BBA Insurance & Risk Guide for Certified Installers
BBA certification covers a wide range of construction systems — from roofing membranes to insulation products, cladding, render systems, structural materials and waterproofing. Installers delivering BBA-certified systems carry significant technical responsibility, making specialist insurance essential.
This BBA Installer Insurance & Risk Guide, written by SRS Insurance, covers:
- Key risks BBA-approved installers face
- Essential insurance protections
- Typical claims in system installation
- Dangerous exclusions that create uninsured exposures
- How to protect your business with proper cover
This is insurance and risk guidance only, not compliance or auditing.
Who This Guide Is For
BBA certification applies to contractors installing:
- Insulation systems (EWI / CWI / IWI)
- Roofing membranes and roofing systems
- Cladding systems
- Render systems
- Waterproofing products
- Timber/steel structural systems
- Energy efficiency measures
- Products approved under BBA Agrément Certificates
If you install any system that relies on BBA certification, this guide is for you.
Key Risks for BBA System Installers
Different trades share similar structural and material risks when installing BBA-approved products.
1. Incorrect Installation of Certified Systems
If the product is installed incorrectly:
- The system may fail
- BBA performance requirements aren’t met
- The homeowner or main contractor can make a claim
- The certification may be voided
This often leads to contractor liability claims.
2. Moisture Ingress & Water Penetration
A major risk for:
- Insulation systems
- Roofing membranes
- Façade systems
- Render and cladding
Causes include:
- Incorrect detailing
- Poor sealing
- Misaligned fixings
- Bad weatherproofing
- Thermal bridging
- Junction failures
Claims frequently exceed £10,000–£100,000+.
3. Structural Attachment & Fixing Failures
Fixing failures can affect:
- Cladding systems
- Render systems
- Structural panels
- EWI/CWI fixings
- Mechanical fasteners
This can cause:
- System detachment
- Falling materials
- Severe property damage
- Injury to third parties
4. Thermal Performance Failures
Incorrect installation can lead to:
- Cold spots
- Condensation
- Failed U-values
- Long-term mould issues
Long-tail liability is a significant exposure.
5. Product Suitability & Mis-Specification
If the installer:
- Advises on system choice
- Recommends specific materials
- Suggests design solutions
…they are exposed to professional liability.
6. Interstitial Condensation Risk
Incorrect sequencing or missing components can cause:
- Internal condensation
- Rotting timber
- Damp patches
- Health complaints
These are high-cost claims.
7. Property Damage During Installation
Includes:
- Breaking brickwork
- Damaging roof structures
- Cracking render
- Causing leaks
- Damaging cavity trays or flashings
Essential Insurance Covers for BBA Installers
1. Public Liability Insurance (PL)
Covers accidental injury or property damage.
For BBA system installers, PL should include:
- Building fabric work
- Insulation installation
- Cladding/render systems
- Roofing membranes
- Water ingress cover
- Structural attachment work
- Resulting damage
Recommended limits:
- Domestic & small commercial: £2m–£5m
- Larger retrofit or façade work: £5m–£10m
2. Professional Indemnity Insurance (PI)
Essential if you provide:
- Installation advice
- Product/system recommendations
- Specification input
- Design or detail suggestions
- Thermal performance advice
- Moisture/condensation guidance
PI protects you from:
- Incorrect advice
- Wrong specification
- Professional errors
- Assessment mistakes
Recommended limits: £250k – £2m.
3. Employers’ Liability Insurance (EL)
Legally required for businesses employing:
- Fitters
- Installers
- Site labourers
- Apprentices
- Labour-only subcontractors
Legal minimum: £10m.
4. Tools, Plant & Equipment Insurance
Important for installers using:
- Cutting tools
- Render machines
- Fixing equipment
- Ladders, scaffolding, platforms
- Insulation blowing machines
- Spray pumps
Construction equipment is frequently targeted for theft.
5. Contract Works Insurance
Vital for contractors working on:
- EWI projects
- Roofing membrane installations
- Facades & cladding
- New build construction
- Large retrofit programmes
Covers:
- Materials
- Work in progress
- Weather damage
- Theft
- Fire
- Vandalism
Common Insurance Mistakes BBA Installers Should Avoid
No cover for water ingress or damp
This is the leading claim for BBA system installers.
Incorrect trade descriptions
Policies must specify:
- Insulation installer
- Cladding installer
- Roofing installer
- Building fabric specialist
Generic terms are not enough.
No Professional Indemnity
Installers who give advice or design support need PI.
Policies that exclude “work at height”
Roofing, cladding and insulation often exceed 10m.
‘Property being worked upon’ exclusions
Could void claims for:
- Roofs
- Walls
- Insulation systems
- Render
- Cladding
No long-tail retroactive cover
BBA system issues may appear years after installation.
Incorrect subcontractor handling
Labour-only subcontractors MUST be covered.
Typical Claims Faced by BBA-Certified Installers
Water Ingress Claim (£15,000–£80,000+)
Incorrect detail work around openings or junctions.
Cracked Render or Cladding Failure (£10,000–£50,000+)
Incorrect fixings, movement or wrong product choice.
Thermal Bridging Claim (£8,000–£30,000+)
Cold spots cause condensation and mould.
Specification Error (£15,000–£40,000)
Wrong insulation/material advised for exposure zone.
Working at Height Injury (£20,000–£100,000+)
Installer falls from ladder or scaffold.
Tool / Plant Theft (£2,000–£12,000)
Equipment stolen from site or vehicles.
Recommended Insurance Checklist for BBA Installers
BBA-certified contractors should ensure insurance includes:
- Insulation (EWI/IWI/CWI) installation
- Cladding/render system installation
- Roofing membrane installation
- Water ingress cover
- Thermal bridging/condensation cover
- Work at height
- Professional indemnity
- Tools & equipment
- Employers’ Liability
- PL £2m–£10m
- Contract Works
- “Property worked upon” cover
- Retroactive/long-tail cover
This is risk guidance, not BBA compliance advice.
Why BBA System Installers Choose SRS Insurance
- Specialists in insulation, roofing, cladding & façade installer insurance
- Policies tailored to BBA-certified systems
- Includes water ingress & condensation cover
- A-rated UK insurers
- Fast documentation
- Ideal for domestic, commercial & PAS 2030 contractors
We insure BBA-certified installers across the UK.
