Robot mowers are revolutionizing lawn care. These smart machines can mow your lawn autonomously, save time, and even reduce physical labor. But as convenient as they are, many homeowners ask an important question: Do you need insurance for a robot lawn mower?
The short answer is: It depends. While robot mowers are generally low-risk, there are still potential scenarios—like theft, damage, or accidents—that make it worth considering if your current home insurance covers them.
In this blog, we’ll explore whether robot mowers require insurance, what kind of protection they may fall under, and how to make sure you’re covered.
What Is a Robot Mower?
A robot mower is a battery-powered, self-operating lawn mower that uses sensors, mapping technology, and sometimes GPS to navigate and trim your lawn without manual effort. They’re designed for both small and large residential yards and are gaining popularity across Australia due to their convenience and eco-friendliness.
Popular models, like the MoeBot S20 or MoeBot Acre Eater, offer features such as:
- Smart app control
- Auto-scheduling
- Obstacle detection
- Anti-theft alarms
- Rain sensors
These smart lawn tools are a significant investment—prices range from $900 to $3,500—so naturally, homeowners want to protect them.
Are Robot Mowers Covered Under Home Insurance?
1. Contents Insurance
In most cases, robot mowers fall under contents insurance as they are considered part of your household items. If your robot mower is stolen from your yard or damaged in a covered event (like a storm or fire), you may be able to make a claim.
However, policies vary. Here’s what you should check:
- Is the mower listed under outdoor items?
- Are thefts from outside your home covered?
- Do you need to specify or list the item for higher-value coverage?
2. Portable Valuables or Specified Items
Some insurers require high-value items (usually over $1,000 or $2,000) to be listed separately under a “portable contents” or “specified items” section. This is especially true if you plan to use the mower in multiple locations (e.g., a second property).
If you don’t specify it, you might not get the full replacement cost in the event of a claim.
3. Accidental Damage Cover
Most standard contents policies don’t automatically include accidental damage. So if your robot mower is damaged due to misuse, a collision, or being run over, you might not be covered unless you’ve added this option.
What If the Robot Mower Causes Damage?
Robot mowers are designed with safety features, but there’s always a slim chance something could go wrong—like the mower damaging your fence, hitting a pet, or injuring a visitor.
Home Liability Insurance
If your robot mower causes property damage or injury to someone else, your home and contents liability insurance may cover the costs. Again, this depends on your insurer and the specific terms of your policy.
For example:
- If a robot mower damages a neighbour’s fence, you might be liable.
- If someone trips over it and gets hurt, you could be sued.
Liability coverage is crucial to protect yourself in such situations.
What About Theft?
Because robot mowers often operate unattended, theft is a real risk, especially in open or unsecured front yards.
Fortunately, many robot mowers now come with anti-theft features such as:
- GPS tracking
- PIN code protection
- Alarms
- Auto shut-off when lifted
Still, insurance is a valuable backup. To ensure you’re covered:
- Confirm your policy includes theft from the yard (not just the home)
- Keep receipts, serial numbers, and photos as proof of ownership
- Consider marking the mower with an identifier or tracking tag
Tips to Ensure Your Robot Mower Is Covered
- Read Your Policy: Understand your contents coverage, exclusions, and limits.
- List High-Value Items: If your robot mower is expensive, specify it in your insurance policy.
- Add Accidental Damage Cover: For broader protection against misuse or malfunction.
- Secure Your Yard: Keep the mower in a fenced area or locked storage when not in use.
- Install Theft Deterrents: Use GPS, locks, and anti-theft pins to protect your investment.
Do You Need Extra Insurance for a Robot Mower?
In most residential cases, no separate insurance is required for your robot mower if it’s covered by your home and contents policy. However, if you’re using it in a commercial setting (like a lawn care business), your mower might require different coverage—like business equipment or public liability insurance.
Also, if your mower operates across multiple properties, you might need to declare this to your insurer.
Final Thoughts
Robot mowers are efficient, quiet, and eco-friendly tools for modern homeowners—but like any high-tech device, they come with risks. While you may not need a separate insurance policy just for your mower, it’s important to:
- Confirm that your home insurance covers theft, damage, and liability
- Specify the item if it exceeds your insurer’s standard limits
- Consider adding optional accidental damage or portable valuables cover
As always, talk to your insurance provider to ensure you’re fully protected. A quick call today could save you hundreds—or even thousands—if something goes wrong.
