About Us

Real people. Real expertise. Real commitment to construction.

Group of happy builders eating lunch together

We are more than insurance

Our team isn’t just insurance experts; we’re people who genuinely care about this industry. We invest in causes that matter, such as industry charities, mental health initiatives and affordable housing projects.

Our underwriters understand your challenges. We’re here to support not just your projects, but the people and communities behind them. Because when construction succeeds, communities flourish, and that’s what Building Community really means.

Surveyor taking notes on construction site

Evolving with construction's needs

Checkmate has been a leading brand in the structural warranty sector since it’s launch in 2010 and is a leading industry expert in the provision of ten year and twelve year latent defects insurance and new home warranty policies. Heading up the team at Checkmate are leading professionals from both the warranty insurance sector and chartered building surveyors and engineers.

Innovation and creativity led to the development of software system which has transformed the underwriting and technical auditing process throughout the construction phase of a project. 

Site worker and inspector shaking hands

Friendly expertise you can trust

The first and only UK warranty provider to become a Chartered Building Consultancy under the Chartered Institute Of Building scheme and Checkmate is a Company Partner of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers. These accreditations recognise the level of commitment to improving build quality through a codes of professional ethics and a robust business leadership structure. Half of Checkmate’s senior team are Fellows of the Chartered Institute Of Builders in their own right and all of Checkmate’s surveyors already hold a professional qualification or are part of structured programme to achieve the same.

Many of Checkmate’s other team members hold professional qualifications in their own disciplines, be that insurance underwriting, insurance claims and also in IT.  

Ready to get started?

Every development is different and therefore Checkmate assess every scheme’s individual characteristics to ensure a fair and accurate cost is provided.

We can usually provide an indicative cost of what a warranty would be for your next development within 24 hours and very often the same day. Please click on the link below to get started.

News and insights

15 September 2026
How Advance Payment Bonds Work in the UK and When Employers Need One
When a contract requires the employer to release funds before any work has started, both parties carry risk. An advance payment bond exists to protect them both.   The employer is trusting that the money will be used as intended;...
15 September 2026
What Is a Surety Bond? Types, Uses and When UK Contractors Need One 
An employer has just told you that your tender, or your contract award, is conditional upon providing a surety bond. Maybe it’s a specific figure like 10% of contract value or maybe the tender documents just say, ‘surety...
14 September 2026
Contractors Professional Indemnity Insurance: Do You Need It and What Does It Cover? 
If your client asks you for proof of professional indemnity insurance for a construction project and you’re wondering – do I need it and what does it cover? You’re not alone. Many contractors carry robust contractors all...
14 August 2026
New Build Warranty In the UK: What It Covers, How Long It Lasts, and Why Lenders Need It
Struggling to get an advance for a new construction project from your mortgage lender? Most lenders in the UK require a recognised new build warranty as a condition of lending, and without one you could be refused a mortgage. Without...
14 August 2026
What Is Unoccupied Property Insurance? A Guide for Landlords, Developers and Property Owners
Most insurance policies stop covering a property once it’s stood empty for 30 to 60 days. If your property is between tenants, sale and completion, awaiting probate, or paused between phases of a development, your existing...
13 August 2026
Collateral Warranty vs Construction Surety Explained
If you’ve been shopping for insurance, you may have come across both terms: collateral warranty and construction surety. While both are important, they serve different purposes.  Collateral warranties protect funders, tenants...
27 July 2026
Checkmate Proudly Supports Project Ireland and Check In On A Mate
We are proud to announce that Checkmate is a supporter of Check In On A Mate and Project Ireland Run, an initiative to raise funds and awareness for mental health. Mental health awareness and support remain one of the most...
24 July 2026
Professional Indemnity Insurance in Construction
Construction projects often involve more than physical work on site. Designs, specifications, calculations, technical advice and project-management decisions can all affect how a project progresses and performs. Where a business...
21 July 2026
Construction Bonds Explained
Construction contracts often require additional financial protection before work can begin, payments can be released or infrastructure can be adopted. This protection may be provided through a construction surety bond. However,...
17 July 2026
5 Common Construction Risks That Could Derail Your Project (And How Contractors All Risks Insurance Can Help)
Contractors All Risks Insurance can help protect construction projects against many of the unexpected events that cause damage, disruption and additional costs. From severe weather and theft to accidental damage and third-party...
16 July 2026
Why Insurance Backed Guarantees Matter More Than Ever in Today's Construction Market
What is an Insurance Backed Guarantee and why should contractors offer one? When customers invest in construction or home improvement works, they’re not just buying a product or service – they’re investing...
07 July 2026
What A 10 Year Structural Warranty Covers & What it Doesn't in 2026
What Does a 10-Year Structural Warranty Actually Cover? The short answer is the structural integrity of the building — but the detail matters more than the headline. Most buyers and developers assume a 10 year structural...
10 June 2026
Construction Insurance: A Complete Guide for Contractors and Developers
What is Construction Insurance? Construction insurance is a collection of different kinds of policies that typically protect the works in progress, the people involved, the design responsibility, and the property that’s...
26 January 2026
What Insolvency Cover Really Means for Social Housing Projects
Contractor insolvency is one of the most significant — and often underestimated — risks facing social housing delivery. With long construction programmes, complex supply chains, and increasing financial pressure across the...
17 December 2025
Building Safety Act: Ultimate Guide for New-Build Social Housing
The landscape of residential development has changed.With the introduction of the Building Safety Act, Housing Associations are now operating in a delivery environment where accountability is clearer, scrutiny is higher,...
15 October 2025
The Importance of RICS Surveyors in Construction Projects
Why Choosing the Right Surveyor Matters Buying or investing in property is one of the biggest financial commitments most people make. That’s why expert advice is crucial. Enter the RICS surveyor – a property professional...
20 June 2025
Performance Bonds: What They Are, What They Cost, and How To Get One
When you’re managing a construction project, there’s already enough complexity—finances, timelines, planning, and compliance. So when a lender, client, or local authority asks for a performance bond, what exactly...
11 June 2025
UK Planning Delays: Turn Idle Time into Risk-Ready Opportunity
The UK construction industry continues to feel the strain of planning delays. With local authority backlogs, changing regulations, and extended consultation periods, developers across the country are finding themselves stuck...
05 June 2025
Performance Bonds and IBGs: Fast, Reliable Protection for Today’s Projects
In today’s fast-moving construction environment, risk management isn’t just a formality—it’s a necessity. With tighter margins, growing regulation, and high stakeholder expectations, contractors and developers...
28 May 2025
Why Major Developers Choose LDI Cover They Can Trust
In today’s construction landscape, confidence is currency. For developers navigating complex builds and tight timelines, protecting long-term investment is critical—not just for themselves, but for their funders and...
17 April 2025
Top 5 Things to Check Before Moving Into a New Home
Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone—but before settling in, it’s important to ensure the property is safe, functional, and ready for comfortable living. Taking the time to inspect a few key areas can help you...
12 March 2025
Navigating 2025’s Building Regulations: Are You FHS and ‘Building Safety Act’ Ready?
The regulatory landscape is changing rapidly. With 2025 bringing new regulations focused on sustainability, safety and planning, developers face both fresh challenges and exciting opportunities. The move towards greener,...
05 November 2024
Skill Shortages in Construction: Labour’s Strategy to Boost Apprenticeships and Training
The Labour government’s budget has introduced a strong focus on reducing skill shortages in the construction industry through increased funding for apprenticeships and vocational training. As construction shifts towards modern,...
04 November 2024
Building Green: Labour's Investment in Sustainable Infrastructure
Labour’s recent budget emphasizes a shift toward sustainable infrastructure, creating new opportunities and challenges for the UK construction industry. With funding allocated to green projects, such as renewable energy,...
04 November 2024
A New Era for Affordable Housing: Labour’s Pledge to Tackle the Housing Crisis
The Labour government’s latest budget sets the stage for transformative changes in the UK housing market, especially with its renewed commitment to affordable housing. As home prices and living costs soar, Labour’s...
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