As the ground shifts beneath our feet, both literally and metaphorically, the risks facing geotechnical consultants are becoming more complex. From increased scrutiny on pollution liabilities to the implications of high-profile legal claims, the importance of having robust and responsive professional indemnity insurance (PII) cannot be overstated.

At Champion Professional Risks, we specialise in arranging bespoke PII for professionals in high-risk, technical disciplines—such as geotechnical and geo-environmental consultants. In this article, we explore the key issues consultants must consider when reviewing or arranging their cover in 2025.

1. Pollution Exclusions – Are You Properly Covered?

One of the most commonly misunderstood areas in professional indemnity policies for geotechnical consultants is pollution liability. Standard wordings often contain broad pollution exclusions, which can leave significant gaps in cover—especially for those involved in ground investigations, brownfield site assessments, and remediation work.

Look Out For: Pollution Write-Backs

Many specialist insurers now offer “pollution write-backs” or extensions to PI policies that provide limited but crucial cover for third-party claims alleging pollution arising from a breach of professional duty.

However, these write-backs can vary considerably between insurers. Key questions to ask include:

• Does the policy cover gradual as well as sudden pollution?

• Are claims arising from historic contamination included?

• Is the limit for pollution claims shared with or separate from the main policy limit?

At Champion Professional Risks, we help you compare wordings to ensure you’re not exposed to silent risks that could prove costly.

2. Are Your Limits Still Fit for Purpose?

With inflation pushing up the cost of remediation, legal defence, and settlements, policy limits that were adequate five years ago may now fall short. A single geotechnical failure—such as subsidence due to soil mischaracterisation—can lead to claims in the hundreds of thousands, if not more.

What’s the Right Limit?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are a few considerations:

• The value of the projects you typically work on

• Your contractual obligations (some clients stipulate minimum PI levels)

• Your exposure to legacy risks—especially if you work on contaminated sites

Many insurers now offer “any one claim” limits rather than aggregate, providing greater protection across multiple claims. We can help you model appropriate limits based on your specific risk profile.

3. Contract Reviews – Are You Accepting Too Much Liability?

Contracts with developers, local authorities or Tier 1 contractors often contain onerous terms that go beyond what standard PI insurance will cover. Common pitfalls include:

• Unlimited liability clauses

• Fitness for purpose obligations (rather than the usual reasonable skill and care standard)

• Indemnity clauses that commit you to liabilities regardless of fault

PI insurance will typically only respond to claims arising from negligence—not where you’ve accepted contractual liabilities that go beyond common law.

What You Can Do:

• Request that “fitness for purpose” clauses are replaced with “reasonable skill and care” wording

• Avoid agreeing to unlimited liability or liquidated damages

• Share proposed contracts with us before signing—we can help assess insurability of liabilities

4. Retroactive Cover – Are You Exposed to Past Work?

Many geotechnical consultants don’t realise that PI policies are written on a claims-made basis. This means the policy in force at the time the claim is made—not when the work was done—responds to the claim.

Retroactive Date: Why It Matters

Your policy should ideally include “unlimited retroactive cover” (sometimes shown as “none” or “N/A” under retroactive date). This ensures that claims arising from any past work, including under previous trading names or entities, are covered.

If your policy has a retroactive date, work carried out before that date is excluded from cover.

We help you ensure this critical detail isn’t overlooked, particularly during a change of insurer or when restarting cover after a lapse.

5. Working Abroad? Know Your Jurisdiction and Territorial Limits

Geotechnical consultants occasionally carry out site investigations or provide advice outside the UK. If you’re working on offshore wind farms, infrastructure projects, or international developments, it’s vital to check:

• The territorial limits (where work is carried out)

• The jurisdiction limits (where claims can be brought)

Standard policies may restrict cover to the UK, Channel Islands and EU. We can help extend these limits where needed, ensuring you stay protected across borders.

6. A Changing Legal and Regulatory Environment

Environmental regulation is tightening. The UK government has signalled greater enforcement around land contamination and post-Grenfell building safety, which could indirectly increase the exposure of geotechnical consultants.

Additionally, the rise of third-party litigation funding has made it easier for claimants to pursue professional negligence claims, meaning even low-value disputes are more likely to reach the courtroom.

Why Work With Champion Professional Risks?

We’re not just insurance brokers—we’re PI specialists with deep experience in the engineering and environmental sectors. We work with a panel of leading and specialist insurers, negotiating tailored cover that reflects the real-world risks you face as a geotechnical consultant and we already provide PI cover for a significant percentage of the Geotech consultant/engineers market. 

With us, you can benefit from:

• Access to bespoke wordings with pollution write-backs

• Advice on limits and excess structures

• Support with contract reviews and insurability

• Help with claims notification and management

Need a Professional Indemnity Quote?

Whether you’re a sole practitioner or part of a larger consultancy, it’s never been more important to ensure your professional indemnity cover is comprehensive, up to date, and fit for purpose.

At Champion Professional Risks, we’re here to help you review your existing cover or arrange a new policy tailored to the specific risks geotechnical consultants face.

👉 Visit: www.ChampionInsure.co.uk
📧 Email: profin@ChampionInsure.co.uk
📞 Call: 03330 430 430 (option 1)

Speak to one of our specialist advisers today for expert, impartial advice and fast access to competitive terms.