Professional Indemnity
OVERVIEW
THE NEED
In today’s service-driven economy, it is crucial for professionals, and those providing specialist advice, to employ specialised knowledge, skill and care in their business dealings with their clients. These professionals must exercise a degree of care and skill which is reasonably expected of any competent practitioner in that profession.
If a person provides advice or a service to another and carries that work out negligently, they could be held legally liable for the consequences thereof. Liability can arise because there has been a breach of duty of care or a breach of contract. Accountants, architects, engineers, and lawyers, amongst others, include professionals who are often exposed to litigation. Many of the suits brought against these professionals are as a result of damages sustained due to the professional’s failure to perform according to the generally accepted standards in their respective fields.
Heightened consumer awareness, which is largely as a result of new legislation protecting consumers’ rights, coupled with tough economic conditions, is resulting in our society gradually becoming more litigious. Even where there has been no proven error resulting in liability, a third party may initiate a suit against the professional purely as a result of the project not being successful. Defending actions in court could prove to be time-consuming and expensive. If the professional is found guilty, the costs related thereto, which may include reimbursement of the litigant’s expenses, may be an unaffordable financial burden.
THE SOLUTION
To err is human – everyone makes mistakes. A professional cannot ignore an accusation of negligence; the allegation must be defended or admitted. In either case, there will be cost implications. In today’s litigious age, where ‘claim’ often follows ‘blame’, having adequate insurance cover which can protect the individual and the business from the financial fallout of such claims is imperative. There is no doubt that the quantum of court awards has risen sharply in recent years and professional indemnity insurance will ease the financial burden of defending claims and damages payable in respect thereof. It provides the ultimate safety net when all else fails.
Camargue’s Professional Indemnity policies cover the following including defence costs:
- Negligent acts
- Negligent errors
- Negligent omissions or
- Negligent breach of contract
RISK MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Camargue’s unique M³ approach to insurance is geared towards managing, mitigating and migrating critical business risks – an outcome achieved through the provision of value-added risk benefits to policyholders. Notwithstanding the coverage provided in terms of the policy, the additional risk management benefits further enhance the Camargue product offering and go beyond simple insurance. The overall result is a well-rounded and complete solution to the risks faced in a commercial environment.
Risk Management services included in the policy cover:
- Crisis Communication & Public Relations
Skilled support in managing public relations crises and avoiding online media disasters. - Cyber Vulnerability Scan (CVS)
A vulnerability scan is an inspection of the potential weaknesses in the security of a computer network. The CVS only requires the details of your externally facing internet protocol (“IP”) addresses, in order to examine for known vulnerabilities. Therefore it sees only what an outside intruder would see (like your locks, alarm and motion detectors) and tests the perimeter security – with no work required by you. - Legal Support
Contract vetting and assessment. - Private Arbitration Services
Offered through TOKISO Dispute Settlement – this service works towards the fast, equitable resolution of disputes between the insured and their clients. As far as possible court proceedings are avoided saving time, money and more importantly reputation.
DIVISIONAL CONTACTS
011 778 9163 / 084 068 3464 john@camargueum.co.za
For general queries, please contact us at pindemnity@camargueum.co.za
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Important Notice:
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