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Office block risk placed with major UK insurers
CONTRACTORS WORKING IN OFFICE BUILDINGS – INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
Protect Your Building When Contractors Are On-Site
Whether it’s small repairs or full refurbishment, contractors introduce new risks to office buildings - from fire and escape of water to structural damage, tenant disruption and liability exposures.
Insure24 helps landlords understand the insurance protections required from contractors and ensures your own property insurance responds correctly when external tradespeople are working in your building.
What Insurance Cover Is Needed When Contractors Work in Office Buildings?
Protecting landlords, tenants, and the building during works or maintenance.
Insurance Landlords Should Have in Place
- Buildings insurance – covering fire, flood, escape of water & accidental damage.
- Property Owners’ Liability – for third-party injury or damage claims.
- Loss of Rent / Business Interruption – if works cause disruption after an insured event.
- Employer’s Liability – if building staff or caretakers are onsite.
- Contract Works (optional) – for larger refurbishment projects.
- Non-negligent liability cover (where required in contracts).
Insurance Contractors Themselves Must Hold
- Public Liability – typically £2m–£10m depending on building size.
- Employers’ Liability – legally required if they employ staff.
- Contract Works / Contractors’ All Risks – for new works & materials.
- Professional Indemnity – if design, specification or consulting is involved.
- Specialist cover for “hot works” (welding, cutting, blowtorches).
- Cover for accidental damage to landlord fixtures.
Who Needs Contractor On-Site Insurance?
Essential protection for commercial landlords, block managers and large tenants.
Suitable For:
- Commercial landlords & freeholders.
- Office block management companies.
- Property investors with multi-tenant buildings.
- Facilities management providers.
- Corporate tenants undertaking refurbishments.
- Blocks with rolling contractor access.
Types of Contractor Activity Covered
- General maintenance and repairs.
- Electrical, plumbing and HVAC work.
- Refurbishment & fit-out projects.
- Cleaning, painting and minor works.
- Lift servicing, fire system testing.
- Large contracted works under CDM.
Key Risks When Contractors Are Working in Office Buildings
Understanding what can go wrong - and how insurance protects you.
Property Damage Risks
- Escape of water from plumbing or HVAC works.
- Fire risks from hot works.
- Damage to fixtures, ceilings, floors or walls.
- Damage to lift systems or communal areas.
- Accidental damage to building services.
- Electrical faults caused during works.
Liability & Operational Risks
- Injury to tenants, visitors or contractors.
- Obstruction of fire exits or safety systems.
- Noise, dust or disruption affecting tenants.
- Unauthorised contractor access.
- Damage to tenant or visitor property.
- Disruption resulting in loss of rent.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Do contractors need their own insurance?
Yes - contractors should hold their own Public Liability, Employers’ Liability and (for larger works) Contract Works insurance.
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Does my building insurance cover contractor damage?
Often yes - but insurers may require evidence of contractor insurance, method statements and hot-works permits.
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Are office building refurbishments covered automatically?
Not always. Larger projects may require Contract Works insurance or specific declarations to your insurer.
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Do I need to notify my insurer when contractors are onsite?
Yes - major works should always be disclosed, as non-disclosure may affect claims.
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Can tenants bring contractors onsite?
Yes, but landlords typically require landlord approval and proof of contractor insurance.
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Are hot works covered?
Only where contractors hold adequate cover and follow hot-works permits. Additional insurer conditions may apply.
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What limits should contractors have?
Typically £2m–£10m Public Liability depending on building size, value and activity.