Electrical Inspection Condition Update – What This Means for You and Your Clients

Following a review of our wordings and valuable feedback from brokers, we’re making an important update to better align with the wider market.

With effect from 24th April 202, we have removed the Electrical Inspection and Testing Programme condition from our Commercial Combined, Property Owners and SME products (including Licensed Trade, Food & Eateries, Hotels, Retail, Petrol Stations, and Hair & Beauty) where the sum insured is below €10m.

For risks with sums insured above €10m, this condition will remain in place.

What hasn’t changed

While this condition has been removed from the policy wording, our view on the importance of electrical safety has not changed.

Electrical installations remain one of the most significant contributors to fire risk in commercial properties. Across all sectors, our survey activity consistently shows that fire risk improvements are the most common and highest priority requirements identified, regardless of the type of business.

The most frequent areas we highlight are:

• Fire risk assessments
• Fire detection and alarm systems
• Electrical installations and maintenance

Electrical systems, in particular, are a recurring area of concern, where poor maintenance or outdated installations can lead to serious incidents.

Our recommendation

Although this is no longer a policy condition for qualifying risks, we strongly recommend that brokers continue to guide and encourage their clients to:

• Undertake regular electrical inspection and testing
• Ensure any defects are promptly addressed
• Maintain records of inspections and remedial works

These measures remain a fundamental part of protecting the business, its people, and the property and wider premises.

Why this matters

Even without a formal policy condition, proactive risk management plays a crucial role in reducing the likelihood of claims and improving overall risk quality.

For businesses, regular electrical inspection and testing helps reduce the risk of fire, minimise disruption, protect people, and prevent costly damage.

In our experience, businesses that maintain robust electrical inspection programmes are better protected against disruption, loss, and safety incidents.

If you have any questions about this update or would like to discuss a specific risk, please contact us via our online chat facility or call us on 1800 856 090.

For reference, you can view the previous Electrical Inspection and Testing Programme condition here.