Specialist JCT insurance · Non-negligence cover & contract protection · 0208 909 2899
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JCT Clause 6.5.1
is not optional

Most construction contracts require non-negligence insurance. We provide specialist cover for main contractors, property developers, and domestic building projects — with insurers who understand construction claims and contract obligations.

2,379
Clients
~94%
Client Retention
30+
Years Trading
A-Rated
Insurers
Who We Work With

Construction professionals of every size

🏢

Main Contractors

Full-contract professional indemnity, contract works cover, and JCT 6.5.1 non-negligence — all in one place.

🏗️

Property Developers

Cover for design-build contracts, construction liability, and professional indemnity if you're responsible for design.

🏠

Domestic Building Projects

Insurance for house builders, renovation contractors, and specialists — compliant with NHBC and LABC requirements.

What We Cover

JCT 6.5.1 Cover Breakdown

Non-Negligence Cover

Professional indemnity for breaches of non-negligence clauses — covers design errors, specification failures, and supervision defects.

Existing Structures Protection

Cover for damage to existing buildings and adjoining properties caused by your work — including damage to foundations, walls, and services.

New Works Cover

Professional indemnity for defects in the work itself — remedial costs, legal defence, and cost of rectification.

Professional Fees

Covers your architects' and engineers' fees when they're required as part of the insured loss.

Debris Removal

Costs of removing debris and unsafe materials arising from your negligence.

Local Authority Fees

Local authority and Building Control re-inspection fees when rectification work is required.

The Risk

Why JCT 6.5.1 matters

The Clause Requirement

JCT Clause 6.5.1 requires contractors to effect professional indemnity insurance covering non-negligence. This is a contractual obligation — failure to provide proof of cover can be a contract breach.

Main contractors are typically responsible for ensuring subcontractors have the necessary cover, which means you can face claims from the client or principal contractor if cover is missing.

Common Claims

  • Design errors and specification failures
  • Defective workmanship and supervision failures
  • Damage to existing structures and adjoining properties
  • Remedial costs and cost of rectification
  • Third-party claims for professional negligence
  • Breach of contract claims under JCT terms
Why Choose Forum

Why construction professionals trust us

01

JCT specialists only

We work exclusively with construction insurers — Hiscox, Markel, AXA, Aviva, Zurich, QBE, Chubb — all experienced in JCT claims and contract disputes. No generalist brokers, no off-the-shelf policies.

02

Contract review before renewal

Contract terms change year on year. We review your latest contracts before renewal to ensure cover sits perfectly within your obligations and protects against real risks you're taking on.

03

One broker for every risk

Contractors combined, professional indemnity, JCT, structural warranty, legal indemnity — we place all of it. One broker, one renewal conversation, and no gaps between policies.

04

30+ years of construction claims

Construction claims are complex — multiple parties, contractual obligations, disputed liability. We've managed them for over 30 years and we know how to get the right outcome.

Claims Support

When you have a claim, we handle it.

Construction claims are won on speed and evidence. First notification to the insurer, correct handling of evidence, and expert management of all parties — this is where claims are won or lost.

Our team manages the full claim from notification through to settlement, working with loss adjusters, surveyors, and the insurer to ensure you get the cover you're entitled to.

Claims Support →
STEP 01

Call us immediately

As soon as you become aware of a potential claim, call us. Early notification to the insurer is critical for cover and for evidence preservation.

STEP 02

We review your contract obligations

Construction claims often involve contract conditions that affect how the claim is presented. We review these before notifying the insurer to ensure your position is protected.

STEP 03

We manage all parties

Loss adjusters, engineers, surveyors, legal advisers — we coordinate the full process and ensure no party acts in a way that prejudices your claim.

STEP 04

We fight for a fair settlement

Construction claims are often underpaid at first offer. We know the policy wordings and we challenge settlements that don't reflect your full entitlement.

Common Questions

JCT 6.5.1 FAQs

JCT Clause 6.5.1 requires the contractor (or contractor's professional advisor) to effect and maintain professional indemnity insurance. The clause typically requires cover to be in place for a minimum sum insured (often £250,000 to £1m depending on the contract value) for a period of 12 years after practical completion. The cover must protect against claims for breach of the contractor's professional duties and for any defects in the works arising from professional negligence.
It depends on the contract you've signed. Most JCT contracts (both Design & Build and Intermediate Form) include Clause 6.5.1 and require professional indemnity insurance. Even if the project is small, if you've signed a JCT contract that includes this clause, you need to provide proof of cover. The best approach is to check your contract and confirm requirements before work begins. We can review your contract obligations.
Contractors combined insurance typically includes public liability, employers liability, and contract works cover — but it does NOT include professional indemnity. JCT 6.5.1 specifically requires professional indemnity (cover for negligence). Many contractors need both: contractors combined for day-to-day operations and public liability, plus JCT professional indemnity for contractual requirements. We recommend ensuring you have both to avoid gaps.
Most JCT contracts require cover to be maintained for 12 years after practical completion of the works. This is a significant period — you may not complete the contract for 1-2 years, and then you need another 12 years of cover after that. This extended tail of liability is why cover must be renewed each year and why having the right insurer matters — they need to be stable and willing to provide long-term renewal on reasonable terms.
Yes, but you should arrange it immediately after contract signature. Failure to have cover in place when work begins can be a breach of the contract and a breach of your professional obligations. If you've already signed a contract and don't have cover, contact us immediately — we can arrange cover on a retroactive basis, though this may incur additional premium. The best approach is to confirm requirements before you sign the contract and arrange cover before work begins.

Ready to get the right cover in place?

We handle the quotes, the underwriting, and the contract review. One conversation with our JCT specialists and you're protected.

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FCA Authorised No. 305819 Financial Conduct Authority Industry Body BIBA Member British Insurance Brokers’ Assoc. Professional Body CII Member Chartered Insurance Institute Certified Cyber Essentials NCSC Certified Scheme Accredited Employer Living Wage Real Living Wage Employer Government Framework Crown Commercial Services Supplier