Q -Is it safe to put my personal details online?
A - Yes - whenever we ask you for personal information, we do so within a secure environment and all details sent between your PC and our web site are encrypted. Why not find out more information about our security.
Q - Who are Lockton Companies International Limited?
A - Lockton is the world’s largest, privately owned, independent insurance broker. With more than 3,825 associates, Lockton delivers seamless service to companies of all sizes as well as to individual clients. The company was founded by Jack Lockton in Kansas City, Missouri, USA in 1966. Since that time, Lockton has grown to become the 10th largest insurance brokerage firm in the world.
Find out more about Lockton.
Q - I am a qualified Accountant, is my work covered?
A - This insurance is suitable only for IFA or FTA members with a current practising certificate.
Q - I don’t have a limited company - can I still take out the insurance?
A - Yes, you can take out cover as an individual contractor, a sole proprietor, a limited liability partnership or a limited company.
Q - I haven’t incorporated my limited company yet?
A - You can take out the policy in your own name and then notify us when you have your limited company details. We will not charge for making this amendment.
Q - Can I buy a policy if my business is non UK based?
A - Sorry no, cover is only available to UK residents or those operating through a UK registered company.
Q - How do I calculate my annual turnover?
A - This is your total revenue during the year from your proposed consulting activities, however you do not need to include payments to subcontractors or VAT.
Q - Am I covered for working overseas?
A - Yes, other than in the United States of America or Canada, provided that such work is on a temporary basis.
Q - What is the level of excess under this policy?
A - You will be responsible for the first GBP 500 of any claim.
Q - Requirements under the ICAEW and ACCA:
A - If you have dual registration which includes either of the above, please contact us on 0845 602 7129 for quick specialist solutions.
Q - What levels of cover should I select?
A - We cannot recommend the levels of cover, however you should always take into account any limit specified in a contract you are entering into.
Q - Can I increase cover levels mid term?
A - Yes, we can cancel your current cover and arrange a new policy at the higher level - please contact us.
Q - What am I not covered for?
A - We have highlighted what we believe are the most important exclusions in the Policy Summaries. It is not possible for us to list everything you will not be covered for and we strongly advise you to read the full policy wording. If you have any doubts about what is not covered, please contact us.
Q - I only want cover for the period of my contract
A - The minimum policy period available is 12 months, but when deciding which policy to buy you should remember that Professional Indemnity is on a "claims made" basis. This means that if you take out cover only for the length of your contract and a claim is made after the contract and your policy have finished you will be responsible for any claim made against you. See our Definitions for more detail.
Q - Is work undertaken by a subcontractor covered?
A - Yes, the Professional Indemnity cover will extend to cover work undertaken by subcontractors provided that any subcontractors you use have insurance covers to the same indemnity limits as your own.
Q - What does Claims Made basis mean?
A - Claims Made basis insures you for claims made and reported during the period of insurance, that arise out of work undertaken after the retroactive date detailed on your schedule. See our Definitions for more detail.
Q - What does Any One Claim Limit mean?
A - The limit of cover for each claim made in the policy period. The alternative basis of cover is Aggregate.
Q - What does Aggregate Limit mean?
A - The total amount payable in respect of all claims made during the policy period. The cover offered by all policies available on this site is Aggregate Limit. The alternative basis of cover is Any One Claim Limit - if you need a quotation on this basis please contact us.
Q - What is the Professional Indemnity retroactive date?
A - If this is your first Professional Indemnity insurance, the retroactive date of your policy will be the same as the start date. However if you have had continuous Professional Indemnity cover immediately prior to the start of this policy then we will maintain the same retroactive date. Please note that in the event of a claim in respect of work carried out prior to the start of our policy you will be required to produce evidence of your previous insurance. See our Definitions for more detail.
Q - Will the Professional Indemnity section cover work carried out prior to the start of the policy?
A - Under the Professional Indemnity section you will only be covered for work undertaken after the policy starts unless we have agreed a different retroactive date which will enable you to maintain cover for work carried out from that date. See our Definitions for more detail.
Q - Why buy online?
A - Immediate cover and policy documents available 24/7
Q - Can I get instant cover and policy documents - I’m starting a contract today?
A - No problem! As soon as your credit card details have been validated, we will confirm your cover on screen, and to the email address you have provided.
Q - When does my cover begin?
A - Unless you choose otherwise your policy will begin instantly. Alternatively you can select a start date up to 30 days in the future.
Q - When will I get confirmation of cover?
A - Your full policy document will be emailed to you as soon as you have completed the online transaction.
Q - When does my cover stop?
A - Usually Professional Indemnity cover ceases immediately the policy finishes and therefore if a claim is made after that time it will not be met, even if it results from work undertaken during the policy period. Run-off cover extends the notification period so that a claim would be met, provided the incident occurred during the policy period. This policy automatically provides a 14 day run-off period, however please contact us if you require a longer period.
Public Liability claims could be made against you at any time in the future and these will be dealt with by insurers provided that the incident causing the claim occurred during the policy period.
Q - How do I renew my policy?
A - We will remind you approximately 4 weeks before your policy expires, and offer you the opportunity to buy another policy. You will need your policy number, last name, date of birth and credit card number to buy again.
Q - Can I get duplicate documents?
A - Yes, just contact us at any time and we will email duplicate documents to you. We will not charge for issuing duplicates.
Q - Can I cancel the policy mid term?
A - Yes. Please note that when a policy is cancelled mid-term, the insurers reserve the right to charge "short term" rates which means that return premiums will be less than pro rata.
You should however remember that Professional Indemnity is on a claims made basis which means all cover ceases immediately the policy is cancelled.
Q - Can I reduce cover levels mid term?
A - If you wish to reduce your Professional Indemnity limit you will need to cancel your policy and start a new one at the lower level - please contact us. You should however remember that Professional Indemnity is on a claims made basis which means the new lower limit will apply to any claim irrespective of the level of cover in force at the time the work was carried out.
Q - Do you make any charges?
A - Most requests you make to us will not incur an administration charge however we reserve the right to make an administration charge in circumstances where the work involved is considered by us to be disproportionate to the activity normally associated with this type of policy.
Q - How can I pay?
A - You may pay online using a valid credit card or debit card. Alternatively you can contact us to purchase by telephone. You will still need a valid credit or debit card to buy over the phone.
Q - How can I pay by direct debit?
A - At present this option isn’t available.
Q - Where does my money go?
A - Your money is paid directly to the insurers, ACE European Group Ltd.
Q - What is Insurance Premium Tax (IPT)?
A - Insurance Premium Tax is imposed by the Government and is currently payable at 5% on the premium. Insurance Premium Tax is not recoverable. All premiums quoted on this site are inclusive of IPT.
Q - Can I recover the VAT?
A - VAT is not payable on these types of insurance. They are subject to Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) at 5% but this is not recoverable.
Q - How can I make a complaint?
A - We operate a comprehensive complaints procedure.
Q - What should I do if a claim is made against me?
A - Please refer to claims for details of what you should do and should not do in the event of a possible claim being made against you.