What Kind of Suppression System Work Needs Insurance?

If your business handles any of the following, you’ll need specialist cover:

• Water mist and sprinkler installations (BS 9251, BS EN 12845)

• Gas suppression systems (CO₂, FM-200, Novec 1230)

• Foam systems or wet chemical systems

• Kitchen fire suppression for commercial premises

• Inergen or clean agent installations in data centres

• Subcontracted install-and-commission packages

• Supply, design, or sign-off of suppression layouts

From high-risk plant rooms to commercial kitchens and server environments, suppression work requires precision — and carries serious risk if something goes wrong.

Why Fire Suppression Work Requires Specialist Insurance

Suppression system installation involves:

• System design and pressure calculations

• Coordination with multiple trades

• High-spec materials and complex commissioning

• Compliance with strict UK standards

• Risk of accidental discharge or incorrect operation

One misstep — an incorrectly set valve, an over-pressurised nozzle, or a missed connection — could result in injury, equipment damage, or contract penalties.

The Key Insurance Policies You’ll Likely Need

Public Liability Insurance

Covers injury or property damage caused by your work — essential when you’re working in sensitive or high-value environments.

Example: During install, a pressurised valve fails and floods a server room. You’re liable — and public liability covers the claim.

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

Professional Indemnity Insurance

Protects you if your design, layout, calculations, or specification leads to financial loss.

Example: You recommend a mist system layout for a commercial kitchen, but later it’s found to be non-compliant, and the client sues for remedial works and loss of revenue.

Essential if you:

• Provide suppression system design

• Issue sign-off or certification

• Subcontract design work under your name

• Handle performance calculations or zone drawings

Employers’ Liability Insurance

Legally required if you employ anyone — including apprentices, site labourers, or office staff.

Covers injuries or illness caused by their work.

Contractors’ All Risk (CAR) Insurance

Suppression installs often take place over multiple days or weeks — this policy covers:

• Work in progress

• On-site materials

• Damage caused by third parties

• Temporary or fixed plant

• Theft or vandalism of unfixed materials

Example: Pipework is damaged by another contractor before commissioning. CAR insurance pays for replacement and delays.

Tools and Equipment Insurance

Your gear is expensive — pipe threaders, crimping kits, nozzles, testers, and gauges can easily cost thousands.

Make sure your policy:

• Includes overnight van storage

• Covers tools left on-site or in compounds

• Reflects the total replacement value

Product Liability Insurance

If a product you’ve supplied (e.g., a discharge head or valve) fails and causes damage, you could still be held liable — even if you didn’t manufacture it.

Common Claims Fire Suppression Installers Face

• Flooding or water damage during testing or installation

• Incorrect system performance due to a design error or miscommunication

• Accidental discharge of gas or water during install or commissioning

• Delayed handover or certification due to faults or failed inspections

• Injury on site from pressurised systems or unsafe work areas

Having the right insurance means these situations don’t damage your cash flow, your reputation, or your ability to win future contracts.

Who Needs This Type of Cover?

This insurance is built for:

• Self-employed fire suppression installers

• Fire protection contractors specialising in suppression systems

• Commercial fit-out firms with in-house suppression teams

• Firms working in retail, education, data, industrial, or hospitality sectors

• Contractors handling install and design on suppression projects

Whether you’re a one-person team or running multiple site crews, you need protection that matches the real risk of your trade.

How Much Does It Cost?

Premiums vary depending on:

• Your level of involvement (design vs install only)

• Business size and turnover

• Value of tools and plant

• Work environment (e.g. domestic vs data centres or plant rooms)

• Previous claims

Typical starting costs:

• From £30/month for sole traders

• £50–£100/month for limited companies with design or certification responsibilities

Bundled policies usually save money over standalone cover.

Get Fire Suppression Installer Insurance with ABA

At ABA Insurance, we specialise in helping fire protection contractors — including suppression system specialists — get the right cover without overpaying.

• Combined PI, PL, CAR, and tools packages

• Monthly payments to suit your cash flow

• Same-day documentation

• Real advice from experts who know your trade

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/