Embri, a UK-based insurance platform, has partnered with SGS Engineering to launch an embedded insurance offering that provides theft and damage protection for SGS’s premium tools and equipment at the point of sale.
The solution, known as SGS Protect, aims to enhance customer confidence and drive additional value through seamless protection.
The partnership addresses a growing concern in the construction and trades sectors: tool theft.
Recent data revealed that over £94m worth of tools were reported stolen across London Boroughs in 2024 alone, with West Yorkshire being the most at-risk region outside of London, with 3,048 reported cases throughout the year. Additionally, 86% of UK trade professionals worry about tool theft, with 58% expressing daily concerns.
SGS Engineering’s new embedded insurance offering, powered by Embri, is designed to bridge the gap in accessible, comprehensive coverage for trades professionals. By providing protection precisely when customers need it most, this initiative offers peace of mind and financial security.
The insurance is seamlessly integrated into SGS Engineering’s e-commerce platform via API connectivity, facilitated by digital retail partner Remarkable Commerce. This frictionless process allows customers to add insurance to their purchase in a single transaction, improving convenience while ensuring robust protection. Advanced fraud prevention technology is also built into the offering, safeguarding both customers and SGS Engineering from potential risks.
To enhance customer experience further, SGS Engineering has established a dedicated specialist team that manages claims efficiently, recommending replacement tools with rapid turnaround times to help professionals get back to work quickly.
Robert McCarthy, Non-Executive Chair of Embri and former retail executive at John Lewis and Waitrose, welcomed the partnership: “Embri’s innovative approach to embedded insurance means that customers can now protect their purchases immediately, as part of their buying journey. This not only simplifies the process but also ensures that people can enjoy their valuables without worry from the moment they checkout online. Our partnership with SGS Engineering is a testament to how embedded insurance can deliver real value to customers while driving new revenue opportunities for retailers.”
Neil Samson, CEO, SGS Engineering, added: “This pioneering embedded insurance offering reflects SGS Engineering’s commitment to providing not only the best tools, but also the best customer experience. By offering protection at the point of purchase, SGS Engineering is empowering trades professionals to focus on their work with the confidence that their essential equipment is covered.
“We recognised there was a significant gap in the market for appropriate, quality insurance offerings tailored to the high-end tools professionals rely on daily. Trades professionals need coverage that is as robust and reliable as the tools they use, ensuring their livelihoods are protected against unforeseen setbacks. This initiative strengthens their resilience by providing seamless, hassle-free protection, reinforcing our dedication to supporting customers with solutions that truly meet their needs.”
Mark West, CEO of Remarkable Commerce, highlighted the significance of the collaboration for enhancing the online retail experience: “We’re delighted to support SGS Engineering in delivering this cutting-edge embedded insurance proposition. At Remarkable Commerce, we know that today’s consumers expect a seamless, secure, and convenient shopping experience. By integrating Embri’s API into the Remarkable Commerce eCommerce platform, we’ve enabled an effortless process for SGS’s customers to protect their high-end tools. The integration was smooth and efficient, and we’re excited about how this innovation enhances customer satisfaction while opening new revenue streams.”
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