How to place PI in today’s market: Your questions answered

In a competitive PI market, many policies are marketed as providing civil liability cover, but the wording can tell a different story. Some insurers link cover back to a breach of professional duty, meaning the policy will only respond where negligence can be established. In practice, that can significantly narrow protection. That's why it's important to understand what actually triggers cover. True civil liability cover isn't tied solely to professional negligence, allowing it to respond to a broader range of claims. For brokers, being able to explain this distinction is a simple way to highlight the differences between policies that may appear similar on the surface. 

When a client is focused on premium, a simple question can change the conversation: what happens if you face a breach of contract claim? It's one of the most common causes of PI claims, yet some negligence-only policies may not respond if negligence can't be established. Moving the discussion from price to real-world claim scenarios helps clients understand what they're actually buying. Rather than comparing premiums alone, brokers can highlight how broader coverage can protect against the types of claims professional services firms are most likely to face. 

Construction and technology are becoming increasingly intertwined. From proprietary applications to third-party project management platforms, contractors now rely on technology throughout the project lifecycle, creating new potential points of failure and liability. As a result, brokers should look beyond traditional construction risk and consider how technology errors could lead to financial loss. PI policies that include robust technology errors cover can provide valuable protection as digital tools become a core part of how construction businesses operate. 

Underwriters assess much more than the application form alone. Alongside the information provided by the broker, they'll review the client's website, consider industry trends, draw on claims data, and use their own sector expertise to build a fuller picture of the risk. Most underwriters aim to quote from the information provided first time. If they ask follow-up questions, it's generally to gain a better understanding of the client's activities and exposures so they can offer cover that is suitable for the business. Clear responses help ensure the client receives the most appropriate protection and can also help avoid unnecessary delays. 

When you’re looking at a submission, the key is to quickly understand what the business does and where the risk sits. Clear signposting – a simple explanation of services, any claims history and any unusual exposures – helps underwriters get to a decision quickly. Adding context like timelines, whether the client is genuinely looking to move, and what cover is needed helps to avoid unnecessary back-and-forth. What separates a strong submission is the narrative behind it. Underwriters aren’t just assessing facts and ticking boxes. It’s about assessing confidence in the risk. So being upfront about the good, the bad, and the uncertain helps to build trust and reduce friction later. This way, it’s easier to prioritise and improve turnaround times, ultimately helping you to up your success rate.