Does engineer need prof indemnity for stage payments?

[tras]

We are currently renovating a house. A friend of ours is an engineer and has filled out Cert for first stage payment. Solicitor has told us that bank (UB) will not release first stage payment until they get proof of professional indemnity insurance from him. He does not have it but has not been asked for it before. Can anyone enlighten me as do not want to waste days- if his Cert is not going to be recognised will get another engineer ASAP. Thanks

 

[Vanilla]

Believe it or not, your solicitor is right. But if you don't believe them, why not ring your bank directly- ask for the cheque release team and ask them.

 

[wbbs]

Definitely need indemnity insurance, otherwise if there was a problem what would pay! Not a hope UB will release without it. Is your engineer in business on his own or working for a company? If with a company then they would usually have it, if doing you a favour as a friend then it's a problem as obviously he can't use their insurance then. If in business on his own then I would be very surprised if he has not got insurance or feel a need for it.