Professional indemnity insurance policies are a financial product that compensates the insured (your company) for any damages resulting from a claim against your business. Are you still unsure? This insurance policy, in its most basic form covers your business against any loss due to negligence arising from the business’s activities. The amount of professional indemnity insurance policies can vary widely in terms of the coverage they provide.
A number of situations could lead to a business needing professional indemnity insurance. First, the business may be providing a service to the buyer and, due to negligence, a negligent omission or other type of negligent error, the work is not done in a proper manner. This could lead to additional problems down the line.
This could apply to business advice. The PI insurance protects against the supply of misleading or false information. Unknowing or accidental encroachment on the intellectual copyright by another individual, business or organisation is the third most common reason PI insurance may be required. The same copyright laws protect intellectual material.
While a PI policy can cover many aspects, there are certain elements that cannot be included in the policy. The insurance policy will often include coverage against civil liability claims against your business, as well as claims that arise from the loss or damage of documents. Dependent on the policy you choose, legal costs such as those that could arise in a defence case include the hiring and retention of lawyers, court costs, hiring professional witnesses and experts of the industry.
Other elements that are not covered include elements related to war, terrorism, nuclear activity, pollution, unless the breach of duty of business is considered, possible claims about the date of purchase, claims that could be made, and claims that should have coverage under an additional policy such as buildings, contents or employers liability.
PI insurance does not cover any physical products, except software and programming products that have been modified in some way. Unless a judgment has been obtained declaring otherwise, the insurance policy does not cover fines or penalties. Your business might also set warranties that may affect your PI insurance coverage, such as an implied or explicit guarantee of outcome.
Who may require professional indemnity insurance? Businesses are most likely to shop for insurance quotes in industries that provide a service rather than a product. Businesses in the areas of accounting, financial services, graphic design, marketing, and internet marketing, as well as surveyors and management and consultancy businesses are all examples.
Shop insurance quotes may be more beneficial for businesses that are more service-oriented than product-based. You can always get a quote from a shop to compare both to determine which one will best suit your needs. It is easy to find professional indemnity coverage online. You should get several quotes to compare and make sure you choose a policy that meets your needs. Some policies will include coverage for ‘any civil liability’, while others are more comprehensive.