There are, however, many other businesses that choose to take out Professional indemnity insurance to protect themselves against claims, these include:
- Training companies
- Consultancies
- Advertising agencies
- Design agencies
Important Information to note
Professional indemnity cover is usually offered on a claims-made basis. This means that your insurer will only cover you for claims that are brought against you during the term of your policy. If a claim is made against you after your policy has expired – even if the incident occurred while your policy was in place – you will not be covered for that claim.
For example, if an incident occurred in 2011 when you had professional indemnity cover, but the client brings a claim against you in 2012 – after your policy has expired – your insurer will not cover you for that claim.
If you cancel your professional indemnity insurance, for example if you are retiring or changing professions, you should consider purchasing a run-off policy. This covers you for any new claims that are brought against you after your professional indemnity insurance has expired.
New claims can be brought against you for up to six years after an alleged negligent act occurred, so your run-off policy should cover you for this period.
If you are changing insurer, a run-off policy will protect you against new claims for incidents that occurred when you were with your previous insurer. Alternatively, your new insurer may agree to cover you for claims relating to prior incidents.
Check if your new insurer covers you for claims relating to previous incidents or ask about buying a run-off policy.