Owner-Controlled Insurance Programmes (OCIPs): Taking Control of Your Project’s Protection

If you’re a property owner or developer, you’ll know that bringing a construction project to life means relying on multiple contractors. Roofing, piling, drainage, electrics - the list goes on. Each contractor usually has their own insurance policy, but that patchwork approach can create headaches: duplicated cover, gaps in protection, disputes when claims arise.

That’s where an Owner-Controlled Insurance Programme (OCIP) can make a big difference.

What is an OCIP?

An OCIP is a single insurance policy arranged by you, the building owner or developer, that covers all contractors and subcontractors working on your project. Instead of leaving insurance up to each contractor, you take control, making sure the whole site is properly protected under one consistent programme.

Why Developers and Property Owners Choose OCIPs

1. Cut Costs, Avoid Duplication

When contractors arrange their own cover, the cost is built into their bids. That means you’re effectively paying several times over. With an OCIP, you buy cover once, removing duplication and often saving money.

2. Greater Control

You decide the level of cover for your project - whether that’s construction all risks, third-party liability, or delay in start-up protection. No more relying on varying contractor policies with different terms and limits.

3. Clear, Simple Claims

When something goes wrong, disputes can arise between contractors’ insurers about who pays. An OCIP removes that confusion, with one insurer handling all claims quickly and efficiently.

4. Continuous Protection

If a contractor pulls out or becomes insolvent, your project is still protected. The OCIP stays in place, giving you continuity and peace of mind.

5. Stronger Risk Management

OCIPs often come with improved safety incentives and better loss-prevention measures, helping reduce accidents and keep your project on track.

What Does an OCIP Cover?

Typical OCIP programmes include:

·       Construction All Risks (CAR): Protection against damage to the project works.

·       Third-Party Liability: Cover for injury or property damage to others.

·       Delay in Start-Up (DSU): Optional cover for financial losses if the project completion is delayed by an insured event.

Is an OCIP Right for Your Project?

If you’re developing a block of apartments, refurbishing a commercial property, or embarking on a major building project, an OCIP can give you greater control, clearer protection, and potential cost savings compared to the traditional contractor-led approach.

At Vista NW, we specialise in working with building owners, developers, and property investors to design tailored OCIPs that simplify insurance and protect your investment from start to finish.