Insurance

Does an EWS1 Rating automatically reduce Insurance Rates?

No, not always.
Insurers do not use EWS1 ratings as a significant factor in calculating insurance premiums. They use primarily information provided on the construction of the property. This includes details of age of the property, materials used etc, but a particular focus on combustible building materials such as cladding, infill / insulation, timber balconies and the like.

Insurers consider what the Estimated Maximum Loss will be based on the presence of combustible materials. This takes into account a number of points, such as how fast a fire may spread, and the level of damage caused before the fire services arrive.

EWS1 ratings do not measure the Estimated Maximum Loss before a fire can be controlled, but focus on a more important area – life safety.

EWS1 considers how quickly people can be evacuated in the event of a fire. For blocks with a “stay put” policy this includes consideration on how safe residents are within their flats while waiting for the fire brigade (e.g. the type, location and condition of fire doors) and how quickly they can be evacuated if necessary.

Considerations include how far away the nearest fire station is, and distances from flats to the nearest fire escape. Also, the number of fire escapes and their location within the building (if there are more fire escapes available, evacuation can generally take place faster).

It is therefore possible for a property to gain an improved EWS1 rating if, for example, an additional fire escape is added to the building. This offers no improvement however to the factors insurers consider when calculating the premium, so their rating remains unchanged. Similarly it is possible for a building to have an excellent EWS1 rating, but a higher than usual fire insurance premium and / or excess due to the presence of combustible cladding, insulation, timber balconies etc.

There is unfortunately no “set scale” or standard rules to follow – each location is rated based on its own individual risk details.

Where can I find Leaseholder Disclosures and Policy Documents for my Home? Can I challenge your insurer’s premium level? What Leaseholder Disclosure’s does the FCA specify? What is the outcome of the March 2026 insurance renewal? Why Does my Freeholder Receive an Insurance Revenue? Do I need to have my mortgage company’s interest in the insurance policy noted? Why does the policy cover the Landlord’s Contents? What is the purpose of the Alternative Accommodation/Loss of Rent cover? How are we approaching the 2026 insurance renewal? My block is awaiting removal of unsafe cladding. The building is safe to occupy however because we have waking watch/an upgraded fire alarm. Why did my premium still increase? Could alternative insurers offer a better price? I have never made a claim, shouldn’t my premium be lower? How can I ask any insurance questions not covered here? How can I obtain a copy of my insurance certificate? When do I have to pay my premium? Can I arrange insurance myself, without involving the landlord? Why does the landlord place insurance for its whole portfolio, not separately for each building? Why Does my landlord Arrange Cover against Terrorism? Am I in a flood risk area and how does that affect my insurance? How is my excess determined? How are premiums apportioned between the homeowners in my block? Penult Capital Partners Ltd arranges the insurance on our behalf.