Does Your Commercial Kitchen Insurance Require TR19 Compliance?
The short answer is: almost certainly yes. Most commercial kitchen insurance policies now require regular TR19-compliant extraction cleaning as a condition of cover. Failure to comply can put your cover at risk in the event of a fire.
Important: BlueTick Extraction Hygiene is a TR19 cleaning specialist, not an insurance broker or adviser. The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute insurance advice. For advice on your specific insurance requirements, contact a qualified FCA-regulated insurance broker.
Why Insurers Require TR19 Compliance
Grease that builds up inside extraction ductwork is a recognised fire risk, and the Fire Protection Association publishes specific guidance on catering extract systems. Many commercial kitchen insurance policies therefore include a condition requiring regular cleaning to TR19.
The TR19 standard — published by BESA (Building Engineering Services Association) — defines the minimum requirements for kitchen extraction system cleaning, including the frequency of cleaning, the methods to be used, and the documentation that must be produced. A TR19 compliance report is how you show your insurer that the condition has been met.
If you cannot produce a valid TR19 compliance certificate when making a fire-related insurance claim, you may be unable to show that a policy condition was met. This is a significant financial risk for any food business.
What Your Insurance Policy May Require
While policy wording varies between insurers and underwriters, the following conditions are commonly found in commercial kitchen insurance policies:
Most policies specify cleaning at intervals determined by the volume and type of cooking — typically every 3, 6, or 12 months. High-use fryer kitchens are usually required to clean more frequently.
Insurers typically require a signed TR19 Post-Clean Verification Report (PCVR) with photographic evidence and grease deposit thickness measurements, produced by a qualified contractor.
Some policies specify that cleaning must be carried out by a BESA-registered or otherwise qualified contractor. Always check your policy wording.
You are typically required to retain TR19 compliance records for a minimum of 3 years and produce them on request by your insurer, fire officer, or Environmental Health Officer.
The BlueTick Difference: CII-Qualified Founder
BlueTick Extraction Hygiene was founded by a CII (Chartered Insurance Institute) qualified professional who works alongside Focus Insurance Services, one of the UK's established FCA-regulated commercial insurance brokerages. This is a significant differentiator.
Most TR19 cleaning companies are run by cleaning professionals who understand extraction systems but may not fully understand what commercial insurers require in a compliance report. Our founder understands both sides — the cleaning standard and the insurance requirement — which means our TR19 compliance reports are written with the insurer's questions in mind, not just to pass a visual inspection.
Every BlueTick TR19 compliance certificate includes all the documentation your insurer needs: photographic evidence, grease deposit thickness readings (pre and post-clean), a compliance status, the contractor's details, and a unique QR code for online verification.
Need Commercial Kitchen Insurance?
Our founder works alongside Focus Insurance Services, an FCA-regulated commercial insurance brokerage with over 10 years of experience in commercial property and business insurance.
Focus Insurance specialises in commercial property, shops & trades, and fleet insurance — and understands the TR19 compliance requirements that affect your policy.
Focus Insurance Services is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
What Happens If You Don't Have TR19 Compliance?
Insurance Claim Declined
If you suffer a kitchen fire and cannot produce a valid TR19 compliance certificate, you may be unable to show that a policy condition was met. This could leave you personally liable for the full cost of the fire damage.
Policy Voided at Renewal
Some insurers now request TR19 compliance certificates at renewal. If you cannot produce them, your policy may not be renewed — leaving your business uninsured and potentially unable to trade.
Regulatory Action
Failure to maintain extraction systems to the required standard can result in enforcement action by the Fire Service, Environmental Health Officers, or the Health and Safety Executive — including prohibition notices that could close your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every commercial kitchen insurance policy require TR19 cleaning?
Most do, but policy wording varies. You should check your specific policy document for the exact conditions. If you are unsure, contact your insurance broker. As a general rule, if your kitchen uses deep-fat fryers, grills, or any high-temperature cooking equipment, TR19 compliance is almost certainly a requirement.
How often do I need TR19 cleaning to satisfy my insurer?
The required frequency depends on the type and volume of cooking. High-use fryer kitchens typically require cleaning every 3 months. Moderate-use kitchens may require every 6 months. Low-use kitchens may only need annual cleaning. Your insurer's policy document should specify the required frequency. We assess your system during the free site survey and recommend the appropriate schedule.
What documentation does my insurer need?
Most insurers require a Post-Clean Verification Report (PCVR) produced by a qualified contractor. This should include: photographic evidence of the system before and after cleaning, grease deposit thickness measurements, a compliance status (pass/refer/fail), the contractor's details and qualifications, and the date of cleaning. Our TR19 compliance certificates include all of this, plus a unique QR code for online verification.
Can BlueTick advise me on my insurance requirements?
BlueTick Extraction Hygiene is a TR19 cleaning specialist, not an insurance adviser. We can tell you what our compliance certificates include and ensure they meet industry standards, but for specific advice about your insurance policy requirements, you should contact your insurance broker. Our founder works alongside Focus Insurance Services, an FCA-regulated commercial insurance broker, who can advise on commercial kitchen insurance.