Why Fire Protection Engineers Need Insurance

As a fire protection engineer, your work goes beyond installation. You may design systems, sign off compliance, or consult on fire safety strategies — all of which carry potential liability.

You’re often responsible for:

• Engineering layouts for sprinklers or mist systems

• Designing fire alarm and detection systems

• Overseeing commissioning or certification

• Working under design & build contracts

• Advising on compliance with BS 5839, BS 9251, BS 7671, and more

Whether you’re self-employed or running a firm, one error could result in costly claims or disputes — and insurance is your first line of defence.

The Core Insurance Policies You’ll Likely Need

Public Liability Insurance

Covers claims from third parties for injury or property damage caused by your work.

Example: While conducting a system test in a retail unit, your kit causes an electrical fault that damages the lighting system. You’re liable — and this policy covers it.

• Often required by clients and main contractors

• Suggested cover: £2 million to £5 million (or £10m for public sector contracts)

Professional Indemnity Insurance

Protects you if a client claims your advice, design, or specification caused them financial loss.

Example: You design a fire alarm layout that fails to meet the detection requirements of BS 5839. It’s flagged after installation and needs major changes. The client holds you responsible for the cost and delay.

This is essential if you:

• Design or specify systems

• Offer consultancy services

• Issue certification

• Work on commercial or public sector projects

Recommended minimum cover: £250,000 to £1 million (higher for large contracts)

Employers’ Liability Insurance

A legal requirement if you have any employees, apprentices, or even temporary site labourers.

Covers claims from employees injured or made ill because of their work.

Fines for non-compliance: up to £2,500 per day.

Tools and Equipment Insurance

Covers loss, theft, or damage to the equipment you rely on daily — including laptops, testers, commissioning tools, and access gear.

Make sure your policy includes overnight van storage if you travel between sites.

Contractors’ All Risks (CAR) Insurance

If you’re involved in hands-on installation or manage on-site materials and work in progress, CAR insurance covers:

• Work not yet complete

• Damage caused by third parties

• On-site materials, fixtures, and fittings

• Hired-in plant or temporary structures

This is particularly useful for engineers who supply AND install.

Product Liability Insurance

If you supply fire safety equipment (e.g., alarms, sprinklers, or nozzles), you could be liable if the product fails — even if you didn’t manufacture it.

Common Scenarios Where Insurance Protects You

• You issue a commissioning certificate for a suppression system that later fails a client audit

• A drawing error leads to a non-compliant riser placement, and rework is needed

• A client disputes your layout advice after a fire inspection reveals weaknesses

• A contractor injures themselves on a tool you’ve left unattended on-site

• Your £3,000 testing equipment is stolen from your van overnight

Without the right insurance, any of these situations could cost your business thousands — or worse, put you in breach of contract.

Do All Fire Protection Engineers Need the Same Cover?

Not necessarily. Your insurance should reflect:

• Whether you design, install, commission, or consult

• The types of properties you work on (residential vs commercial vs public)

• Whether you supply materials or systems

• Your annual turnover and contract sizes

• Whether you employ staff or subcontractors

How Much Does It Cost?

Business insurance for fire protection engineers typically starts from:

• £25/month for basic PL and tools

• £40–£70/month for combined PI, PL, and employers’ liability

• More for higher-risk, multi-site, or high-value design contracts

Each policy is bespoke, so it’s worth getting a quote that reflects your actual work.

Need a quote or want to review your current policy?
Call us on 01474 833 322 or get a fast online quote at: www.abainsurance.co.uk/trades-insurance-quote/