ATTMA Insurance & Risk Guide for Air Tightness Testers
ATTMA-registered air testers operate in a specialist field requiring technical accuracy, correct equipment handling, and reliable reporting. Errors in air testing can delay building handovers, impact SAP calculations, cause retrofit failures and expose testers to liability claims.
This ATTMA Insurance & Risk Guide, written by SRS Insurance, explains:
- The key risks for ATTMA testers
- Essential insurance protections
- Typical claims in air testing
- Dangerous exclusions to watch for
- How to protect your business from liability
This is insurance and risk guidance only, not compliance or audit advice.
Key Risks for ATTMA Air Tightness Testers
Air tightness testing carries several performance, reporting and equipment risks.
1. Test Result Errors (The Biggest Financial Risk)
Incorrect test results can lead to:
- Failed SAP calculations
- Delayed building sign-off
- Developer penalties
- Remedial work costs
- Disputes with clients
If a test is wrong, the tester may be held liable for builder losses.
2. Equipment Failure or Incorrect Setup
A typical blower door testing kit includes:
- Fan assembly
- Calibration equipment
- Pressure sensors
- Software
- Frame & panel system
- Smoke sticks
Faults or incorrect calibration can create inaccurate results and liability.
3. Property Damage During Testing
Risks include:
- Damage to finishes when fitting the blower door frame
- Scratches to doors, trims and floors
- Dislodging sealant
- Cracking windows due to pressure differences (rare but possible)
4. Trip Hazards, Cables & Equipment Placement
Testing involves:
- Cables
- Laptops/tablets
- Fans
- Access around the property
Slips, trips and falls can cause injury or damage.
5. Commercial Contract Penalties
Developers may hold testers responsible for:
- Delay costs
- Failed compliance deadlines
- Retests
- Lost productivity
These can be financially significant.
6. Professional Liability for Reporting
Reports must be:
- Accurate
- Compliant
- Properly documented
Mistakes expose testers to PI claims.
Essential Insurance Covers for ATTMA Testers
1. Professional Indemnity Insurance (PI)
The most important policy for ATTMA testers.
PI protects against claims arising from:
- Incorrect air test results
- Faulty calculations
- Incorrect test methodology
- Reporting errors
- Calibration failures
- Documentation mistakes
- Inaccurate submissions to building control
- Misinterpretation of test data
Recommended limits: £250k – £1m depending on contract size.
2. Public Liability Insurance (PL)
Covers accidental injury or property damage during work.
Important PL inclusions:
- Damage to doors, frames or finishes
- Equipment positioned in customer homes
- Tripping hazards caused by cables
- Property damage during test setup
- Damage caused by excessive pressure difference (rare but possible)
Recommended limits:
- Domestic: £2m–£5m
- Commercial: £5m–£10m
3. Employers’ Liability Insurance (EL)
Required if you employ:
- Assistants
- Technicians
- Trainees
- Labour-only subcontractors
Legal minimum: £10m.
4. Tools & Equipment Insurance
Air testing equipment is expensive and crucial to the business.
Covers items such as:
- Blower door fans
- Calibration devices
- Laptop/tablet used for software
- Frames and panels
- Pressure sensors
- Diagnostic equipment
These items can cost £3,000–£10,000+ to replace.
5. Contract Works Insurance (Optional)
Useful for testers working as part of:
- Retrofit projects
- New build developments
- Multi-plot testing contracts
Covers damage to materials/equipment on site beyond normal PL.
Common Insurance Mistakes ATTMA Testers Should Avoid
No Professional Indemnity
PI is essential — most claims arise from incorrect results or reporting.
PL policies with exclusions for testing or surveying
Some insurers exclude:
- Testing
- Certification
- Surveys
- Measurement work
This is not suitable for ATTMA testers.
Not covering high-value testing equipment
Blower door kits are expensive and theft-prone.
Using subcontractors without EL cover
Subcontractors must be insured.
Incorrect trade description
Your policy must list:
- “Air tightness testing”
- “Air permeability testing”
- “Blower door testing”
Generic “property services” is not enough.
No retroactive PI cover
Claims may appear months after test completion.
Typical Claims Faced by ATTMA Testers
Incorrect Test Result (£3,000–£25,000)
Developer incurs costs due to failed compliance deadlines.
Damage to Door Frame (£500–£4,000)
Blower door frame installation damages building fabric.
Equipment Failure (£5,000–£10,000)
Blower door kit fault leads to retesting and compensation.
Trip Injury (£1,000–£20,000+)
Customer or worker trips over cables/equipment.
Tool Theft (£2,000–£6,000)
Testing equipment stolen from vehicle or site.
Recommended Insurance Checklist for ATTMA Testers
ATTMA testers should ensure that their insurance includes:
- Professional Indemnity (£250k–£1m)
- Public Liability (£2m–£10m)
- Air testing / blower door trade description
- Equipment cover (blower door kit)
- Employers’ Liability (if applicable)
- Retroactive PI protection
- Contract Works (optional)
- “Property worked upon” cover
This is risk guidance, not ATTMA compliance advice.
Why ATTMA Testers Choose SRS Insurance
- Specialists in testing, surveying & retrofit installer insurance
- Policies built for specialist equipment & reporting risks
- A-rated UK insurers
- Fast certificates & documents
- Tools & equipment cover available
- Suitable for sole testers & multi-technician firms
We insure ATTMA testers across the UK.
