Between policies · PI
What happens between PI policies — coverage gaps
Reviewed by Apex Insurance Brokers (FCA FRN 724952) · Published 15 July 2026
PI is claims-made and claims-notified. A gap between policies can leave historic work uninsured for new claims arising during the gap.
The claims-made framework
PI responds to claims and circumstances notified during the policy period.
Historic work isn't automatically covered by later policies unless retroactive date extends back.
A gap in policies breaks continuity — new claims arising during the gap for historic work may be uninsured.
Retroactive-date discipline is the primary protection.
Common gap causes
- Late renewal — policy expires before new one is in force.
- Broker or insurer change without careful transition.
- Firm structure change (partnership to LLP, LLP to Ltd) with policy gap.
- Career break or maternity leave without inactive-cover arrangement.
- Firm dissolution followed by later reformation.
Consequences of a gap
- Claims arising during the gap for pre-gap work: potentially uninsured.
- Retroactive date on new policy may not extend back to cover the gap.
- Even if retroactive date extends, insurers may exclude 'known circumstances' or claims arising in the gap.
- Regulatory implications for solicitors and other sector-specific requirements.
- Business-continuity impact.
- Personal liability for partners in a traditional partnership.
Prevention — the discipline that avoids gaps
- Renewal calendar with 12-16 weeks lead time.
- Broker involvement in transition periods.
- Retroactive-date preservation across insurer changes.
- Explicit gap-free transition confirmed in writing.
- Sector-specific continuous-cover clauses (e.g., SRA MTC clause 5).
If a gap has already occurred
- Notify broker immediately.
- Confirm whether new policy retroactive-date covers the gap.
- Consider run-off or gap-fill cover from alternative insurers.
- Document circumstances thoroughly.
- Notify sector regulator where required.
- Approach claims arising with the specific gap analysis.
Frequently asked
How long can a gap be before it matters?
Any gap is a risk. Even hours between policies is technically a gap. Practically, days to weeks are most impactful.
Does retroactive date fix a gap?
For future policies covering work done before the gap, yes — provided retroactive date extends. But claims arising in the gap itself for pre-gap work are still uninsured.
What if I renewed a day late?
Notify insurer. Most brokers can arrange retrospective cover or gap-fill. Broker involvement matters.
Do regulators care about gaps?
Yes — particularly SRA MTC continuous-cover clause 5 for solicitors. Other regulators have similar expectations.
What about a career break?
See our career gap page for the discipline.
Can we self-insure the gap risk?
For very brief gaps, sometimes. For material gaps, high risk given claim exposure.
Related
- PI insurance for career gap or maternity leave UK 2026
- Retroactive date discipline in PI insurance
- SRA MTC clause 5 continuous cover
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.
Offices: QCS, 53 Queen Charlotte Street, Bristol BS1 4HQ · Unit 24, Basepoint Centre, Jubilee Close, Weymouth DT4 7BS