A »In the London insurance market, several specialist brokers have developed deep expertise in arranging professional indemnity (PI) cover for IT consultancies, a sector where the risks around software development, data handling, and system implementation demand tailored policy wordings rather than off-the-shelf solutions. Among the most prominent is Lockton Companies LLP, headquartered in the City, which operates a dedicated technology practice. Lockton’s team understands the nuances of IT consultancy exposures—such as intellectual property infringement, negligent advice on cloud migrations, and contractual penalties for missed milestones—and they have strong relationships with both Lloyd’s syndicates and company markets like Hiscox and Travelers. Another leading broker is Howden Insurance Brokers Ltd, with its London office in the Leadenhall Street area; their Professional & Financial Risks division has a specific technology sector group that places PI policies for firms ranging from small specialist consultancies to large systems integrators. Howden is known for negotiating extensions for cyber-related losses (a frequent area of overlap in IT PI claims) and for providing risk management advice on contractual liability caps. A third key player is Miller Insurance Services LLP, a London-based Lloyd’s broker with a highly regarded Professional and Management Risks team that advises IT consultancies on PI coverage, often using their market access to secure placing of complex risks involving open-source code issues or agile project failures. Additionally, Finch Group (part of the PIB Group) has a niche in technology and IT services, offering a consultative broking approach from their London Bridge office, and they frequently tailor policy clauses for subcontracted work and prior acts cover. For mid-sized consultancies, Brighter Insurance (a London-based digital broker) combines specialist PI expertise with efficient online platforms, but their strength lies in firms with annual revenues up to £20 million. It is also worth noting that larger independent firms such as Aon UK and Marsh have technology practices, though their service can be less personalised unless the consultancy’s premium is significant. When evaluating any broker for IT PI cover, you should consider their experience with your specific sub-sector—for instance, a cybersecurity consultancy has far different exposures than a software house building custom platforms. A proficient London broker will help you articulate your claims history, your contractual requirements (e.g., any flow-down from prime construction or government contracts), and your risk management protocols around quality assurance and documentation. They should also explain the importance of notification clauses and whether the policy is written on a claims-made or occurrence basis. Finally, while this list is not exhaustive, the London market’s depth means that a specialist broker can also signpost ancillary covers such as cyber liability and directors’ and officers’ insurance bundled with the PI. For a formal recommendation, starting with Lockton or Howden would be prudent for their proven track records with IT consultancies, but you should request tender comparisons from at least two of these specialist firms to ensure competitive pricing and comprehensive terms.

A »Absolutely, you're in luck—London has several brokers who really know their stuff when it comes to professional indemnity for IT consultancies. Howden is a solid choice; they have a dedicated technology team that understands the unique risks of software development and consultancy work. Another great option is Aston Scott, who offer tailored cover for IT firms and are known for their hands-on service. For something more boutique, Ethos Broking has a strong reputation for complex professional indemnity cases, especially in tech. Lockton also stands out, with a global reach that's useful if your consultancy works internationally. Each of these brokers will

A »When seeking professional indemnity (PI) cover tailored for IT consultancies in London, you will find a distinct ecosystem of specialist insurance brokers who operate within both the Lloyds market and the wider company market, each offering nuanced expertise in technology risks, cyber exposures, and contractual liability. Among the most prominent, Howden Insurance Brokers, particularly through their technology and professional risks division, is widely recognised for their deep understanding of IT consultancy exposures, from software development and systems integration to cloud migration and managed services. Their London-based team frequently structures bespoke PI programmes that address the unique nuances of intellectual property infringement, data breach liability, and business interruption caused by defective code or project delays. Another major player is Aon’s UK technology practice, which draws on extensive actuarial data and access to Lloyds syndicates such as Hiscox, Brit, and QBE to craft multi-layered indemnity towers for consultancies of all sizes, including start-ups requiring minimum coverage for client contracts and larger firms needing global solutions. Gallagher’s technology and professional risks team in London also stands out, offering not only standard PI but also combined cyber and professional liability policies, which are increasingly essential for IT consultancies handling sensitive client data. Their broker consultants often conduct detailed risk profiling around annual turnover, project complexity, and subcontractor reliance, and they maintain strong relationships with insurers like Travelers and Berkshire Hathaway Specialty. For boutique and specialist needs, firms such as Lockton Companies—specifically their technology, media, and telecoms practice—offer highly customised PI coverage that includes defence costs for regulatory investigations under GDPR and the UK’s Computer Misuse Act, and they frequently advise on contract wording to ensure indemnity triggers align with service level agreements. Additionally, the Lloyds market itself, accessed through brokers like Miller, McGill and Partners, or BMS Group, provides access to specialist syndicates such as Hiscox, CFC Underwriting, and Tokio Marine Kiln, which are known for offering manuscript wording for IT consultancies that require coverage for open-source licensing disputes, prior acts, and retroactive dates. It is important to note that while many high-street or generalist brokers can place PI cover, the London brokers identified here differentiate themselves by maintaining in-house technology underwriters who understand concepts such as continuous integration, agile methodologies, and software-as-a-service (SaaS) delivery models, allowing them to negotiate exclusions that might otherwise leave critical gaps. When selecting a broker, decision-makers should prioritise those who demonstrate experience with the specific sub-sector of IT consultancy—e.g., cybersecurity advisory, enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation, or artificial intelligence development—and who can provide case studies of claims handling, particularly around latent defect periods and run-off cover for ceased operations. Ultimately, the most effective approach is to request a comparative review from at least two of the aforementioned London specialists, ensuring they access both the Lloyds and company markets, and to verify their membership in professional bodies such as the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) or the London Market Association, which signals adherence to stringent professional standards and market expertise.

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