Arranging buildings insurance for a block of flats is challenging at the best of times – but when cladding or fire safety issues are involved, it can feel almost impossible.
Since the Grenfell Tower tragedy, insurers have significantly tightened their underwriting criteria. Many leaseholders, managing agents, and freeholders now find themselves facing declined quotes, soaring premiums, or restrictive policy terms.
The good news? Insurance is still available – if you know how to approach the market correctly.
In this guide, we explain how to insure a block of flats with cladding or fire safety concerns, what insurers are really looking for, and how specialist brokers can help you secure cover.
Why cladding and fire safety issues affect buildings insurance
From an insurer’s perspective, blocks of flats already represent a high-value, high-density risk. Add fire safety defects into the mix, and the potential exposure increases significantly.
Key concerns for insurers include:
- Fire spread risk due to combustible materials or poor compartmentation
- Total loss scenarios involving multiple flats and residents
- Uncertain remediation costs, often running into millions
- Legal liability exposure from leaseholders and third parties
- Reputational risk linked to insuring high-profile buildings
As a result, many standard insurers have withdrawn from this segment entirely — leaving only a limited number of specialist markets willing to consider these risks.
Types of buildings most affected
We regularly see insurance challenges across a wide range of residential blocks, including:
- Buildings with ACM, HPL, or timber cladding
- Developments with timber balconies or decking
- Properties lacking adequate fire stopping or cavity barriers
- Blocks with failed or missing EWS1 forms
- Buildings where remediation is planned but not yet complete
Even relatively modern or low-rise developments can struggle to obtain insurance if any fire safety concerns are identified.
Why insurance quotes are often declined
If you’ve struggled to obtain cover, you’re not alone. Insurers typically decline risks where:
- Information is incomplete or unclear
- Fire safety issues are not fully understood or disclosed
- There is no clear remediation plan
- The risk is poorly presented to underwriters
In many cases, it’s not just the building itself — it’s how the risk is positioned that determines whether insurers will engage.
What insurers look for in high-risk blocks
Specialist insurers are still active in this space, but they require a much higher level of detail and transparency.
To secure terms, you will typically need:
- A recent Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) (usually within 12 months) with a clear commitment from all stakeholders to address any issues raised
- An EWS1 form, where applicable
- Full construction details, including materials used
- Clear remediation plans, including timelines and funding
- Information on occupancy (owner-occupied vs tenanted vs short-term lets)
- Evidence of ongoing risk management and mitigation measures
Providing this information upfront can dramatically improve your chances of obtaining a quote.
How a specialist broker can make the difference
This is where experience matters.
At Champion Insurance Group, we specialise in arranging buildings insurance for blocks of flats with fire safety issues – including those that have been declined elsewhere.
We understand:
- Which insurers are actively writing these risks
- How to present complex buildings in a way underwriters will engage with
- What information is critical (and what is not)
- How to secure short-term solutions while remediation is ongoing
Our approach to insuring blocks with fire safety issues
We don’t take a “one size fits all” approach. Instead, we work closely with you to structure the risk properly and access the right markets.
Our service includes:
- Access to specialist insurers and facilities
Including reinsurance-backed solutions designed specifically for cladding-affected buildings - Expert support with documentation
We help you gather and present the information insurers need to quote - Clear and accurate risk presentation
Avoiding unnecessary declines by positioning your building correctly - Strategic, long-term thinking
Helping you move towards a more insurable position over time
Don’t assume your block is uninsurable
One of the biggest misconceptions we see is that buildings with cladding or fire safety issues are “uninsurable.”
That’s rarely true.
While the market is more limited – and the process more complex – there are still viable options available with the right guidance.
Speak to a specialist today
If you’re struggling to obtain buildings insurance for a block of flats with fire safety concerns, we can help.
We work with managing agents, freeholders, and residents’ management companies dealing with these exact challenges – and we know how to navigate this specialist market.
Get in touch today to discuss your building and explore your options.
📅 Schedule Appointment (Teams)
📞 03330 430 430 (option 3)
📧 Info@ChampionInsure.co.uk
