Hire with confidence.
Always protected.
Every booking on The Hire Site is backed by our deposit protection system. Upgrade to full insurance cover for added peace of mind.
Deposit protection
On every booking
Verified tradesmen
PLI checked
Review system
Genuine ratings
Fast claims
5-day resolution
Cover options explained
Item Hire Insurance
Available nowFor listers
Covers your items while on hire against accidental damage and theft. Backed by our Stripe-integrated deposit system for additional protection.
Vehicle Hire Cover
Guidance providedFor vehicle listers
Tailored cover for private vehicles and vans hired through the platform. Hirers are covered for third-party liability; the vehicle itself requires the lister's standard motor policy.
Public Liability — Tradesmen
Required for verificationFor tradesmen
We require all verified tradesmen to carry at least £1m Public Liability Insurance. We check documents at onboarding and re-verify annually.
How deposit protection works
Every hire on The Hire Site includes deposit protection at no extra cost. Here's what happens:
Lister sets a deposit
When creating your listing, you set a deposit amount. This is appropriate to the value and fragility of the item — e.g. £50 on a £22/day drill.
Hirer pays deposit at checkout
The deposit is collected alongside the hire fee via Stripe and held separately. The hirer's card is charged immediately.
Hire completes
When the item is returned, you have 48 hours to inspect it. If all is well, the deposit is refunded to the hirer automatically.
Raising a damage claim
If damage has occurred, raise a claim through your dashboard within 48 hours. Our team reviews photo evidence and mediates. Deposit funds can be held or released to the lister.
Important: check your own insurance
The platform deposit system supplements, but does not replace, your own insurance. We recommend all listers check their home or business insurance allows items to be hired out. For high-value equipment, standalone hire insurance is advisable.
Insurance FAQs
Do I need insurance to list an item?
Insurance is optional for item listers. However, adding insurance gives your listing an 'Insured' badge which significantly increases bookings. Deposits collected at checkout also protect you against damage.
What does the deposit system cover?
Deposits are set by you as the lister and collected from the hirer at checkout via Stripe. They are held and only released to you if a damage claim is accepted. You get 48 hours after the hire ends to raise any claim.
I'm a tradesman — which PLI provider should I use?
We accept any UK FCA-regulated insurer. Popular providers used by our members include Hiscox, Tradesman Saver, and Simply Business. We're working on an exclusive partner rate — check back soon.
What if a hirer damages my item and there's no insurance?
The deposit system is your first line of protection. If a dispute arises, our team mediates and, where fault is clear, releases the deposit to the damaged party. We recommend insurance for high-value items.
Can I hire items without insurance?
Yes. Hirers are not required to take out any insurance to book. However, they are liable for any damage beyond normal wear and tear, up to the deposit amount. Some listers require insurance-backed hirers — this will show on their listing.
Have a specific insurance question? Get in touch
Ready to list?
Add insurance to any listing in seconds. Your items are protected from the moment you go live.