The future of a liability scheme for licenced asbestos removal contractors is in doubt just two months after its official launch.

The facility between specialist commercial broker Direct Insurance Agency and global insurer QBE started from 1 January 2006.

But the scheme, only the second of its kind in the London market - and a sector worth about £50m - now looks unlikely to continue.

A source close to QBE said that the scheme had "withered away".

David Bearman managing director of Direct Insurance told Insurance Times in January: "On a scale of one to 10, this is 11 in terms of its importance to the London liability market, with the construction industry generating 30% of premium income in the whole the UK.

"Until now it has been a closed shop to existing brokers. Clients for the first time will have a serious choice."

The unlimited capacity scheme, underwritten entirely by QBE, included an independent Health and Safety executive approved audit conducted within 30 days of the risk being placed.

Both parties declined to comment.

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
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