There is no single Professional Indemnity Insurance limit appropriate for every Land Surveying practice.

The amount of cover required can depend on the work being undertaken and the requirements applying to the business.

What factors should be considered? #

These can include:

• Contractual insurance requirements.
• Registration or licensing requirements where applicable.
• Types of surveying services.
• Maximum project values.
• Types of clients.
• Potential financial consequences of a surveying error.
• Work for government or major corporate clients.
• Work on large construction or infrastructure projects.
• Requirements imposed by panels or principal contractors.

Why can a surveying claim be much larger than the survey fee? #

A surveying error can affect a much larger property or construction project.

For example, an incorrect boundary, level or set-out point could potentially contribute to:

• Rectification costs.
• Construction delays.
• Rework.
• Property disputes.
• Additional professional fees.
• Losses claimed by multiple parties.

The potential exposure can therefore be much greater than the fee charged for the survey.

Should I simply use the minimum limit in my contract? #

Not necessarily.

The contractual minimum should be considered, but it may not reflect all of the exposures faced by the practice.

Webber Insurance can review required limits alongside the services, projects and available insurance options.