Retroactive cover
Retroactive cover explained
Why the date your cover reaches back to is one of the most important numbers on your PI policy.
What a retroactive date does
Because PI policies are written on a claims-made basis, your current policy responds to claims made now — even for work carried out years ago — provided that work falls after your retroactive date.
Work carried out before your retroactive date is generally not covered, even if a claim is made while your policy is active.
Setting the right retroactive date
Ideally, your retroactive date should match the date you first held continuous PI cover, or the date you began providing professional services if earlier.
When switching insurers, always confirm that your new policy preserves your existing retroactive date to avoid an unintended gap in cover.