Switching broker · Contracts · 2026

You've won a contract that needs more insurance — now what?

A new client or tender often comes with an insurance clause. Meeting it is usually quick — if you read it properly before you sign.

Part of: When to switch business insurance broker

In short

Bigger contracts routinely require named limits — commonly £1m–£5m of professional indemnity or public liability — plus cyber cover, Cyber Essentials, or evidence of Employers' Liability, sometimes with a certificate needed by a deadline. If your current cover falls short, you don't have to over-buy: a broker reads the clause, arranges exactly what's required, and issues the certificate quickly. Don't sign until you know you can meet it.

What contracts typically ask for

A minimum professional indemnity limit — often £1m, £2m or £5m.
Public liability, commonly £5m or £10m for site or public-facing work.
Employers' Liability — legally required at £5m if you have staff anyway.
Cyber cover and/or Cyber Essentials, increasingly standard for data and IT work.
Being named as an interested party, and a certificate of insurance by a set date.

How to meet it without over-paying

Send the insurance clause to a broker before you sign — not after.
Get the exact limits and wordings matched to what the contract requires.
Don't over-insure "to be safe" — a broker sizes it precisely.
Have the certificate issued and sent to the client to unlock the contract.

Limits shown are commonly-required figures, not price quotes — your contract sets the number.

Frequently asked

My contract needs 5m PI and I only have 1m - can I increase it quickly?

Usually yes. A broker can arrange a higher limit, often within a day or two, and issue the certificate the client needs.

What is Cyber Essentials and do I need it to win the contract?

It's a UK government-backed security certification that many public-sector and larger private contracts now require. A broker can point you to certification and arrange the cyber cover that sits alongside it.

Can I get a certificate of insurance the same day?

Often, once cover is arranged. Tell the broker the deadline up front so it's prioritised.

Do I have to keep the higher limit after the contract ends?

Not necessarily, but claims can arise after a job finishes, especially on professional work, so a broker will advise whether to keep the limit or adjust it.

Contract with an insurance clause? Send it over.

Forward the insurance wording and your deadline — a named Apex broker will arrange exactly what's needed and get the certificate issued.

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Apex Insurance Brokers is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 724952). This page is general information, not advice.