Construction and engineering firms run on tech now: laptops for CAD and project management, tablets for site diaries, phones for client comms, and specialist kit like laser levels, GNSS receivers, drones, and thermal cameras. When that equipment is stolen from a van, dropped from scaffolding, or damaged by dust and water, projects stall.
In the UK, “computer insurance” usually sits inside Contractors’ All Risks (CAR), Contract Works, Plant & Tools, or a Commercial Combined policy as an “All Risks” or “Business Equipment” section. The right setup depends on what you own, where it goes, and how you use it.
This guide explains what to insure, how cover works for construction and engineering risks, common exclusions, and how to buy the right policy.
Insurers often use “computers” as shorthand for portable electronic equipment and office IT. Typical items include:
Important: some of these may be treated as plant, tools, or hired-in equipment rather than “computers”. That’s not a problem, but it changes the section of the policy and the conditions you must follow.
If you rely on tech to deliver work, you should consider it. It’s especially relevant for:
Cover varies by insurer and wording, but the core areas are usually:
Examples:
Construction theft is a major driver of claims. Policies may cover:
If your office or site storage suffers fire or flood, computer cover can respond—subject to the policy’s perils and exclusions.
This is crucial for construction and engineering. You’ll want cover that applies:
Some wordings include equipment breakdown (internal mechanical/electrical failure). Others exclude it unless you add a specific breakdown section.
Many “computer” sections focus on hardware. Some offer limited cover for:
If your biggest risk is ransomware or a data breach, that’s usually a Cyber Insurance conversation rather than computer hardware insurance.
This is where policies can fail at claim time. Common issues include:
Many insurers require:
If your team regularly leaves laptops in vans, you need a wording that matches reality—or you need to change the process.
“Unattended” can include leaving a tablet on a site desk while you step away. Some policies exclude theft unless the item is in a locked room or locked container.
Dust, vibration, and harsh site conditions can shorten device life. Most policies won’t cover:
Computer insurance is for equipment, not project outcomes. If a design error causes loss, that’s typically Professional Indemnity.
If you hire survey kit or laptops, you may need:
Many policies have:
Survey equipment often exceeds standard limits, so list it specifically.
Computer cover rarely sits alone. It’s usually part of a broader package:
Often includes:
A common structure for established firms:
If you design, specify, advise, or manage projects, PI is key. PI won’t cover stolen laptops, but it may respond if:
Cyber can cover:
Many construction and engineering claims now involve both hardware loss and data exposure, so it’s worth aligning your computer cover with cyber and PI.
A practical way to set limits:
Add up replacement cost (new-for-old where possible) for:
Common high-value items:
If kit travels daily, ensure “anywhere in the UK” (and possibly EU/worldwide if needed).
If losing one laptop stops a project team, consider cover for:
Pricing depends on:
As a rough guide, portable equipment cover is often priced as a rate per £100 of sum insured, but the real driver is theft exposure and conditions.
Insurers love practical controls. The best ones for construction and engineering include:
These steps don’t just help insurance—they reduce downtime.
To keep claims smooth:
For accidental damage, keep the damaged item and obtain a repair report/quote if requested.
Use this as a buying checklist:
No. Computer insurance usually covers physical equipment loss or damage. Cyber insurance covers digital risks like ransomware, data breaches, and cyber extortion.
Sometimes, but often only if strict security conditions are met (locked vehicle, no items visible, evidence of forced entry, and sometimes no overnight storage). Always check the wording.
Often yes under portable equipment, but check single item limits and whether phones are treated as “tools” or “business equipment”.
These can be covered, but they’re often high value and should be specifically listed with appropriate single item limits.
Many policies include “anywhere in the UK” or “away from premises” cover, which can include home working. Confirm this if your team takes devices home.
Yes, but you typically need a hired-in equipment extension and you may need to comply with contractual responsibilities in the hire agreement.
Usually, yes—if you have an all risks/portable equipment section. Standard office contents cover may not be enough for site use.
Higher excess can reduce premium, but don’t set it so high that you avoid reporting smaller claims. Many firms choose an excess that matches their cashflow comfort.
If you’re a UK construction or engineering business and you want to protect laptops, tablets, survey kit and specialist tech on site and in transit, we can help you structure the right cover.
Speak to our team for a quick review of your equipment values, storage and vehicle security, and we’ll recommend the most suitable computer insurance setup within your wider construction and engineering insurance programme.
Call 0330 127 2333 or request a quote via insure24.co.uk.
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