Insurance questions
The details worth asking about early.
Does the limit on a certificate settle a client’s insurance requirement?
The limit is one part of the comparison. Check the named insured, the applicable policy period and any requested endorsements. A certificate reports information; it does not amend the underlying insurance.
Can general liability replace professional liability for a consulting engagement?
General liability addresses a different set of exposures and may exclude professional services. A claim alleging that advice caused a client financial loss needs its own review against the professional liability wording.
What deserves attention when a design practice changes insurers?
Compare the treatment of earlier services, the retroactive date, known circumstances and reporting conditions. Ask how a claim arriving after the change would be evaluated before cancelling an existing policy.
Is a contractual promise to meet a deadline automatically insured?
A performance promise is not an assurance of coverage. Examine the professional services definition and exclusions for contractual liability, warranties and guarantees, with counsel reviewing the legal obligation itself.
Does cyber insurance cover every fraudulent payment instruction?
No. Coverage for a transfer induced by impersonation can depend on a specific insuring agreement or endorsement, a separate sublimit and required verification procedures. Compare the cyber and crime wording for the actual loss.
What should we prepare for the first conversation?
Have a short description of your work, the renewal date and the client’s insurance requirements available. Keep policy documents and confidential project materials off general website channels; agree an appropriate way to share them during the engagement.