Why Early Insurer Engagement Matters in Fire Protection Design

Fire protection decisions made early in a project carry long-term consequences.

On complex or high-risk projects, insurer expectations influence system selection, performance requirements, and overall risk exposure. When insurers are engaged early, those expectations are addressed while design flexibility still exists. When they are engaged late, pressure increases and options narrow.

Early insurer engagement reduces uncertainty.

Insurers influence more than compliance

Insurers assess fire protection systems through a broader lens than code compliance alone. Their focus includes property protection, system reliability, business continuity, and loss mitigation.

Engaging insurers such as Aon during early design phases allows these considerations to inform the fire protection strategy from the outset. This alignment helps ensure systems are not only compliant, but appropriate for the asset, the risk profile, and long-term operation.

Fire protection outcomes improve when insurer expectations are understood early.

Peer review strengthens the design approach

Early engagement with Aon provides an independent peer review of the proposed fire protection strategy. This review allows assumptions to be tested and confirms that the overall design approach aligns with recognised best practice.

Peer review at this stage supports clearer design parameters and reduces the likelihood of late-stage challenges that can disrupt programme and cost.

Independent review is most valuable when changes are still easy to make.

Certainty is created early, not late

Involving insurers early provides clients with greater confidence in site-wide infrastructure and project viability.

Clear alignment on fire protection expectations reduces unknowns, improves cost predictability, and lowers the risk of redesign during consenting or construction. This certainty supports better decision-making across the project team.

Late insurer input often introduces risk. Early engagement helps remove it.

Supporting construction and delivery

Fire protection decisions directly affect procurement, contractor mobilisation, and construction sequencing.

Collaborating with insurers such as Aon early in the design process helps streamline delivery by reducing late changes to system scope, layouts, or performance criteria. This supports timely contractor start dates and more predictable project delivery.

Clear alignment early reduces friction later.

Design parameters matter

At Fortis Fire, we encourage early completion of design parameters to support a coordinated and comprehensive fire protection approach.

Aligning designers, insurers, and contractors early establishes a clear framework for delivery. This reduces the risk of redesign and supports smoother coordination across all disciplines.

Strong outcomes are built on clear parameters.

Getting ahead of risk

Early insurer engagement is not about slowing projects down. It is about reducing risk before it is locked into the design.

Working alongside insurers such as Aon during early design phases supports stronger fire protection strategies, clearer decision-making, and more resilient buildings.

The earlier insurers are engaged, the easier it is to get fire protection right.

Fortis Fire works with insurers such as Aon during early design phases to reduce risk and improve fire protection outcomes.
Talk to us about early fire protection and insurer engagement on your project.