Retroactive date
The retroactive date on a PI policy is the earliest work date covered. Claims for earlier work are excluded, even if lodged during the active policy period.
Ask Chalkline about this →The retroactive date on a professional indemnity (PI) insurance policy is the earliest date from which prior work is covered. Claims arising from work done before the retroactive date are excluded, even if the claim is lodged while the policy is active. When a builder switches PI insurers, the new policy’s retroactive date must match or predate the previous policy’s inception date, otherwise work done between the old policy’s start and the new policy’s retroactive date is uninsured.
Builders entering the PI market for the first time will have a retroactive date equal to the policy inception date, meaning no prior work is covered. This is acceptable for a first policy but creates a risk gap when switching later if the new insurer sets a later retroactive date.
Also known as: Prior acts date, retroactive cover.
Category: Insurance
See also: Claims-made policy, Run-off cover.
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Last updated: 2026-05-08. Verified: 2026-05-08. Quarterly review for currency.