Most drainage contractors spend more time thinking about blocked sewers, confined spaces, tanker operations and health and safety than they do about insurance. That is understandable. Insurance tends to be something that sits in a drawer until renewal comes around.
The problem is that many drainage contractors only discover gaps in their cover when something has already gone wrong.
Having reviewed insurance arrangements across the drainage sector, there are a number of recurring issues that appear time and time again. In many cases, contractors have paid premiums for years believing they are fully protected, only to discover that key parts of their work are either undeclared, restricted, or excluded altogether.
An inadequate business description
One of the biggest issues within the drainage industry is the use of vague business descriptions.
Many policies simply describe the insured as a "drain cleaning contractor" or "drainage contractor". While this might sound adequate, it can create problems when insurers assess a claim.
Modern drainage businesses do far more than basic drain cleaning. Activities can include:
- CCTV surveying
- Drain relining and patch repairs
- Tankering and waste removal
- Pump station maintenance
- Work within sewage treatment facilities
- Confined space entry
- Roadside drainage and gully cleaning
If these activities are not accurately reflected within the policy documentation, questions can arise following a claim.
A well-drafted business description should clearly explain the full scope of a contractor's operations. It is one of the first documents insurers will review when assessing liability following an incident.
Tool theft cover is not always what it seems
Tool theft continues to be a major concern throughout the construction and maintenance sectors.
Many contractors believe that because tools are listed under a plant or tools policy, they are automatically covered wherever they are stored. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
Some insurers impose strict security requirements for theft cover. Common examples include:
- Deadlocks on vehicle doors
- Internal security vaults
- Overnight storage requirements
- Restrictions on unattended vehicles
In most cases, policies may exclude theft from unattended vehicles altogether, even if the van is locked.
Considering the value of specialist drainage equipment such as CCTV systems and relining technology, checking the exact theft conditions within a policy has never been more important.
Van pack jetters often sit in the wrong place
A surprising number of contractors insure van pack jetters under stand-alone plant policies.
However, many insurers actually view permanently fitted jetters as vehicle modifications rather than portable plant.
This distinction can be important.
Where a jetter is incorrectly insured, contractors can find themselves facing higher premiums, higher excesses and more restrictive theft conditions than necessary.
The classification should always be discussed with the insurer to ensure the equipment is protected in the most appropriate and cost-effective way.
Confined space work is frequently overlooked
Confined space working is a routine part of life for many drainage engineers. Unfortunately, it is not always treated that way by insurers unfamiliar with the industry.
Policies regularly contain confined space restrictions, special conditions or exclusions. In some cases, the activity is not mentioned at all.
Many insurers require contractors to follow specific procedures relating to training, risk assessments, rescue arrangements and safe systems of work. Failure to comply could jeopardise a claim.
Any contractor entering manholes, tanks, pumping stations or other confined environments should ensure these activities are clearly disclosed and accepted by their insurer.
Pollution and environmental liability
Environmental incidents can arise from relatively routine drainage operations.
For example, a blockage may be cleared successfully, but contaminated material could enter a nearby watercourse. While the contractor may not face criminal proceedings, they could still be responsible for substantial clean-up costs.
Many contractors assume this exposure falls automatically under their public liability insurance. In reality, pollution cover varies significantly between insurers.
Some policies provide only limited protection, while others exclude gradual pollution entirely. Separate environmental liability cover may be required depending on the nature of the work undertaken.
Given the increasing scrutiny surrounding pollution events, this is an area contractors should review carefully.
Hidden conditions within policy wording
Insurance policies often contain trade-specific conditions that can catch contractors out.
Examples may include:
- Requirements relating to subcontractors and their insurance arrangements
- Excavation conditions for underground services work
- Heat work procedures
- Work at height controls
- Confined space procedures
These conditions differ from insurer to insurer and should never be assumed to be standard.
Understanding these requirements before a claim occurs is far easier than arguing over them afterwards.
Does your broker actually understand drainage?
Insurance is only as good as the people arranging it.
Most drainage contractors wouldn't hire an engineer who doesn't understand CCTV surveys, jetting pressures, relining or confined space entry. Yet many businesses trust their insurance programme to people who have never set foot on a drainage site.
Ask your broker a few simple questions.
- Do they know what drain relining is?
- Can they explain the difference between a patch repair and a full liner installation?
- Do they understand why confined space working is a routine part of drainage operations?
- Do they know what a van pack jetter is and how it should be insured?
The answers will tell you a lot.
Your broker's job is not just to find a premium. They are responsible for presenting your business to insurers accurately and helping protect your company when a claim occurs. If they don't understand what you do, how can they be expected to secure the right cover or defend your position when something goes wrong?
A major claim has the potential to threaten the future of any business. Choosing a broker who genuinely understands the drainage industry can make the difference between a policy that simply exists on paper and one that responds when you need it most.
[This article appeared in Issue 341 of Drain Trader, September 2026. You can view it here]