Why do HVAC engineers need insurance?
Your faulty product damages property
After installing an air conditioning unit at a client’s home, you receive a message to tell you it has malfunctioned and damaged their property. Surprised, you return to the property to find the product you’ve installed is defective.
If as an HVAC engineer you’ve supplied a faulty product that causes damage or injury, public and products liability insurance can help to pay compensation relating to the property damage or injury. But it would not cover the cost of the replacement or recall of a faulty product.
A problem with your design
As an office-based HVAC engineer, you provide design services to your clients. A restaurant owner asks you to design how a new central HVAC system could be incorporated in their restaurant. You give them professional advice on the system you’d recommend, and they agree to your suggestion.
But it soon becomes apparent you made the wrong recommendation and your mistake results in the client launching legal action. Professional indemnity insurance can help to cover costs relating to claims you provided negligent advice.
Your engineer is injured on a job
When installing an air conditioning unit, a loose bolt causes a section of pipe to fall onto one of your engineers. They are concussed and an ambulance arrives to take them to hospital for treatment. They are unable to work and have to take time off to recuperate.
If your engineer takes action against you with a compensation claim, employers’ liability insurance could help to cover the costs.
What insurance is available for HVAC engineers?
Public and products liability
Public and products liability insurance can help to cover costs of claims that members of the public make against your business. Say you’re installing a heating system for a block of flats, and cause damage to an expensive piece of furniture.
If residents are hurt, or their property damaged, public liability insurance can help with the costs of legal defence and compensation. Likewise, if the products you’re using cause harm or damage, products liability offers cover.
Professional indemnity
Professional indemnity insurance can provide reassurance to HVAC engineers who provide advice or design services. Say a client alleges you’ve provided negligent advice or consultancy services that has led to loss or damage. PI can help to cover the cost of compensation claims.
Professional indemnity cover is not required by law. However, some professional bodies, such as those for accountants or solicitors, demand it of their members.
Please note: Availability of professional indemnity insurance for HVAC engineers depends on the nature of your work. To discuss whether PI cover would be suitable for your specific business, contact us on 0808 2736 570
Employers’ liability
Regardless of your industry, if you have employees, it’s likely you’re legally obligated to purchase employers’ liability insurance (external link). As an employer, you’re responsible for the safety and well-being of your staff and could be liable if they’re hurt.
Your policy can help to cover any legal defence or compensation costs should an employee become injured or ill from a work-related issue. Employers’ liability insurance can help your business to continue if the worst should happen.
For HVAC engineers, other common insurance types can include personal accident insurance and commercial property insurance.
If you’re not sure what you need, tell us a little more about your HVAC business. We’ll help you to build your quote and explore any other insurance needs.
Build my coverInsurance for HVAC engineers: FAQs
Can I get HVAC contractor insurance as a sole trader?
Yes, heating, ventilation and air conditioning firms and sole traders can get business insurance with Hiscox. Our sole trader insurance options can be tailored to engineers who move from place to place. For instance, you might add portable equipment insurance for the tools you transport.
Do you provide proof of cover to HVAC engineers?
Yes, we can provide proof of cover as soon as you buy business insurance. In the world of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), you might find your clients ask for this. In particular, clients might ask to see proof you hold public liability and professional indemnity insurance.
How much does insurance cost for an HVAC engineer?
The cost of your insurance package will depend on which covers you add and your own personal situation. However, as a rule of thumb, public liability insurance starts at £5.50 a month* with Hiscox. If you want to add additional covers beyond PL, that price will likely increase.
*Figures based on an average of all public liability policies sold to at least 10% of our customer base between August 2023 and August 2024
What are some common insurance types that engineers take out?
There are a number of business insurance covers that engineers can arrange, depending on the type of engineer and where they work. These include public liability, which relates to potential incidents that can arise when your business interacts with third parties.
Related articles and guides
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Employers’ Liability Act: how it affects business insurance
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