Written by Michael Foote, Insurance Expert
If you’re a subcontractor or consultant working under a larger firm, it might be tempting to assume their insurance will protect you. In some cases, they’ll even tell you you’re “covered under our PI.” But this assumption can be risky and in many situations, entirely false.
This comes up more often in professions like surveying, where specialists might be brought in to assist with a single phase of a larger job. But even in roles with longer-term involvement, such as architecture, having your own cover is essential. Firms may carry insurance, but that doesn’t mean their policy will respond on your behalf. You can find more about what this looks like in practice on our profession-specific pages such as Architects insurance and Surveyors Insurance pages.
When a Client’s Insurance Might Extend to You
Some larger firms arrange PI cover on a project-wide basis, with provisions for subcontractors. In these cases, you may be:
- Explicitly named in the policy schedule
- Indemnified through contract wording
- Covered only for work within a specific project scope
This setup is more common in regulated sectors, but it’s rarely guaranteed. If your name isn’t listed or your services aren’t described accurately, the cover may not apply to you at all.
The Dangers of Assuming You’re Protected
Relying on someone else’s insurance can go wrong in several ways:
- The policy might exclude subcontractors
- The firm’s cover could lapse without your knowledge
- You could be blamed for part of the work and pursued independently
- The client may not assist in defending a claim made against you
If a dispute arises, you could be left without legal support, even if the issue stemmed from work you carried out on their behalf.
What PI Cover Looks Like When It’s Yours
A standalone PI policy gives you:
- Full control over your notification and defence
- Clear retroactive cover for past work
- Protection even if a former client is no longer trading
- Support in disputes, whether or not a formal claim has been made
If you’re unsure what level of protection is right, see How to Choose the Right Level of Cover for Your Business, it offers a simple breakdown of limits, excesses, and coverage scope. Policies can start from around £400-500 for the year. If you need assistance/advice, you can contact a specialist broker by submitting your details via the Get Quotes button on this page.
