1. Introduction
This document ("Guidance") explains Plan Checker's position on professional insurance for users who offer services through the platform operated by Elegance Engineering Ltd. ("Plan Checker", "we", "us", "our"). It is advisory, not mandatory platform policy.
Read alongside our Terms of Use, User Agreement, and Professional Verification Policy.
2. Purpose & Scope
2.1 Purpose
To remind professionals to consider appropriate insurance for the services they provide and to help clients understand what to ask for as part of their own due diligence.
2.2 Scope
Applies to all professionals who list or provide building control, inspection, or related consultancy services via Plan Checker. It does not create platform conditions of entry.
3. Platform Position (Very Important)
- Plan Checker does not require, collect, verify, or monitor insurance policies.
- Professionals are solely responsible for deciding whether to obtain insurance and for the adequacy of any cover.
- Clients should conduct their own due diligence and may request evidence of cover directly from professionals where relevant to the service.
4. Recommended Covers (Professional's Responsibility)
The following are recommendations only. They are not conditions for registration or use of the platform.
4.1 Professional Indemnity (PI) – Recommended
- Typical indicative levels (for reference only):
- Standard building inspections: ~£1,000,000 per claim
- Commercial projects: ~£2,000,000 per claim
- High-rise residential (>4 storeys): ~£5,000,000 per claim
- Specialist/high-risk projects: ~£5,000,000+ per claim
- Points to consider: insurer authorisation, scope matching the services offered, any exclusions that could materially limit cover, and whether run-off cover is appropriate.
4.2 Public Liability (PL) – Recommended
- Reference point often seen in industry: ~£5,000,000 per occurrence.
- Consider inclusion of off-site/at-client-premises activities and any work-specific exclusions.
4.3 Employers' Liability (EL) – If You Employ Staff
- Where legally required (e.g., under the Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969), professionals must ensure they hold EL.
- This is your legal obligation, not enforced by Plan Checker.
4.4 Other Optional Covers
- Cyber Liability (if handling personal data or digital deliverables)
- Business Interruption
- Legal Expenses
These suggestions are informational only. Each professional should seek independent advice to select appropriate levels and types of cover.
5. Role-Specific Legal Obligations (Informational)
Certain roles or project types may carry statutory or regulator-set insurance expectations (e.g., for Registered Building Control Approvers (RBCAs) or specific fire-safety engagements). It is the professional's responsibility to understand and comply with any such external requirements. Plan Checker does not check or enforce them.
6. Claims & Incidents (Informational)
Any insurance claims, notifications, or policy changes are matters between the professional, their client, and their insurer. Plan Checker does not manage claims and does not require disclosure.
7. No Platform Verification, Badges, or Sanctions
- Plan Checker does not verify insurance documents, perform spot checks, display "insured" badges, or apply account penalties related to insurance status.
- Any historic wording implying mandatory insurance verification, audits, "verified insurance" badges, or suspension for lapses is withdrawn by this Guidance.
8. Client Due Diligence
Clients are encouraged to ask professionals directly for:
- Confirmation of relevant insurance (type, scope, period), where appropriate to the service; and
- Any other competency/eligibility evidence they reasonably require for their project.
9. Changes to this Guidance
We may update this Guidance from time to time. Changes take effect when posted with an updated Effective Date.
10. Contact Information
For questions regarding this Professional Insurance Requirements Policy, please contact:
Plan Checker (Trading Name of Elegance Engineering Ltd.)
Email: info@planchecker.co.uk
Company Registration No: 15900115
Registered in England and Wales
By using Plan Checker as a professional service provider, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this Professional Insurance Requirements Policy.