Piling and foundation contractors insurance

Piling method, depth and surrounding structures change the exposure. Driven piling, bored piles and ground improvement can carry different vibration, spoil, groundwater and quality risks.

What changes the insurance assessment

Method and dimensions; ground reports; adjacent condition surveys; settlement monitoring; utility checks; dewatering; test piles; responsibility for engineering, certification and temporary works.

Covers to discuss

Public/products liability, contract works, plant and D&C PI where the contractor designs or assumes design responsibility. Examine vibration, weakening/removal of support and defects-related exclusions.

Piling method and ground movement

Set out whether work uses bored, driven, screw or CFA piles, typical diameter and depth, ground and groundwater conditions, and proximity to adjoining foundations. Explain who designs the piles and temporary support, who verifies position and load capacity, and what happens when obstructions or unexpected strata are found. Include testing and remedial work in the declared activities.

Ask specifically about vibration, settlement, removal of support and underground services. Third-party property damage, rectification of defective piles and professional design liability are distinct questions. Contract works insurance may address damage to insured works subject to exclusions, while PI needs review where engineering decisions are supplied by the contractor.

Information to prepare

Provide a clear description and turnover split of your activities, locations, project values, required liability limits, licences, subcontractor arrangements, current policy and claims history. Include relevant contracts and methods for the higher-risk work. We will identify any further information underwriters need.

Questions contractors ask

“Does liability cover a pile that fails a test?” Rectification of the contractor’s own work is a different issue from third-party damage. “Who covers engineering?” Match the design contract to PI terms.

Public and products liability guide · Contract works · D&C PI

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