Does this insurance cover on-site erection and installation?

Cover can be arranged to include on-site installation and erection activities, including contract works and associated liability exposures, subject to insurer terms, scope of work and project profile.

Are welding defects covered under products liability?

Products liability typically responds to third-party injury or property damage caused by your fabricated steelwork. Policies may exclude pure rectification or workmanship issues, so it’s important to select the right extensions for rework/rectification where available.

What liability limits are typical for structural steel and heavy fabrication?

Many UK steelwork contractors and fabricators buy £5m to £10m public/products liability, with higher limits often required for infrastructure, commercial developments or principal contractor frameworks.

Can insurance cover rejected steelwork, rework, or recall scenarios?

Depending on your operations and quality controls, insurers may offer extensions for rectification, rework, product recall or onward costs. Availability and conditions vary, so the policy must be structured around your contracts and inspection regime.

Do I need machinery breakdown cover for CNC, plasma, laser and press brakes?

If your production relies on specialist plant such as CNC machining centres, plasma/laser cutters, press brakes, compressors or welding lines, machinery breakdown cover can help with repair costs, expedited parts and loss of production caused by sudden mechanical or electrical failure.

Does business interruption insurance apply to fabrication workshops?

Business interruption can protect gross profit and increased costs of working after an insured event (for example, fire or flood) disrupts your workshop. Cover is typically linked to your property policy and should reflect realistic reinstatement timelines for heavy fabrication equipment.

What information is needed to quote structural steel & heavy fabrication insurance?

Insurers usually need turnover split (workshop vs site), highest contract value, activities (structural steel, platforms, bridges, etc.), welding procedures, QA/inspection processes, years’ experience, claims history, property sums insured, plant list, and required liability limits.

Structural Steel & Heavy Fabrication Insurance

Q: Do steel fabricators need professional indemnity insurance?

If you produce drawings, specify materials, advise on tolerances, or take any design responsibility (even partially), professional indemnity insurance can protect you if a client alleges your design or specification caused loss or failure.

Specialist insurance for steel fabricators, heavy structural manufacturers, welding workshops, and large-scale fabrication facilities.

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Insurance Built for Structural Steel & Heavy Fabrication Risks

Structural steel and heavy fabrication businesses operate in one of the highest-risk manufacturing environments in the UK. From lifting multi-tonne steel beams and welding load-bearing components, to supplying critical parts for construction, infrastructure, energy, and industrial projects - the consequences of failure can be severe.

Insure24 provides specialist insurance solutions for steel fabricators, heavy fabrication workshops, bridge and frame manufacturers, plate fabrication plants, and bespoke steel engineering businesses.

What Does Structural Steel & Heavy Fabrication Insurance Cover?

Public & Products Liability for fabricated steel failures
Employers’ Liability for welders, fabricators & site staff
Professional Indemnity for design, drawings & tolerances
Property & Factory Insurance for workshops and yards
Machinery Breakdown for CNC, plasma, laser & press brakes
Defective Workmanship & Rework Costs
Business Interruption & Loss of Production
Contract Works & Off-Site Fabrication Risks

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Key Risks Faced by Structural Steel & Heavy Fabrication Businesses

Structural Failure & Load-Bearing Defects

Fabricated steel components are often integral to buildings, bridges, platforms, mezzanines, and infrastructure projects. A single defect in welding, alignment, material grade, or tolerance can result in collapse, injury, or major reconstruction costs.

Welding, Heat & Metallurgical Risks

Incorrect welding procedures, heat treatment errors, hydrogen cracking, or metallurgical inconsistencies can compromise structural integrity long after installation.

Lifting, Handling & Installation Damage

Steel beams, columns, and fabricated assemblies are often transported and lifted multiple times. Damage during loading, cranage, or on-site positioning can trigger expensive claims and delays.

Contractual Penalties & Project Delays

Late delivery, rejected components, or failed inspections can lead to liquidated damages, contract termination, and loss of future work.

Why Structural Steel Fabricators Choose Insure24

Specialist manufacturing & heavy industry underwriters
Experience with CE / UKCA, EN1090 & execution classes
Cover for both workshop and on-site fabrication
Competitive premiums for high-risk steel trades
Claims support that understands construction disputes

How to Arrange Structural Steel & Heavy Fabrication Insurance

1. Tell us about your fabrication processes & projects
2. Review insurer requirements & compliance expectations
3. Select appropriate limits and extensions
4. Cover placed with ongoing risk management support

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Frequently Asked Questions

+-Do steel fabricators need professional indemnity insurance?

Yes. If you design, modify drawings, specify materials, or provide tolerances, professional indemnity insurance is critical - even if design responsibility is shared.

+-Does this insurance cover on-site erection?

Yes. Policies can include cover for installation, cranage, site works, and off-site contract works, subject to underwriting terms.

+-Are welding defects covered?

Sudden and accidental failures are typically covered. Gradual defects, known issues, or poor workmanship exclusions may apply - policy wording is critical.

+-What limits are typical for heavy steel fabrication?

Public liability limits commonly range from £5m to £10m+, with higher limits required for infrastructure, commercial buildings, and bridge works.

+-Can insurance cover rejected or recalled steelwork?

Product recall, rework, and rectification cover can be arranged as extensions for qualifying businesses.

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