
Professional indemnity insurance is a must-have for professionals in Ireland, especially those in high-risk industries like law and medicine. It protects against claims of negligence, breach of duty, or professional misconduct.
In Ireland, professional indemnity insurance is typically provided by commercial insurance companies. These companies offer a range of policies to suit different professions and business needs.
Professionals in Ireland are required to have professional indemnity insurance if they provide services that could potentially cause financial loss to their clients. This includes professionals like solicitors, doctors, and accountants.
The cost of professional indemnity insurance in Ireland varies depending on the profession, business size, and level of risk involved.
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What is Professional Indemnity Insurance?
Professional indemnity insurance is a type of insurance that protects professionals from claims made by clients for professional negligence.
In Ireland, professional indemnity insurance is a requirement for many professionals, including solicitors, architects, and engineers.
It typically covers the cost of defending a claim and paying any resulting damages or compensation.

This type of insurance is usually taken out by professionals who provide advice or services to clients, such as solicitors and accountants.
The policy typically covers claims for professional negligence, breach of duty, and defamation.
The cost of professional indemnity insurance can vary widely depending on the type of profession and the level of risk involved.
In Ireland, the minimum level of cover required for many professionals is €250,000, although higher levels of cover may be required for certain professions.
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What's Included
Professional indemnity insurance in Ireland provides a safety net for businesses that offer professional services to clients. It's a type of insurance that protects you against claims of professional negligence, which can be costly and damaging to your reputation.
Professional negligence can occur in various ways, including making a mistake in a piece of work or giving poor advice to a client. Unintentional breaches of confidentiality, copyright, and defamation are also covered.
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A breach of confidentiality, for instance, can happen if you share sensitive client information without permission. This can lead to serious consequences, including financial losses and damage to your business's reputation.
Here are some common scenarios where professional indemnity insurance can provide cover:
* Breach of confidentialityBreach of copyrightLibel or defamation claimsDefence costs for claims under data protection legislation
In the event of a claim, your professional indemnity policy can help cover legal costs and compensation to clients. This can be a huge relief, especially if you're not sure how to defend yourself against a claim.
Professional indemnity insurance can also provide protection against loss of documents or data, as well as loss of money or goods for which you are responsible. This can help you recover from unexpected setbacks and maintain your business's integrity.
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Types of Coverage
Professional indemnity insurance in Ireland covers a range of professional services, including legal cases, accounting services, and architectural services.
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If you provide advice or work for clients, you'll want to consider a policy that covers professional negligence. This can include mistakes in design or construction, missing deadlines, or providing incorrect advice.
Professional indemnity insurance can also cover you in the event of a claim for breach of copyright or loss of sensitive client data.
Here are some examples of typical PI claims:
- Flawed design during a construction project resulting in property damage or financial loss
- Not meeting a client deadline or filing incorrect information
- Giving incorrect advice, even breach of copyright for use of an image on a website
- Loss or misuse of sensitive client data
Types of Covers Available
Professional indemnity insurance covers a wide range of professionals, including lawyers, accountants, and engineers.
If you're a lawyer supporting clients with legal cases, you'll want to consider a policy that covers you for any mistakes or claims. PI insurance will provide you with peace of mind, knowing you're protected in case things go wrong.
Providing accounting services to many clients? PI insurance will cover you for any mistakes, missing deadlines, or potential loss to the clients as a result of your advice. This is especially important if you're working with sensitive client data.
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Designing a client's new home or commercial premises? PI insurance will have you covered in case of any mistakes or flaws in the design or construction. This could include financial loss on a project or legal costs in the event of a claim.
Here are some examples of typical PI claims:
- A flawed design during a construction project giving rise to property damage or financial loss
- Not meeting a client deadline or filing incorrect information
- Giving incorrect advice
- Breach of copyright for use of an image on a website
- Loss or misuse of sensitive client data
These are just a few examples of the many circumstances that could arise, making it essential to discuss your business needs with a trusted broker.
Occurrence vs Claims Based Policy
An occurrence based policy pays out for historical claim events after the policy has expired. This type of cover is common in professions like medicine, where a medical practitioner might still be covered for a claim that took place 7 years after their policy ended.
A claims based policy, on the other hand, only covers the insured during the policy period and doesn't include cover for after the policy has expired. If a claim is filed after the policy has ended, a claims based policy won't kick in.
If a medical practitioner has an occurrence based policy from 1980-2000 and a claim is made in 2005 for a loss or damage that took place in 1998, they would still be covered despite the policy ending in 2000.
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Why Get Professional Indemnity Insurance?

You may need professional indemnity insurance in Ireland if your business or profession offers advice or provides services to other businesses.
Handling a client's data or copyright materials can also expose you to claims.
You could be held liable for financial loss suffered by your clients as a result of your work and advice.
Why Get?
You could be exposed to claims from clients or members of the public for a breach of your professional duty of care. Professional indemnity insurance provides the cover you need to protect against these claims.
For most professions, professional indemnity insurance isn't a legal requirement in Ireland. However, some professional bodies, like the law society and the Irish medical council, mandate that their members have this insurance to register.
If you handle a client's data or copyright materials, you may need professional indemnity insurance. Even the biggest firms can make mistakes, and PI insurance will provide cover for financial loss suffered by your clients as a result.
Why Paddy Compare
If you're looking for a hassle-free way to compare professional indemnity insurance quotes, Paddy Compare is a great option. Simply hit the Get Quotes button to find our one page PI insurance quote form.
You can use Paddy Compare to compare PI insurance for all trade types, including accountancy, architects, consultancy, engineers, IT, financial, marketing, medical, legal and much more. It's free and easy to use.
Paddy Compare will pass your details onto professional indemnity insurance specialists from across Ireland, who will contact you with competitive quotes.
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Security Features
Professional indemnity insurance in Ireland is designed to protect you from financial losses due to claims made against you.
Libel and slander claims are covered, which can be costly and damaging to your reputation.
Negligence in your professional duty is also protected against, which can happen even with the best intentions.
Breach of confidentiality is another risk that's covered, which is especially important in industries where sensitive information is handled.
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Errors or omissions in your work can lead to costly claims, but with this insurance, you're protected.
Loss of documents or data can also be a problem, but with this insurance, you're covered in case of such an event.
Here are some examples of claims that are covered by professional indemnity insurance in Ireland:
- Libel/Slander
- Negligence in professional duty
- Breach of confidentiality
- Errors or omissions
- Loss of documents/data
Policy Details
Professional indemnity insurance in Ireland is designed to protect professionals against claims for negligence or breach of duty.
The policy typically covers the cost of defending against a claim, as well as any damages or compensation awarded.
The Claims Notification Form, which is usually provided by the insurer, must be completed and submitted within a specified timeframe, often 30 days.
Policyholders are usually required to cooperate with the insurer in the event of a claim, which may involve providing documentation and attending interviews.
The policy excess, which is the amount that the policyholder must pay towards a claim, can vary depending on the policy terms and conditions.
Policyholders should carefully review their policy documents to understand the specific terms and conditions of their policy, including the policy excess and any other relevant details.
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Comparison and Providers

You can find professional indemnity insurance quotes from a range of providers in Ireland through Paddy Compare. This service is free and easy to use.
To get started, simply hit the Get Quotes button on the Paddy Compare website. You'll be directed to a one-page PI insurance quote form that's quick to complete.
Paddy Compare doesn't sell insurance itself, but instead passes your details onto professional indemnity insurance specialists from across Ireland. These specialists will contact you with competitive quotes.
You can compare PI insurance for all trade types, including accountancy, architects, consultancy, engineers, IT, financial, marketing, medical, and legal professionals.
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Who Needs It
In Ireland, professional bodies like the Irish medical council and the Irish law society mandate that their members have professional indemnity insurance in place.
Many self-employed individuals who provide advice, services, or handle clients' personal data can benefit from professional indemnity insurance.
Increasingly, businesses are insisting that individuals and firms they work with have professional indemnity cover in place before entering into a consulting relationship.
Professions that can benefit from professional indemnity insurance include management consultants, architects, and designers.
Some specific professions that can benefit from professional indemnity insurance are listed below:
- Management consultants
- Architects
- Designers
- Civil Engineers
- Quantity surveyors
- Loss adjusters
- IT contractors
- Marketers
- Web designers
- Estate agents
- Accountants
- Social workers
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the professional indemnity insurance cover?
Professional indemnity insurance covers the cost of your legal defence and potential compensation if a client accuses you of giving inadequate or inaccurate advice. It helps protect your business from financial loss due to professional negligence claims.
What is the difference between PI and PL insurance?
Public liability insurance covers physical injuries or damages, while professional indemnity insurance protects against professional errors and negligence. Understanding the difference between these two types of insurance is crucial for businesses and professionals to mitigate risks effectively.
How much does pi insurance cost?
Professional indemnity insurance costs typically range from $100 to $300 per month, with an average annual premium of $1,500. Premiums start at $1,000 and can vary based on specific business factors.
Sources
- https://www.bradyinsurance.ie/en/business-insurance/professional-indemnity
- https://www.paddycompare.ie/professional-indemnity-insurance
- https://compareinsurance.ie/business-insurance/professional-indemnity-insurance/
- https://www.burkeins.ie/much-professional-indemnity-insurance-cost-2/
- https://www.compareinsuranceireland.ie/professional-indemnity/
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