What is the definition of professional services in Professional Liability policies?
This is going vary from carrier to carrier and even policy to policy; most importantly read your policy so your firm knows what the professional services covered are. Here are some examples of what those professional services are in policies.
One of the insurance carriers defines professional services as an architect, engineer, land surveyor, landscape architect, construction manager, scientist or technical consultant. Some of these are very specific and some are broader. If you have questions if a services, outside of your ‘normal’ services, ask your agent or insurance company. Typically if it is included in your renewal application it will be covered. However, if it is a new service your firm will be offering, double check with your insurance company.
Another insurance company defines professional services as follows:
“Professional services” means those services that the Insured is legally qualified to perform for others in the Insured’s capacity as an architect, engineer, land surveyor, landscape architect, construction manager, scientist, technical consultant, interior designer, land planner, golf course designer or as otherwise defined by endorsement to the policy.
In this case, if there is a service outside of your ‘normal’ services or not listed in the professional services, then the insurance company may be able to add the service by endorsement.
It is very important that your firm understands what the professional services are on your policy. If it isn’t defined in the policy and there is a claim for that specific service, it may not be covered.
As always, read your Professional Liability policy to understand what the definitions in the policy are and specifically the professional services. If you have any questions please call or email your Professional Underwriters insurance agent.
