How brokers can support construction clients over Winter

As temperatures drop, construction sites face heightened seasonal challenges that can increase risk and disrupt projects. For brokers, understanding these risks is key to giving clients the appropriate advice and ensuring their cover is fit for purpose. In this guide, the team at Geo share their practical tips and considerations to support construction businesses over the winter months.

1. Weather-related risks

Winter often brings challenging conditions such as snow, ice, strong winds and heavy rain. These can create serious issues for construction projects, including:

• Delays caused by frozen ground or roads that are difficult to access
• Structural damage from heavy snow or high winds
•  Water ingress due to melting ice and snow

We suggest: Make sure your client’s Contractors’ All Risks (CAR) policy includes cover for weather-related delays and damage. 

Review the exclusions and limits carefully to ensure the cover is appropriate and provides protection for their project when conditions turn severe.

2. Site safety and liability

Winter conditions can make construction sites more hazardous. Slippery surfaces and shorter daylight hours increase the chance of accidents, which can result in increased risk of slip or trip injury to both workers and visitors due to ice or poor visibility.

We suggest: Check that your client’s Public and Employers’ Liability policies are current and appropriate for the increased risk profile during winter. Discuss with your clients the need to possibly increase the safety measures currently in place, such as improving lighting and managing ice on walkways – this will help to protect people and keep projects moving.

3. Equipment and machinery protection

Cold weather can take a toll on construction equipment, affecting performance and lifespan. Possible risks include:

• Mechanical failure caused by freezing conditions
• Higher chance of theft or vandalism due to extended periods of site inactivity

We suggest: Encourage your clients to review their plant and equipment insurance to make sure appropriate cover is included and ensure any requirements around storage or protection are met. Advise your clients to store machinery securely and carry out regular maintenance checks to prevent costly breakdowns.

4. Project delays and financial impact

Winter conditions often slow progress, leading to delays that can affect budgets and contractual obligations.

We suggest: Discuss Delay in Start-Up (DSU) or Business Interruption cover where relevant. Help your clients to understand how force majeure clauses work and how they interact with insurance, so they can plan with confidence.

5. Material storage and handling

Some construction materials, such as concrete, adhesives and timber, are sensitive to temperature and moisture.

We suggest: Encourage your clients to store materials in temperature-controlled environments, and check whether their policy includes cover for spoilage or degradation caused by adverse weather.

6. Documentation

Clear and accurate records are essential for any construction site, but should also reflect any increase in risk due to winter conditions.

We suggest: Advise your clients to keep detailed logs of weather conditions, site inspections, any additional controls for adverse weather and any incidents; as these records can support claim defence and help resolve disputes quickly.

Speak to our construction team for expert support

Geo's Construction team offer a range of specialist products including: 

• Contractors’ All Risks (CAR)

• Contract Works

• Plant and Equipment Cover

• Public and Employers’ Liability

• Non-Negligence Insurance (JCT 6.5.1)

• Excess of loss and DSU cover