What’s Included in Contractors All Risk Insurance for Fire System Installers?

What Is Contractors All Risk Insurance?

Contractors all risk insurance is a specialist policy designed to cover construction and installation work while it’s being carried out — including any damage to materials, fittings, or partially completed work.

Unlike public liability insurance, which covers third-party injury or damage, CAR insurance protects your own work, materials, and equipment until handover.

Who Needs It?

CAR insurance is recommended for:

• Fire protection contractors working on commercial or public sites

• Fire alarm and suppression system installers handling supply and install

• Contractors involved in first fix through to commissioning

• Subcontractors responsible for specialist fire system installations

• Companies managing multi-trade fire protection projects

If you’re responsible for materials on site or part of the main contract — you need it.

What Does Contractors All Risk Insurance Cover? 

1. Work in Progress 

Protects installations that are not yet complete, including wiring, cabling, and partially installed fire systems.

Example: A dry riser install is halfway done when vandals damage the pipework over a weekend. This policy covers the cost to repair and replace.

2. On-Site Materials and Components 

Covers building materials, system components, and fixtures stored on site.

Example: Fire alarm control panels and detector heads stored in a locked site office are stolen before installation.

3. Temporary Works

Covers temporary structures and equipment used in the job, such as scaffolding, cabling, or access towers.

Example: Temporary fire detection wiring is damaged during a ceiling refit by another contractor. You’re covered for replacement and delay costs.

4. Hired-in Plant 

If you hire access equipment, drills, or lifting gear, CAR insurance can include cover for hired-in plant and machinery.

Example: You hire a mobile tower to install ceiling-mounted mist heads. It gets damaged during use — you’re covered.

5. Tools and Equipment 

Tools can often be added to your CAR policy or run alongside it. This includes drills, testers, crimpers, and cutting gear.

Be sure to include overnight storage in vans or on-site containers in your policy — theft is one of the most common claims.

Real Examples Fire Installers Can Relate To 

• Your team is installing cabling for an addressable fire alarm system. Overnight, the building floods due to unrelated plumbing work — destroying hundreds of metres of trunking and cable.

• You’re fitting suppression tanks and pipework on a construction site. A third-party contractor accidentally knocks over your partially fitted system with machinery.

• You’ve installed 70% of a system when it’s damaged by a site fire. Without CAR insurance, the cost to re-do the work would come straight out of your pocket.

What Isn’t Covered? 

Contractors all risk insurance doesn’t cover everything. Exclusions typically include:

• Faulty workmanship (but the resulting damage may be covered)

• Tools not declared or stored improperly

• Wear and tear or gradual deterioration

• Contractual disputes or delays

• Injury to third parties or employees (this is covered by public liability or employers’ liability)

How Much Does It Cost? 

Premiums depend on:

• The size and value of your contracts

• Whether you supply materials or just labour

• Total value of tools and plant on site

• Type of work (e.g. domestic fit-outs vs commercial projects)

• Claims history and turnover

Typical starting cost: from £25–£60/month for smaller fire contractors
Larger firms or multi-site projects will need tailored quotes

Should You Combine It with Other Policies?

Yes — most fire protection companies combine CAR insurance with:

• Public Liability Insurance

• Employers’ Liability Insurance

• Tools & Equipment Insurance

• Professional Indemnity Insurance (if designing systems)

Combining cover can reduce your premium and simplify claims handling.

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/