Portable sawmills, compact and field-ready, have been a staple for over a century. Originating in the 1970s amidst the oil crisis and the back-to-the-land movement, their popularity soared, particularly with the advent of the portable bandsaw mill in 1982. As sustainability and self-reliance gain momentum, owning a portable sawmill offers unparalleled benefits, from repurposing timber to generating income on the go.
With evolving technology, the portable sawmills of today can be highly complex, automated systems, making it easier for the user to prepare logs, however, with it can bring many new types of risks.
Portable Sawmill Related Risks
Starting any business entails inherent risks that demand proper preparation and mitigation efforts. This holds true for portable sawmill operations, which, due to their unique materials and machinery, pose specific challenges. Selecting the appropriate insurance coverage for your portable sawmill involves understanding the potential risks that could jeopardize your business in terms of safety, expenses, and legal liabilities.
Examples of some risks include electrical components, machinery malfunction or misuse, and the presence of flammable raw materials.
Addressing these risks effectively requires a dual approach:
- Obtaining comprehensive insurance coverage tailored to your business needs.
- Implementing robust safety protocols to mitigate potential hazards and ensure operational safety.
PLM’s Portable Sawmill Insurance
PLM has over 125+ years of experience in providing insurance protection for the lumber, woodworking, and building materials industries. We insure a range of different types of businesses from small woodworking shops, retail lumber operations, to large wood manufacturing plants. We are committed to finding solutions for all the businesses in the wood industry – small or large.
Starting in 2019, our portable mill program was created to offer fast and affordable coverage to this segment of business. We specialize in protecting owners of portable and mobile sawmills, catering to brands such as Wood-Mizer, TimberKing, Norwood, Peterson, and Hud-Son American Freedom. Whether your endeavors are personal projects or profit-driven, PLM provides comprehensive coverage tailored to meet your specific needs.
Key Coverage Options
If you recently purchased a portable sawmill, the best way to protect it is by purchasing:
- Inland Marine Insurance: Provides coverage for mobile equipment in transit.
- Property Insurance: Protects buildings and additional equipment used in your operation.
- General Liability Insurance: Shields against claims of bodily injury or property damage.
Basic Eligibility Criteria for Purchasing Portable Sawmill Insurance From PLM
Ensure eligibility by meeting these criteria:
- Minimum 1 year of experience operating portable sawmill or related equipment.
- All operators must be 21 years or older.
- Equipment usage should not involve woodland operations, logging, or tree trimming.
- Equipment rental or loaning is prohibited.
Request a Quote Today
For inquiries or to request a quote, please reach out to Vince Pace, Underwriter at PLM, via email at vpace@plmins.com or 215-806-0448.
To expedite your quote, please provide us with:
- Your Contact Information
- The Year, Make, and Model of Machinery
- Intended Use of Machinery
