If you run a business that operates machinery, lifting equipment, pressure vessels, or ventilation systems, statutory inspection is not optional — it is a legal requirement. But knowing you need inspections and knowing how to compare your options effectively are different things entirely.
Many businesses simply renew with the same provider year after year, unaware that they could be getting better value or a higher quality of service elsewhere. This guide explains how to approach comparing statutory inspections — across providers, regimes, and costs — so you can make informed decisions rather than defaulting to the status quo.
Why Businesses Struggle to Compare Statutory Inspections
The statutory inspection market is not transparent. There is no single directory of prices, no standardised quote format, and no publicly published league table of provider quality. Businesses typically end up with their inspection provider through one of three routes:
- Insurance recommendation — their insurer or insurance broker recommends a provider (often one they have a commercial relationship with)
- Inherited contract — the contract was in place when they arrived, and nobody has reviewed it
- Word of mouth — someone else in their industry mentioned a provider
None of these routes involves a structured comparison. The result, in many cases, is that businesses are paying above-market rates for inspections that another competent provider would perform at 20–40% less — or they are with a provider whose service standards have declined since they were originally appointed.
What You Need Before You Can Compare
To compare statutory inspections properly, you need to know what you are comparing. Before approaching providers, assemble:
An equipment inventory List all equipment subject to statutory inspection. For LOLER, this means all lifting equipment and accessories; for PSSR, all pressure vessels and associated systems; for LEV, all extraction systems; and so on. Include quantities, types, capacities, and age where relevant.
Current inspection intervals and due dates What intervals are your equipment currently inspected at? When are the next inspections due? This allows you to confirm whether a new provider can take on the programme without gaps in compliance.
Current written scheme (for PSSR) If you have pressure systems, do you have a current Written Scheme of Examination? When was it last reviewed? A new provider will need to understand your WSE before they can quote accurately.
Site details Location(s), site access requirements, any permit-to-work requirements, and whether the equipment is operational during inspection.
Current report format and delivery method Do you receive paper reports, digital reports, or access to an online portal? Are your current reports compliant with the statutory requirements?
With this information assembled, you are in a position to request like-for-like quotes from multiple providers.
How to Request Quotes for Statutory Inspections
When requesting quotes, provide all providers with the same information pack. This typically includes:
- Equipment schedule (type, quantity, location)
- Required inspection intervals and upcoming due dates
- Site address and access notes
- Any specific requirements (report format, turnaround time, portal access)
- Whether you require a new Written Scheme of Examination (PSSR) or LEV commissioning
Ask each provider to quote on the same basis — this is the only way to compare like for like. A quote that excludes the written report, excludes travel costs, or assumes equipment counts that differ from your schedule cannot be meaningfully compared against a comprehensive quote.
Request at least three quotes for any substantial inspection programme.
What to Look for When Comparing Providers
Technical Competence
For each inspection regime, the provider must be genuinely competent. The legal standard is a "competent person" — not a specific qualification, but demonstrated knowledge, skills, and experience.
In practice, look for:
- UKAS accreditation under ISO/IEC 17020 for the relevant scope (the highest objective evidence of competence)
- Relevant qualifications held by their engineers (e.g., LEEA qualifications for lifting equipment, BOHS W301/P601 for LEV, IMechE or IEng for pressure systems)
- Specific sector experience (e.g., experience in your industry — manufacturing, construction, healthcare, food production)
- References from similar clients
Scope of Accreditation
A provider may be UKAS-accredited for lifting equipment but not for pressure systems. Always check the specific scope of accreditation, not just whether they hold UKAS accreditation in general. UKAS accreditation scopes are publicly searchable at ukas.com.
Coverage and Logistics
Can the provider cover all your sites efficiently? Do they have local engineers, or will significant travel time and costs be added? For multi-site businesses, a national provider may offer better value; for single sites, a local specialist may be more responsive.
Report Quality and Turnaround
Statutory inspection reports are legal documents. They must contain specific information prescribed by the relevant regulations. Ask to see a sample report and check:
- Does it contain all required information?
- Is the language clear and useful, or boilerplate?
- How quickly after inspection will you receive the report?
Digital delivery with a client portal is increasingly standard among modern providers. If you manage a large equipment fleet, the ability to view your full inspection history, download reports, and receive automated reminders when inspections are due is a significant operational benefit.
Price
Price matters, but it should be assessed in context. A lower quote that excludes key elements (report, travel, re-examination after defect rectification) is not a lower price — it is an incomplete quote. Ensure you are comparing the total cost of the inspection programme, not just the headline per-item figure.
When comparing prices:
- Confirm what is included and what is not
- Check whether travel is included or charged separately
- Ask whether re-examination following defect rectification is included
- Ask whether there is a discount for combining multiple inspection regimes
- Compare annual total cost, not just per-inspection cost
Service Reliability
Talk to existing clients if you can, or ask for references. Does the provider turn up when scheduled? Do they communicate clearly when they identify defects? Are their engineers knowledgeable and professional on site? Do they support you in understanding defect implications and next steps?
Common Mistakes When Comparing Statutory Inspections
Comparing on price alone — The cheapest quote is not always the best value, particularly if it comes from a provider with weaker competence or slower reporting.
Not checking accreditation scope — A provider may be accredited for one discipline but not the one you need. Always check.
Ignoring the whole-programme cost — Some providers quote a low per-item rate but add substantial travel charges or charge separately for reports.
Accepting a verbal quote — Always get quotes in writing, with a clear scope and schedule of inclusions.
Assuming the incumbent is competitive — Many businesses have not reviewed their inspection contract in years. The market changes; your current provider may no longer represent best value.
Missing the Written Scheme (PSSR) — For pressure systems, inspection cannot proceed without a WSE. If yours is out of date or non-existent, factor in the cost of a new one.
How Often Should You Review Your Inspection Provider?
A formal market review every two to three years is good practice. Outside of that cycle, consider reviewing if:
- Your equipment fleet has changed significantly
- You have expanded to new sites
- Your current provider's service quality has declined
- Your reports have been questioned by your insurer or the HSE
- You are facing a significant contract renewal
Compare Statutory Inspections at Compare Engineering
Compare Engineering is built specifically for this purpose. We are the UK's marketplace for statutory engineering inspections — LOLER, PSSR, PUWER, LEV, and beyond. Request quotes from multiple accredited and specialist providers simultaneously, compare pricing and credentials in a standardised format, and appoint the provider that best fits your requirements.
No more ringing round for quotes that arrive in different formats and cannot be easily compared. No more defaulting to the incumbent without knowing whether you are getting fair value.
Visit compareengineering.com to start comparing.
This article is for general guidance only. Statutory inspection requirements vary by equipment type, industry sector, and circumstances. Consult a competent person or regulatory adviser for advice specific to your business.