Approved schemes
All Approved Inspectors must have insurance with the mandatory run-off cover from a Scheme approved by the Secretary of State under Section 47(6) of the Building Act 1984 in order to serve an Initial Notice.
MHCLG sets the criteria for approved insurance schemes which schemes must meet in order to offer public liability and professional indemnity insurance cover to Approved Inspectors.
All Approved Inspectors are required to make their current Insurance Declaration available on the Register and ensure that this is kept up to date.
There are four approved schemes of insurance for Approved Inspectors:
- Griffiths & Armour
- Howden
- Lockton Companies LLP
- NHBC Scheme
Note: NHBC Building Control Services Ltd is insured by its parent, the National House-Building Council, under two schemes approved in 1985 and 1996 respectively.
Note: Whilst there are four approved schemes only NHBC and Griffiths and Armour are currently providing insurance that is in accordance with the requirements of an approved scheme.
Designated warranty
With the removal of the Warranty Link Rule from 6 April 2013 in England and 1 September 2013 in Wales, there will no longer be a requirement for Designated Warranty Schemes to be in place for the purposes of the Warranty Link Rule and the designations of such schemes lapsed from 6 April 2013 in England and 1 September 2013 in Wales. More information for England and for Wales.
This does not, however, affect the validity of warranties in place and those issued by a Designated Warranty Scheme provider prior to 6 April 2013 in England and 1 September 2013 in Wales will remain valid for the full 10 years of their term. Please note that Zurich withdrew from this market in September 2009 and is only honoring existing cover.
LABC also offers a housing warranty scheme where building control is carried out by local authorities.