RSA adds energy service

RSA has added an energy rating assessment service to its property investors’ cover following UK legislation that came into force on Sunday.

As part of the European Union’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, commercial buildings over 10,000 sqm in the UK now require energy performance certificates (EPCs).

Buildings of 2,500sqm and above will need EPCs from July and all commercial buildings will require certificates by October.

All domestic buildings bought or sold already require EPCs, as will rented accommodation from October.

Chris Withers, regional director of property investors for RSA, said: “We will go out and give a building a rating. If it doesn’t meet the government’s benchmark rating, we think property owners will want to find out what they can do to reach the benchmark level.

“We can then sell them another service to help them improve their energy efficiency by way of an energy audit.”

The legislation is expected to help the UK reach its carbon dioxide reduction target of 60% by 2050.

Meanwhile, RSA has added other benefits to its property investors insurance including valuations, vacant building inspections, legal expenses cover and a 24-hour help line. This will answer broker questions surrounding EPCs as well as other legal issues.

RSA is also offering valuations through an in-house surveyor, which it said will help ensure that customers get a proper sum assured value. Its vacant building inspections will be provided through a third party.

The insurer already offers legal indemnity cover, directors’ and officers’ (D&O) and engineering inspections. These will now be linked to its menu-based property investors’ package.

Withers said policyholders can add as many of the additional benefits as they want, or just opt for the basic cover. He added that using a menu-based product enables customers to get discounts that they would not receive if they went to individual providers.