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Commercial insurance
Timber frame and modern methods of construction are faster and greener — and, until a building is clad and fire-stopped, far more exposed to fire than masonry. That makes the works harder to insure, and many standard markets simply decline it. Apex places it with insurers who understand the trade.
Part of: Construction & contractor insurance at Apex
In short
Contractors working in timber frame and MMC carry a real fire exposure during the build that a lot of insurers shy away from. We arrange specialist contract works, plant and liability cover for the trade, with markets that price the risk rather than avoid it.
The risk is the construction phase. A timber-frame or panelised building is at its most vulnerable after the frame is up but before it is clad, fire-stopped and compartmentalised — one ignition source can take the whole structure, and neighbouring buildings with it. That single feature is why many insurers load, restrict or decline the works, and why cover needs placing with markets that actually write the class.
A timber-frame or MMC contractor usually needs several things together: contractors’ all risks for the works and materials, cover for any existing structures, plant and equipment, and public, products and employers’ liability. The fire exposure means the terms hinge as much on your on-site controls as on the sums insured.
Expect underwriters to ask about a documented fire plan in line with recognised timber-frame fire-safety guidance (for example the Structural Timber Association’s guidance on separating distances and site fire safety), hot-works permits, out-of-hours security and phased handover. Meeting these is often the difference between a quote and a decline — get them in place early and the placement is far smoother.
Cover is typically set with a limit per building and a limit per fire risk, and can be capped by the number of storeys and the construction value. Larger schemes are considered on their merits. We match the limits to how you actually phase and separate your sites, rather than to a generic template.
Timber-frame erectors, SIPs and CLT installers, modular and volumetric builders, and main contractors using MMC on residential and commercial schemes. If your work involves engineered timber or offsite panels, this is the cover that keeps a fire on site from becoming the end of the business.
Because the fire exposure peaks during construction, before the building is clad and fire-stopped. A single ignition can destroy the whole frame and spread to neighbours, so insurers price and restrict the works far more carefully than for masonry.
In practice, yes. Underwriters generally expect a site fire plan in line with recognised timber-frame fire-safety guidance, plus hot-works controls and security. Having it ready usually unlocks better terms.
Yes — timber frame, SIPs, CLT and volumetric/modular can all be placed, though the terms reflect the construction method and the fire and escape-of-water exposures involved.
It can. Public, products and employers’ liability can be arranged alongside the contract works so the whole job sits under one arrangement.
Tell us about the job and the trade and we’ll arrange cover that fits. Or call 0117 325 0027.
Get a quote Call 0117 325 0027Apex Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales, company number 07014570. This page is general information, not advice on your individual circumstances, and it does not guarantee that cover will be available or on what terms. Premium figures shown are historic typical ranges from Apex’s own placements, not quotes.
