The need for Professional Indemnity (PI) cover has grown over the past several decades as more people enter professional service-based professions. While PI insurance still covers ‘traditional’ professionals, such as doctors, solicitors, accountants and architects, a whole new market of professionals now need to consider PI cover. Whether a traditional or new professional, you can protect yourself, your business and your reputation by investing in professional indemnity cover.
PI insurance safeguards against catastrophic losses in the event of a legal action due to a negligent act, error or omission by the professional. In addition to claims of error, omission or negligence, PI insurance may also protect against slander, libel and breach of contract
Who needs PI cover?
It is appropriate cover for anyone who gives advice, makes educated recommendations, designs solutions, or represents the needs of others. Professionals such as accountants, engineers, IT consultants, software developers, planners, estate agents and contractors are prime candidates for carrying PI insurance. The main reasons professionals seek out PI insurance include the following:
- It is legally required for their profession (Solicitors Act 1974)
- It is a regulatory requirement. Many professional organisations, such as the Architects Registration Board, require their members to have PI insurance before they can practice
- It is contractually required by the customer
- t provides extra protection against potential legal costs and expenses
Policy overview
PI insurance offers protection for service errors, contract performance disputes or any other professional liability issues. These policies can include legal defence costs, damages and compensation due to professional negligence, which can be quite substantial.
PI policies generally have both a claim limit and an annual limit, which is based on the insured’s exposure. The claim limit is the maximum amount that will be paid for any single event, and the annual limit is the maximum that will be paid in any one year. Also common extensions include continuation of cover, liability for loss of documents, and court attendance and staff disruption costs.
