The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has partnered with an insurance broker to offer a new Professional Indemnity Insurance Cover Scheme for existing and prospective ASFP members.
The move is in response to reports from specialist fire protection sub-contractors that they are finding it increasingly difficult to obtain cover, with many facing significant premium increases or in some cases being refused cover.
Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance is a common contract requirement for sub-contractors. It is requested to show that the sub-contracting company has adequate underwritten protection in the event of any problems and/or claims arising. PI insurance can cover sub-contractors in the event that a client suffers losses following the provision of advice, products and services, or design support. It is not uncommon for the sub-contractor to assume some part, or all of the design responsibility through their words and/or actions.
As a result of the tragic events at Grenfell Tower and other significant fires, the due diligence carried out by persons with responsibility has increased significantly. There is much greater scrutiny being placed on any changes to the original design made by sub-contractors and on the method statements of product manufacturers. Therefore, to indemnify themselves against unforeseen risk, sub-contractors must purchase PI insurance cover.
In order to give reassurance to the wider industry in terms of the quality and professionalism of ASFP members, PI insurance has been a requirement of ASFP membership for some time. The new PI Insurance Scheme seeks to obtain discounts and offer support to ASFP members looking for PI cover since, as a group, they can demonstrate that they meet the Association’s strict competency and professional requirements. These include having third party product/installer certification as well as following the ASFP’s codes of practice for the supply, design, and installation of passive fire protection products or systems.
The PI Insurance Scheme is available to all existing ASFP members. It is also on offer to individuals and companies who wish to apply for membership and require PI cover to meet the ASFP’s strict membership criteria.
For further information on ASFP membership or the ASFP PI Insurance Scheme, visit www.asfp.org.uk ; or contact the ASFP membership officer; tony.corcoran@asfp.org.uk
