When Does Professional Indemnity Insurance Cover Past Work?

If you've recently taken out a professional indemnity (PI) policy, or you're switching providers, it's important to understand whether work you've already completed is covered. PI insurance doesn't automatically protect you for everything you've done in the past. The answer depends on how your policy is structured and whether key details like the retroactive date are correctly set.

Understanding the Retroactive Date

Every PI policy should clearly state a retroactive date. This is the point from which your insurer has agreed to cover claims relating to your past work. If a claim arises from an error before that date, it’s usually not covered even if your policy is currently active.

If you're buying PI insurance for the first time, the retroactive date often matches your policy start date. But if you’re switching insurers, you may be able to carry your previous retroactive date across. Keeping continuous cover is crucial here, otherwise your protection may be limited to new work only.

Claims-Made Policies: Why Timing Matters

Most PI policies in the UK operate on a claims-made basis. That means both the incident and the claim notification need to fall within the period you’re insured. The work could be from years ago, but if the claim is made and reported while you're covered (and the retroactive date allows for it), the insurer may step in.

This is one reason gaps in cover can be risky. If you've let your policy lapse or switched insurers without maintaining continuity, you might find yourself exposed to claims from past projects.

High-Risk Professions: What to Watch For

If you work in a profession where claims can arise years after completion, it’s even more important to review your retroactive date. For example:

• Architects often face claims long after the final sign-off. If you’re in this field, our page on Architects PI Insurance outlines key considerations.
• Structural engineers are also vulnerable to historical claims, particularly where safety or design issues emerge over time. See our PI cover guidance for structural engineers.
• Sole traders and subcontractors may be more likely to switch insurers or stop trading, which increases the risk of uncovered work if run-off cover or retroactive dates aren’t correctly managed.

What You Need to Check

It’s your responsibility to review the following before assuming you’re covered for past work:

• Policy schedule – what retroactive date is shown?
• Business description – does it cover all the types of work you’ve done?
• Continuity – have there been any gaps between old and new policies?
• Contractual requirements – do any clients or regulators require specific wording?

If you're retiring or winding down, you’ll also need to consider run-off cover. This can protect you against claims made after you’ve stopped working (provided your past work falls within the retroactive period).

Notifying Claims Properly

Even if your policy does cover past work, you'll still need to follow the right steps when notifying a claim. If you want a refresher on how that process works, you can read our guide on what happens after you notify a PI claim.

Final Thoughts

Professional indemnity insurance can be complex when it comes to past work. If you're not sure whether a past project is covered, don’t wait until something goes wrong. Review your schedule, confirm your retroactive date, and speak with your broker to avoid gaps in protection. If you would like to discuss this with a new broker then pop your details into the quote form and get free expert advice.