Part-time practice · PI

PI insurance for part-time practice — UK 2026

Reviewed by Matthew Bartlett, Director, Apex Insurance Brokers Limited · Published 15 July 2026

Part-time practice doesn't reduce PI complexity — it just changes the numbers. Whether you're winding down toward retirement or building alongside a day job, cover needs to reflect actual work.

What 'part-time' means for insurers

Fee income — the primary rating factor — will be lower.

But: cover levels for individual engagements can be as complex as full-time practice.

Retroactive-date continuity matters as much for part-time as full-time.

Regulatory minima apply regardless of practice level (SRA MTC, ARB Standard 8, ICAEW Bye-law 61, etc.).

Common part-time scenarios

Consultant / fractional CFO / interim executive: often working across multiple clients simultaneously.
Winding down toward retirement: fewer engagements but same claim exposure per matter.
Alongside a day job: side practice as a second income stream.
Post-maternity return: reduced hours during transition.
Sole-practitioner in specialised niche: naturally lower volume.

Cover disclosure discipline

Fair-presentation duty under Insurance Act 2015 applies — disclose actual practice arrangements honestly.

'Part-time' means different things to insurers — be specific about hours, clients and work profile.

Aggregate limit sufficiency — sometimes a single project value warrants full-time cover levels.

Consider whether 'inactive' cover is more appropriate if practice is genuinely dormant most of the year.

Cost considerations

Part-time practice typically qualifies for reduced fee-income-based premium.
Some insurers offer specific 'part-time' or 'sole practitioner' terms.
Aggregate limit and cover breadth should reflect real risk, not fee income alone.
Continuity discounts from long-standing insurer relationships often material.
Discussion with broker at renewal each year to reassess.

Frequently asked

Is part-time PI cheaper?

Usually yes — fee income drives premium. But cover-level requirements can offset the discount.

Do I still need to meet the regulator's minimum?

Yes. Regulator minima apply regardless of practice level.

What if I only take on 3-4 engagements a year?

Disclose honestly. Some insurers offer very low-volume terms with correspondingly lower premium.

Can I switch to inactive cover mid-year?

Yes, via mid-term adjustment. Not always practical — broker involvement matters.

What about additional-insured requirements?

Same rules apply regardless of practice level. Corporate clients may require named-insured status.

How does this interact with wind-down toward retirement?

Similar principles — but plan run-off cover 18 months before ceasing practice.

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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.