AT A GLANCE
How the protection works
The proposal should match the work performed, project values, people, tools, plant, locations, heights, depths, hot work and contractual obligations.
Rope Access Insurance is not one universal contract. Eligibility, sections, limits and wording vary by insurer and must be matched to the individual risk.
CONTRACTING RISK
What may be covered
- Public and employers’ liability for insured activities and declared employees or labour.
- Tools, plant, hired-in equipment, contract works and materials where selected.
- Professional, environmental, motor or business interruption protection when separately required.
Cover applies only as stated in the quotation, schedule and full policy wording.
BOUNDARIES
Common exclusions and limitations
- Work, trades, locations or techniques outside the accepted business description.
- Defective workmanship itself, professional design or pollution unless specifically covered.
- Unattended tools, inadequate security and contractual liabilities beyond the policy wording.
This is not a complete list. The actual wording, endorsements, excesses and schedule determine the protection.
CLAIMS IN PRACTICE
How a claim might arise
01. Work at a client site accidentally damages existing property.
02. An employee or member of the public alleges injury connected with the work.
03. Tools, plant or contract materials are stolen or damaged during an insured project.
These examples are illustrative only and do not confirm that a particular claim would be covered.
CHOOSING COVER
Questions worth resolving
- Are all rope-access activities, maximum working heights, structures and industries clearly declared?
- Are turnover, largest contract values, technicians, subcontractors, equipment, rescue arrangements and territorial exposure accurately described?
- Are IRATA or equivalent qualifications, inspection records, dropped-object controls, hot work and customer contract requirements clearly identified?
For a wider checklist, see the DIBNI Commercial Insurance Proposal Guide.
CONNECTED RISKS
Related protection to consider
- Property and business interruption where physical damage could stop operations.
- Public, employers’ or product liability for injury and property-damage exposures.
- Cyber, professional indemnity or management liability where data, advice or governance creates additional risk.
- Motor, marine, travel or other specialist protection where the activity requires it.
QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
What information should a rope access contractor prepare for an insurance proposal?
Useful information commonly includes the services performed, maximum working heights, structures and industries involved, turnover, largest contract values, technicians and subcontractors, qualifications, equipment inspection, rescue arrangements, previous claims and territorial exposure.
Why do maximum height and industry type matter?
Rope access on a low-rise commercial building can present a different exposure from work on towers, industrial plants, offshore structures or other specialist sites, so the actual working environment should be described.
Why should rescue plans and equipment inspection records be identified?
These controls help demonstrate how work at height is managed and give the receiving insurance professional a clearer factual picture of the risk.