Can Insurance Companies Perform Fire Sprinkler Audits? Here’s What Property Managers and Board of Directors Should Know
When it comes to protecting your property and keeping insurance costs down, fire sprinkler systems are critical. But here’s a question many property managers and building owners ask:
Can your insurance company perform a fire protection audit?
The Short Answer: Yes, but with a catch.
Insurance carriers routinely conduct loss control inspections or risk engineering surveys as part of their underwriting process. These assessments often include a review of your fire sprinkler system to determine whether your building poses an elevated fire risk—and how well you're protecting against it.
While these aren't “official” code inspections like those required by local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (“AHJs”), they can still impact your insurance premiums, policy terms, or even your insurability.
What Insurers Look For in Fire Sprinkler Systems:
At Speedy Fire Protection, we’ve seen insurance surveys that review:
System Type & Coverage
Are you using the appropriate system (wet, dry, pre-action, etc.)? Does it protect the entire building, including concealed or high-risk areas?Code Compliance
Is the system installed to NFPA 13 standards and maintained according to NFPA 25?Inspection History
Insurers may request copies of your quarterly, annual, and 5-year inspection reports. If you're missing documentation, that’s a red flag.Deficiencies or Tampering
Painted sprinkler heads, corroded pipes, obstructed coverage, and missing or closed control valves are all issues insurers will flag.Water Supply Readiness
This includes static/residual pressure, fire pump functionality, backflow prevention, and more.
What Happens If Issues Are Found?
When deficiencies are discovered during an insurance audit:
You may be required to correct them before your next policy renewal.
Your premiums could increase due to the added risk.
In some cases, coverage may be reduced or denied altogether.
How Speedy Fire Protection Can Help
At Speedy Fire Protection, we specialize in identifying and correcting the exact types of issues insurers look for:
Quarterly, semi-annual, annual & 5-year NFPA 25 inspections
Fire sprinkler repairs and valve replacements
Backflow preventer and fire pump testing
Compliance reporting and deficiency resolution
We work with property managers and facility owners across South Florida to ensure their systems are compliant, functional, and insurable.
Proactive Inspections Can Save You Thousands
By staying ahead of inspections for insurance readiness you:
Avoid costly premiums
Stay ahead of deficiency notices
Protect your building and tenants
If your insurance provider recently conducted a risk audit, or if one is coming up, now’s the time to get your fire sprinkler system in top shape.
Speedy Fire Protection
Serving South Florida since 2005
(305) 559-6880
speedyfireprotection.com
