Fire Protection Contractor Insurance

Understanding Fire Protection Insurance

Providing solutions to prevent losses from fire carries inherent risks for contractors. Poor advice or an accident on-site can have serious repercussions for your business. Fire protection insurance is designed to protect contractors from these risks, offering comprehensive coverage that includes public liability, professional indemnity, and more.

Why Fire Protection Contractors Need Insurance

At ABA Insurance, we recognise the complexities of the fire protection industry and understand the challenges of finding the right cover that protects your assets and staff while complying with industry regulations. The work you undertake is complex, but your insurance solution doesn’t have to be.

Our fire protection insurance provides peace of mind, ensuring your business is covered for incidents such as:

Injury to Members of the Public: Covering legal and compensation costs if someone is injured due to your work.

Damage to Client’s Property: Protection against claims for accidental damage to clients’ property.

Employee Injuries: Covering liabilities if employees are injured while on-site.

Product or Service Failures: Financial protection if your fire protection systems fail to perform as intended.

Key Coverages for Fire Protection Contractors

Public and Products Liability Insurance

Public and Products Liability Insurance covers you for bodily injury to third parties or property damage that arises in the course of your daily activities. For example, damage to a client’s premises or neighbouring property while you are undertaking work. ABA Insurance can provide Public Liability limits from £1,000,000 to over £10,000,000.

Included Extensions:

Efficacy Cover: Protects against loss or damage arising from the failure of a service or product, such as a malfunctioning fire alarm or sprinkler system.

Defective Workmanship Cover: Provides protection for damage or injury caused by faulty workmanship (excluding the cost to repair the defective part itself).

Financial Loss Cover: Covers pecuniary losses or expenses sustained by a third party due to defective or unsuitable works that do not cause bodily injury or property damage.

Employers’ Liability Insurance

Employers’ Liability Insurance covers you for liabilities arising from employees who sustain an injury or illness during their employment with you. It is a legal requirement in the UK, with a minimum statutory limit of £5,000,000, although most insurers provide £10,000,000 as standard.

You may need Employers’ Liability Insurance if:

You deduct national insurance and income tax from the money you pay them.

You have the right to control where and when they work and how they do it.

You supply their work materials and equipment.

Your contract states that you are responsible for their actions and supervision.

Contract Works Insurance

Contract Works Insurance covers work in progress before it is handed over upon completion. It pays for repairs or redoing work damaged by insured events like fire, flood, storm, vandalism, or theft, including both permanent and temporary works.

Construction Professional Indemnity Insurance

Also known as Design and Construct Professional Indemnity, this insurance protects contractors and subcontracted specialists against allegations related to errors in their work or incorrect designs. It also covers rectification costs should work need correction during construction or in the design phase.

Additional Insurance Options for Fire Protection Contractors

ABA Insurance also offers coverage for:

Hired In Plant Insurance: Protects equipment you have hired.

Own Plant Insurance: Covers your own machinery and equipment.

Tools Insurance: Protects your tools against theft and damage.

Commercial Fleet Insurance: Covers vehicles used for business purposes.

How Much Does Fire Protection Insurance Cost?

The cost of your fire protection insurance policy depends on several factors, including:

Business Size: Annual turnover and number of employees.

Level of Cover: The amount of coverage you need.

Location: Higher-risk areas may result in higher premiums.

Claims History: Previous insurance claims can affect costs.

Type of Work: High-risk contracts or large-scale projects may increase premiums.

Factors Influencing the Cost of a Policy

Several factors influence the overall price of your fire protection insurance:

Work Location: Businesses in high-risk areas or those dealing with high-value properties.

Number of Staff: More employees increase the likelihood of claims.

Nature of Work: High-risk activities or complex installations.

Types and Levels of Cover: More comprehensive coverages increase the policy cost.

Optional Extras: Additional coverages can affect the overall cost.

Do Self-Employed Fire Protection Contractors Need Insurance?

Yes, all fire protection contractors, including self-employed individuals, need insurance to protect against potential claims and liabilities.

Is Public Liability Insurance a Legal Requirement for Fire Protection Contractors?

While not legally required, many clients and contracts mandate public liability insurance as a condition of work, making it essential for professional contractors.

What Should I Consider When Choosing a Fire Protection Insurance Policy?

Consider the level of coverage you need, the specific risks associated with your work, and any additional coverages that might benefit your business.

Why Choose ABA Insurance?

High-Risk Trades Covered: Comprehensive coverages for high-risk fire protection trades.

Experienced and Knowledgeable: Over 50 years of experience in the industry.

Specialist Markets Access: Policies with no height and depth limits if required.

Dedicated Account Managers: UK-based, with specialist knowledge in your industry.