Career gap · PI
PI insurance for a career gap or maternity leave
Reviewed by Apex Insurance Brokers · Published 15 July 2026
A career break doesn't need to break your PI continuity. The key is retroactive-date preservation and the right treatment of the gap period.
What happens to PI during a career gap
PI is claims-made and claims-notified — it responds to notifications during the policy period.
During an inactive career gap, no new advice is being given — but claims can still arise from prior advice.
Options: full run-off cover, reduced 'inactive' cover, or complete lapse (risky).
The retroactive-date issue
- When returning to practice, the retroactive date should extend to earliest active advice — not to the return date.
- Insurers may push back on retroactive-date backdating — broker involvement matters.
- Some insurers offer 'career break' extensions that preserve retroactive continuity.
- Complete lapse means the retroactive date resets — historic advice becomes uninsured for new claims.
Maternity leave — the special case
Professionals often continue partial practice during maternity leave.
SRA and other regulators are increasingly flexible about part-time practice arrangements.
Cover should reflect actual practice level — not full-time cover with no activity, but not zero cover.
Some insurers offer 'reduced hours' terms during maternity leave.
What to do
- Notify broker at least 4-8 weeks before career gap starts.
- Discuss with broker: full run-off vs inactive cover vs partial cover.
- Confirm retroactive-date preservation in writing.
- Set a review date at return-to-practice.
- Update the regulator where required.
Frequently asked
Can I let PI lapse during a career break?
Legally possible but risky — you lose retroactive-date continuity for prior advice. Rarely a good idea.
How much does inactive/career-gap cover cost?
Typically 25-50% of full PI premium — reflects the reduced but still-real risk.
What about a 3-month sabbatical?
Usually manageable with the incumbent insurer — short gaps are often handled without extra formality.
Do I need PI if I've completely stopped practising?
Yes — run-off cover for the regulatory look-back period (6 years for solicitors and surveyors).
How does this apply to maternity leave specifically?
Similar principles but insurers usually more flexible on temporary reduced-hours arrangements.
What if I don't return to practice?
Full run-off cover is required for regulated professions — the length depends on the sector.
Related
- PI insurance when going independent UK 2026
- Run-off cover UK umbrella guide
- Retroactive date discipline in PI insurance
Apex Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Firm reference number 724952. Registered in England and Wales, company number 07014570.