Why Engineering Insurance is Important for Lifts
Lifts are a vital part of everyday life in many apartment buildings — especially for residents with mobility issues, young children, or heavy shopping in tow. As a key mechanical feature of a building, lifts must be properly maintained, regularly inspected, and appropriately insured.
Engineering insurance plays a crucial role in ensuring lifts are safe, legally compliant, and quickly returned to service if something goes wrong.
What Engineering Insurance Covers
Engineering insurance typically provides two key types of cover:
- Statutory Inspection (also known as LOLER Inspections)
- Regular inspections of the lift(s) by a qualified engineer
- Ensures compliance with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
- Helps identify faults or wear before they become dangerous or lead to failure
- Typically carried out every 6 months (as required by law for passenger lifts)
- Breakdown and Repair Cover (where included as part of the policy)
- Covers mechanical or electrical breakdowns
- May include the cost of parts, labour, and emergency callouts
- Reduces the risk of unexpected and costly repair bills for leaseholders
Why This Insurance is Necessary
- Legal Compliance: Under LOLER, passenger lifts must be inspected regularly by a competent and independent person. Engineering insurance ensures this requirement is met.
- Resident Safety: Routine inspections and swift repairs reduce the risk of accidents and ensure lifts remain safe for everyone.
- Minimising Disruption: If a lift breaks down, insurance with breakdown cover helps get it back in service quickly, avoiding prolonged inconvenience.
- Supports Proper Maintenance: Insurers often work alongside lift maintenance contractors to ensure equipment remains in good working order.
How It Differs from Building Insurance
While building insurance covers damage to the overall structure of the property (including the lift shaft or damage from an insured peril like fire or flood), engineering insurance focuses specifically on the lift’s mechanical operation and statutory compliance — providing an essential layer of cover that general building insurance does not.
