is essential. This guide covers the types of coverage you need, UK legal requirements, and how roboTED simplifies insurance for every hire.

Why Robot Insurance Matters

Commercial robots range in value from £5,000 for a basic delivery bot to over £150,000 for a Boston Dynamics Spot with accessories. Without insurance, the hirer could be liable for the full replacement cost if the robot is damaged, stolen, or causes injury. In public-facing environments like restaurants, events, and retail spaces, the risk of third-party interaction makes coverage non-negotiable.

Types of Robot Insurance Coverage

Public Liability Insurance

Covers third-party injury or property damage caused by the robot. Essential for any robot operating in public spaces. Most UK venues require a minimum of £5 million public liability cover before allowing a robot on their premises.

Accidental Damage Protection

Covers repair or replacement costs if the robot is accidentally damaged during operation. This includes collisions, drops, liquid damage, and electrical faults caused by the operating environment.

Theft and Loss Coverage

Protects against theft or disappearance of the robot during the hire period. Particularly important for outdoor events, construction sites, and multi-day hires where the robot may be left on-site overnight.

Professional Indemnity

Covers claims arising from the robot's output or performance , for example, if an inspection robot fails to detect a fault that later causes damage. Relevant for industrial and security applications.

UK Legal Requirements

While there is no specific UK legislation mandating robot insurance, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) require employers to ensure that all equipment, including robots, is safe and properly maintained. Venues, event organisers, and local councils typically require proof of public liability insurance as a condition of access.

How roboTED Handles Insurance

Every robot hired through roboTED comes with comprehensive insurance included in the hire price at no extra cost:

• £10 million public liability cover as standard
• Full accidental damage protection with no excess
• Theft and loss coverage for the duration of the hire
• Certificate of insurance provided before every deployment for venue approval
• Option to extend coverage to your own staff operating the robot

This means you do not need to arrange your own insurance or add the robot to an existing policy. Simply book your hire and we handle the rest.