Housing Grants, Construction & Regeneration Act 1996

The act was introduced to speed up disputes and claims within the construction industry through a standardised adjudication process.

Due to the speeding up process insurers impose set out procedures that an insured practice must abide by in the event of an action under the process.

• Insurers generally require prompt notification of adjudication claims within a day or two. Notification of claims has always been an issue under PI policies and insurers have not normally taken issue with matters being delayed for a day or two, unless there has been clear prejudice. With adjudication claims, there is no room for latitude at all.

Most policies incorporate a number of crucial clauses relating to the handling of adjudication claims. As ever, Architects must read their policy very carefully to ensure that they do not fall foul of any of the requirements, in particular with regards to this Act.