Definition of Professional Services in a professional liability policy-
The definition of professional services in your professional liability policy is very important. If your firm provides services outside of the professional services defined in your policy it may not be covered by the insurance company in the event of a claim.
It is good to know how different insurance companies define ‘professional services’ in their policies.
Example one:
Professional services means:
- Services the Insured performs for others in the practice of an architect, engineer, land surveyor, landscape architect, construction manager, space planner, land planner, interior designer, scientist, technical consultant, expert witness or as defined by endorsement to the policy. Information technology services provided for others in the rendering of services as outlined in Section III.M.1. Information technology services include software consultation; interoperability analysis; programming; hosting; and the design, use, support and maintenance of any website, software or database.
- Information technology services do not include:
- Any services to computer or telecommunication hardware; or
- The supplying of electronic products or software (except software designed or modified for an individual client of the Insured in connection with the Insured’s rendering of other professional services for that client).
Example two:
“Professional Services” means those services the Insured is legally qualified to perform for others in the practice of architecture, engineering, land surveying, landscape architecture, interior design, construction management, environmental consulting, land planning, space planning, technical consulting or acting as an expert witness.
Example three:
“Professional Services” means services the Insured performs for others in the practice of an architect, engineer, land surveyor, landscape architect, construction manager, planner, interior designer, scientist, technical consultant, forensic engineer, expert witness or as defined by endorsement to the Policy.
Professional Services includes any of the above services performed pro bono with the knowledge and consent of a Principal Insured.
Also, verify in your firm’s policy that there are not exclusions for specific professional services or that if your firm does have specific services outside of the definition, that the policy is endorsed to include that services. If your firm has any questions with regards to professional services in your Professional Liability policy please call or email your Professional Underwriters agent for assistance.
