Why panel construction matters to insurers

Expanded polystyrene and some composite panel systems can materially influence fire exposure and insurer appetite. Underwriters may request details of panel type, percentage of construction, age, condition, fire protection and compartmentation.

Insurance commonly considered

Property damage and business interruption are usually considered together, with attention to declared values, stock, machinery, indemnity periods, deductibles and catastrophe exposures.

Information that supports underwriting

Building surveys, panel identification, sprinkler details, fire detection, electrical maintenance, hot-work controls, storage arrangements, claims history and site photographs can help insurers understand the risk.

Not all panel risks are the same

The construction material is one part of the overall risk. Occupancy, housekeeping, fire protection, separation, ignition sources and loss-control measures can also influence underwriting.