Property Maintenance Companies Insurance
Protect your property maintenance business from damage claims, tenant disputes and worker injuries with specialist cover.
Get in touchWhat is property maintenance companies insurance?
Property Maintenance Companies insurance is a specialist policy designed to protect finance and property professionals from the risks of advising clients, managing transactions and handling sensitive financial data. It typically includes professional indemnity, public liability and cyber liability.
Working in finance and property involves significant professional liability. Incorrect valuations, compliance failures and advisory errors can lead to substantial claims from clients, lenders and regulators.
Find cover options from specialist insurers who specialise in covering finance and property businesses, so your cover reflects the specific risks and regulatory requirements of your profession.
Public Liability
Covers claims for injury or property damage caused by your maintenance work.
Employers Liability
Required by law if you employ anyone, covering employee injury or illness claims.
Tools and Equipment
Covers your tools, equipment and maintenance supplies.
Commercial Vehicle
Covers your maintenance vehicles against damage and third-party claims.
Who needs property maintenance companies insurance?
Residential maintenance companies
Providing repair and maintenance services for residential properties
Commercial maintenance contractors
Maintaining offices, retail units and commercial buildings
Facilities management companies
Providing comprehensive building management services
Estate maintenance companies
Maintaining grounds, communal areas and shared facilities
Health and safety and regulatory compliance for property maintenance
Property maintenance companies must comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Work on electrical systems, gas appliances, and asbestos-containing materials is subject to specific legal requirements. Gas Safe registration is mandatory for gas work; OFTEC registration for oil systems; and asbestos work must comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Companies must also ensure employees receive appropriate health and safety training and that work sites comply with safe working practices.
Maintenance companies are liable for injuries to their own staff and to third parties (such as residents or building occupants) resulting from unsafe work practices or negligent completion of maintenance tasks. Property defects arising from poor maintenance work can lead to claims from property owners, tenants, or residents. Professional indemnity and public liability insurance are essential.
Maintenance companies must also comply with the Building Regulations if their work involves structural changes or installation work. Some maintenance work (such as asbestos removal or work on high-risk materials) requires specific accreditation and training. Failure to comply can result in enforcement action by local authorities and automatic liability to the property owner.
How much does property maintenance companies insurance cost?
£300 – £700 per year for sole traders; companies with employees and larger client bases may pay £1,000 – £2,500
Real claims: what property maintenance companies insurance covers
A property maintenance company negligently completed electrical repairs in a residential property. The work created a fire hazard, which resulted in an electrical fire that damaged the property and caused smoke damage to adjoining units. Total damage was estimated at £42,000.
Public liability insurance covered the claim, including remedial work to the damaged property, adjoining properties, and the insured's legal defence costs.
£44,600 total — £42,000 property damage, £1,800 legal defence, and £800 expert assessment fees
A maintenance technician was injured whilst working on a building system due to inadequate safety procedures. The company had failed to provide proper training or safety equipment. The employee's compensation claim totalled £38,000.
Employers liability insurance covered the employee's compensation claim, including pain and suffering, lost wages, and cost of rehabilitation.
£40,100 total — £38,000 compensation, £1,600 legal fees, and £500 medical expert costs
A maintenance company negligently damaged a gas pipe whilst carrying out unrelated repairs. The damage was not discovered for several weeks, leading to a dangerous gas leak that exposed multiple residents to risk. Legal action was taken against the company for breach of duty.
Professional indemnity and public liability insurance covered the legal defence costs and settlement, based on the residents' exposure to risk.
£18,400 total — £15,200 settlement, £2,200 legal defence, and £1,000 expert witness fees
WHY CECIL
Built differently.
Cover for property maintenance companies risks
Finance and property work carries significant professional liability. Cecil finds insurers who cover property maintenance companies specifically and understand the regulatory environment.
Regulatory compliance support
Professional indemnity covers the costs of defending regulatory complaints and investigations. Cecil ensures this is included in your policy.
Cyber protection for financial data
Property Maintenance Companies handle sensitive client data. Cecil makes sure your policy includes cyber liability to protect against breaches and their consequences.
Competitive quotes from specialist insurers
Get your cover options from finance and property insurance specialists. Cover that reflects your profession, not a generic commercial policy.
Common questions about property maintenance companies insurance
Do property maintenance companies need professional indemnity insurance?
Professional indemnity is essential for finance and property professionals. It protects you if a client claims your advice or work caused them a financial loss.
What level of professional indemnity do property maintenance companies need?
Cover levels depend on your regulatory requirements and the value of transactions you handle. Cecil helps you choose the right level for your profession.
Do property maintenance companies need cyber insurance?
Given the volume of sensitive data handled by finance and property professionals, cyber liability is strongly recommended. It covers breach notification, investigation and regulatory fines.
Does property maintenance companies insurance cover regulatory complaints?
Yes, professional indemnity covers the costs of defending complaints from regulators, ombudsmen and professional bodies.
Do property maintenance companies need public liability insurance?
If clients visit your office or you visit properties and sites, public liability covers injury and property damage claims. Many clients require it.
Is professional indemnity insurance required for property maintenance companies?
Whilst not a legal requirement, professional indemnity insurance is essential for maintenance companies. Most clients (landlords, property managers, facilities managers) require proof of insurance before allowing work to begin. Professional indemnity covers claims arising from negligent or defective work.
What types of insurance do property maintenance companies need?
Public liability insurance (for injury or damage to third parties), employers liability insurance (if employing staff), professional indemnity insurance (for defective work), and tools/equipment insurance. Some companies also carry public liability specifically covering damage to clients' properties.
Are maintenance companies liable for damage caused during repair work?
Yes. If your maintenance work causes damage to a property (for example, damaging pipes or creating a fire hazard), your public liability insurance covers the cost of remedial repairs and legal defence. Prevention through proper training and safe working practices is essential.
Do maintenance companies need specific insurance for gas or asbestos work?
Yes. If carrying out gas work, you must be Gas Safe registered. If removing or disturbing asbestos, you must comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and carry specific asbestos removal insurance. Discuss any specialist work with your insurer to ensure adequate coverage.
What should a maintenance company do if it discovers a defect it created?
Notify the client immediately and your insurance broker. Do not attempt to conceal the defect or delay notification, as this could invalidate your claim. Professional indemnity covers claims for defects you identify and disclose promptly, though claims for concealed defects may not be covered.
Interested in Property Maintenance Companies insurance?
We will be in contact when Cecil launches.