Retroactive dates explained

Your retroactive date is the earliest date from which your PI policy will respond to claims. Work carried out before this date is generally excluded from cover, even if a claim relating to it is made while your policy is active.

For most professionals, the ideal retroactive date is the date you first held continuous PI cover, or the date you began providing professional services if that was earlier.

When switching insurers, always confirm in writing that your new insurer will honour your existing retroactive date. A new insurer starting your retroactive date at the policy inception date — rather than your original start date — can leave years of past work unprotected.

Keep records of your PI policy schedules over time. If a dispute arises about your retroactive date, this history is the easiest way to resolve it.