PI duration · UK
How long does PI insurance cover me?
Reviewed by Matthew Bartlett, Director, Apex Insurance Brokers Limited (FCA FRN 724952) · Published 14 July 2026
This page gives the direct answer to how long UK PI insurance covers you — policy period, retro-date coverage, and post-cessation run-off requirements by profession.
The claims-made structure
- UK PI is written on a claims-made basis. Cover applies to claims made during the policy period, provided the underlying act falls within retro-date coverage.
- Retro-date is the earliest date of covered acts. Set at policy inception by default; can be extended earlier.
- Notification of circumstance during the policy period ‘deems’ the eventual claim to fall under that policy even after policy expiry.
Post-cessation run-off requirements by profession
- Solicitors (SRA). Six years mandatory run-off from cessation.
- Architects (ARB). Adequate to the tail — typically six years plus, up to 30 years for BSA-touching higher-risk-building work under BSA 2022 s.135.
- Accountants (ICAEW). Two years mandatory run-off from firm cessation.
- Surveyors (RICS). Adequate to the tail — typically six years plus.
- Engineers. No fixed statutory minimum; adequate to the tail. BSA 2022 s.135 applies to higher-risk-building structural work.
- IFAs and FCA-authorised firms. MIPRU 3 adequate-to-tail; often 6-12 years in practice, longer for DB-transfer historic exposure.
- Insurance brokers. MIPRU 3 adequate to tail.
Practical implications
- PI cover in force today responds to claims made today, subject to retro-date.
- Claims made after you stop practising need run-off cover.
- Long-tail sectors (architects with BSA work, IFAs with DB transfers) need longer cover.
- Retirement or firm cessation triggers the run-off decision.
- Individual personal exposure continues even where firm cover is inadequate.
Frequently asked
Does UK PI insurance cover past work?
Yes, subject to retro-date. Standard policies typically cover work done back to policy inception; earlier retro-date extends coverage backwards.
What is retro-date and why does it matter?
The earliest date of covered acts. Sets how far back your PI responds. Matters at broker switch or firm change — ensures no gap between prior work and current cover.
Do I need run-off cover after I retire?
For most professions yes. SRA six years mandatory; ARB adequate to tail; ICAEW two years; FCA adequate to tail. Personal exposure continues after retirement.
How long does BSA 2022 s.135 extend architects' PI need?
Up to 30 years for pre-June 2022 higher-risk-building work; 15 years going forward. Run-off cover for architects touching BSA-relevant buildings needs correspondingly long tails.
What if I switch broker mid-cycle?
Continuity of cover matters. New broker's policy typically continues from old policy's expiry with matching retro-date. Broker manages the transition.
If a claim is made against me years after I stopped working, am I covered?
Only if run-off cover was in place. PI is claims-made — cover must be in force when the claim arrives, not when the work was done.
Can I extend my retro-date after policy inception?
Sometimes possible via endorsement, though insurers charge for extended retro-date. Discuss with broker before switching insurers.
Does my PI cover me if I have moved firms?
Depends on the wording and firm structure. Individual professionals typically covered under the current employer's PI for current work; prior work covered under prior employer's PI including run-off.