Aipedia: Translators and interpreters

Does translators' PI cover AI mistakes?

Aipedia, by the Apex broking team · Last reviewed 2026-10-30

Translators' PI usually covers claims for negligent errors in AI-assisted work in the same way as other professional errors, subject to the policy wording and what you told the insurer. The gaps tend to come from exclusions, contract terms and undisclosed changes in how you work.

Part of: AI in Translators and interpreters

In short

Most translators' and interpreters' PI responds to claims alleging negligent professional work, and many wordings may not distinguish between a human error and an error missed in machine output. No statutory PI requirement applies, but clients often require cover by contract. Problems arise where the business description does not reflect MT or AI work, where contract terms go beyond legal liability, where an exclusion applies to technology or data, or where a claim is about confidentiality rather than accuracy. Telling clients and insurers how you use AI, and keeping records, helps keep cover intact.

The starting point

There is no statutory PI requirement for translators or interpreters, and CIOL, ITI and NRPSI have not published a requirement on AI and PI. Agencies and public sector buyers may make PI a contract term. Our page on whether translators and interpreters need PI explains why most professionals carry it.

The legal duty behind most claims is reasonable care and skill under section 13 of the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982, or section 49 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 for consumers. That duty applies whether the words came from you, a machine or a post-edit. CIOL puts it simply: AI is not accountable for its output, so responsibility rests with people.

How wordings usually treat AI-assisted work

Translators' PI is usually written around your professional services, as described in the proposal. If you describe your work as translation and interpreting and you use MT or AI tools as part of it, many policies would treat a negligent error as covered, subject to terms. Points that can affect cover include:

Business description: if you now offer post-editing, AI subtitling or AI supervision as distinct services, make sure the insurer knows.
Exclusions: some policies exclude or limit claims arising from technology failure, data or cyber events.
Contractual liability: indemnities, unlimited liability or fitness for purpose terms you have agreed may go beyond what the policy covers.
Confidentiality and data: breach of confidence may be in PI; breach response costs usually sit in cyber cover.
Dishonesty and recklessness: certifying text you have not checked could be argued to be reckless.

Our general article on whether PI covers AI mistakes covers the same questions across professions.

Telling clients about AI use

CIOL, ITI and NRPSI have published no binding rule requiring disclosure of AI use. ITI's Phase 1 AI report notes that clients find quality hard to judge and suggests a risk-based approach to choosing workflows. Agreeing the workflow in writing, including whether MT or AI may be used and at what level of review, helps in two ways: it reduces disputes about what was promised, and it gives your insurer a clear record if a claim arises.

Contract limitation clauses

A reasonable liability cap, agreed in writing with business clients, can limit the size of a claim. Caps need to be fair and clearly agreed to be relied on, and consumer contracts have extra protections. Look out for agency terms that reverse this, such as requiring you to indemnify the agency for any loss. Your PI usually covers legal liability for negligence, not every promise in a contract.

What can go wrong

Illustrative scenario: a translator moves most of their work to MT post-editing and starts offering AI subtitling, but the PI renewal still describes "written translation". A subtitling client claims for re-editing costs after errors in AI-generated captions. The insurer asks whether subtitling was within the described business. The claim is eventually handled, but only after a dispute that clearer disclosure would have avoided.

What insurers may ask

Questions at proposal or renewal vary, but may include:

what services you offer, including post-editing, certification, subtitling and interpreting;
which sectors you work in, such as legal, medical or public services;
whether you use MT or AI tools, and how you review output;
how you protect client data and whether you use public tools;
your contract terms and any liability caps.

How Apex helps

Apex arranges PI for translators and interpreters. A broker reviews how your policy treats MT and AI-assisted work, checks your business description, and looks at contract terms that may sit outside cover. Return to the AI in translation and interpreting hub.

Sources

Frequently asked

Do I need to tell my insurer I use machine translation?

You should give a fair presentation of your business, which includes how you work. If MT or AI tools are a significant part of your services, or you offer post-editing or AI subtitling as separate services, tell the insurer or your broker so the policy reflects it.

Is there an AI exclusion in translators' PI?

Some policies include exclusions or limits relating to technology, data or cyber events, and wordings change at renewal. Many do not single out AI-assisted translation. Read the exclusions or ask your broker to confirm how your wording treats AI-related claims.

Will a liability cap in my terms protect me?

A clearly agreed, reasonable cap with a business client can limit a claim, and your PI responds within it. Caps must be fair and properly incorporated, and consumer contracts give extra protection. A cap does not help if you have also agreed a broad indemnity elsewhere.

Check your PI covers how you use AI

Tell us about your firm and the work you do. A broker will review how your current PI treats AI-assisted work, or arrange new cover. No fee for a quote. Or call 0117 325 0027.

Start a PI quote Request a callback

Apex Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales, company number 07014570. This page is general information about how AI is used in the profession and how insurance may respond. It is not legal, regulatory or insurance advice on your circumstances, and it does not guarantee that cover will be available or on what terms.