Six steps, with clear roles: you bring the project details, I bring competing quotes from the relevant insurers – the decision stays yours at every step.
20 minutes by phone or video call: what's being built, at what value, from when to when, with whom. Free of charge, no obligation – worth doing before a tender deadline too.
The project's risk picture builds the framework: sections, existing property, maintenance cover, machinery, storage. This is the substantial part of the professional work.
I obtain quotes from several insurers and hand them over in a clear table – with limits, deductibles, exclusions, strengths and weaknesses.
You decide, I handle the paperwork. The goal is for cover to be in place by the time work starts – which means submitting the data in good time for underwriting; the certificate of insurance is issued by the insurer, and I handle requesting it – its issue is up to the insurer.
Delays, additional works, an increase in value: you report the changes, so cover keeps up with reality. If there's a claim, the insurer's claims line is the primary route – I step in if a case gets stuck.
Handover closes the project cover; if the maintenance extension was agreed in advance under a separate endorsement, it continues for the contracted period – to the extent set out in that endorsement.
The primary route for a claim notification is always the insurer's claims line or online portal – that's the fastest way. If a case stalls or a claim is disputed, I step in to help, where I can, as broker.
The same process can run in two modes. Project route: CAR/EAR taken out for a single job, tailored to the project's value and duration – the natural choice for a few large, one-off jobs. Annual open cover route: a turnover-based open cover that automatically covers jobs starting during the year according to the declaration rules – for anyone building continuously, this is what gives predictability. A detailed comparison of the two routes: Project CAR or annual open cover?, and the anniversary tasks: reviewing the annual open cover.
You don't need to fill anything in beforehand – but if it would speed things up, the points on the project data sheet give a good outline: basic details, technical scope, schedule, parties involved, existing property, machinery. Preparing for a tender? The tender checklist walks you through everything from reading the tender documents to submitting the certificate.
As an independent broker, insurers compete for you – not the other way round. I don't charge a fee for advice – the insurer pays the intermediary's remuneration; it is part of the insurance premium.