Errors & Omissions (Professional Indemnity) Insurance
Cover for claims that your professional advice or service caused a client loss.
Even careful professionals make mistakes, and clients can claim for the financial loss. Errors & omissions insurance, also called professional indemnity, covers compensation and legal costs when a client alleges your advice or service was negligent.
Who needs it
- IT, software and consulting firms
- Chartered accountants, lawyers, architects and engineers
- Doctors, hospitals and other professionals (medical indemnity)
What's covered
Negligence, errors and omissions
Compensation for clients' financial loss from your professional services.
Defence costs
Lawyers' fees and legal costs.
Loss of documents
Costs of replacing client documents lost in your care, where included.
Retroactive cover
Work done after the retroactive date, if the claim is made during the policy.
What's not covered
We show you the catch before you buy. Common exclusions (exact terms vary by insurer and plan):
- Fraud and dishonest acts
- Contractual guarantees beyond normal professional duty
- Bodily injury and property damage (except medical indemnity)
- Claims known before the policy started
Popular add-ons
Cyber and data liability
For firms handling client data, where available.
Documents checklist
To get a quote or buy
- Description of professional services
- Annual fee income and client profile
- Qualifications and years in practice
- Past claims and contract requirements
To make a claim
- Notice of claim or legal notice
- Engagement contract with the client
- Your account of events and supporting documents
- Correspondence with the client
Frequently asked questions
Why do clients ask for E&O insurance?
Large clients often require a minimum professional indemnity limit in contracts, especially for IT and consulting work.
What is a retroactive date?
Work done before this date is not covered. Renewing without a break keeps your retroactive date, and your past work, protected.
Related cover
Fidelity Guarantee Insurance
Covers direct financial loss from fraud, dishonesty or embezzlement of money or goods by your employees.
ExploreDirectors' & Officers' (D&O) Liability Insurance
Covers directors and officers against claims alleging wrongful acts in managing the company, including defence costs and regulatory investigations.
ExploreFire & Burglary Insurance
Property cover for buildings, machinery and stock against fire and allied perils, with burglary cover for theft after forced entry.
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