Retrofit Coordinator Insurance UK: PI & Liability
Retrofit coordinator insurance is the professional indemnity and liability cover needed by retrofit coordinators, assessors, designers and evaluators working to PAS 2035. The most important cover is professional indemnity, which protects you if a client or homeowner claims your assessment, risk grading, measure selection or design was wrong and led to damage or extra cost. Coordinators also need public liability for site visits and employers' liability if they employ staff. Because retrofit errors such as unsuitable insulation or poor ventilation can cause damp and mould years later, insurers want to understand exactly what you sign off, how you assess risk and whether you rely on others' work. TrustMark and scheme requirements often set minimum PI limits.
Key facts at a glance
- PI is the core cover. Your risk is in advice and sign-off, not physical work.
- Defects appear late. Damp and mould from poor measure choice can surface years afterwards.
- Claims-made cover needs continuity. Let PI lapse and later claims may not be covered.
- Scheme rules set limits. Certification bodies and contracts often specify minimum PI.
- Scope must be declared. Coordinating, assessing and designing are rated differently.
What insurance does a retrofit coordinator need?
Professional indemnity is essential, alongside public liability and employers' liability where you employ staff.
| Cover | What it protects | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Professional indemnity | Claims for errors in assessment, design and sign-off | Exclusions for specific measures or building types |
| Public liability | Damage or injury during site visits | Usually low risk, but still needed |
| Employers' liability | Injuries to staff | A legal requirement once you employ anyone |
| Cyber | Loss of client data and property records | Homeowner personal data |
| Run-off cover | Claims after you stop trading | Essential with claims-made PI |
Installers carrying out the work need a different programme, set out on our retrofit and insulation installer insurance page.
Why is retrofit PI a specialist risk?
A retrofit coordinator signs off on the overall plan for a home. If measures interact badly, for example insulation without enough ventilation, the coordinator may be blamed for the damp that follows.
PAS 2035 puts the coordinator at the centre of the process, responsible for assessment, the medium-term improvement plan, design oversight and evaluation. That's a lot of responsibility, and it means claims could come from homeowners, social landlords or installers. Insurers want to know what you do yourself, what you rely on others for, and how you document your decisions.
Some PI policies exclude certain insulation types, listed buildings or properties with known defects. Make sure the wording fits the work you actually coordinate.
What do insurers ask a retrofit coordinator?
Insurers want to understand your roles, your clients and your processes.
- Roles. Coordinator, assessor, designer or evaluator
- Qualifications. Relevant retrofit qualifications and experience
- Clients. Homeowners, social landlords, installers or scheme managers
- Schemes. Government-funded or private work
- Fees. Fee income and the size of the largest projects
- Processes. How assessments and sign-offs are recorded
- Contracts. Liability caps and indemnities you give
How can coordinators manage their risk?
- Document every decision. Keep assessment and design records.
- Define your scope. Be clear in contracts about what you do and don't do.
- Cap liability where possible. Negotiate sensible limits.
- Keep PI continuous. Arrange run-off if you stop trading.
- Stay qualified. Keep training and certifications current.
Frequently asked questions
The PAS 2035 role responsible for assessing a home, planning measures and overseeing the retrofit process.
Yes. It is the main cover, protecting you against claims about your advice and sign-off.
It depends on your contracts and scheme requirements. Many ask for £1 million or more.
It can, if the role is declared. Assessing and coordinating should both be listed.
Yes, for site visits and meetings at clients' homes.
Cover for claims made after you stop trading, which matters because PI is usually claims-made.
Yes. Many coordinators are sole traders or small consultancies.
Yes. Government-funded schemes have their own requirements and scrutiny.
Your PI covers your own errors. The installer needs its own liability cover.
Often within a few days.
Related guides from Miller & Partner
Miller & Partner Limited (FRN 1029698) is an Appointed Representative of Gauntlet Risk Management Ltd (FRN 308081), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Miller & Partner Limited is registered in England and Wales (company number 16206282) and trades from Vivian House, Roman Bridge Close, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 5BG. This article is general information, not a personal recommendation or an offer of cover. Cover is subject to insurer acceptance and the full terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy issued.
Instagram
LinkedIn