professional indemnity policy - focusfocusuw.com.au/documents/focus pi policy wording.pdf ·...
TRANSCRIPT
Focus PIP Policy Wording
PIP 2016.1/03.05.16
Important Notices
Introduction Focus Underwriting is a trading division of IBL Limited AFS
Licence number: 231203
You can contact us at [email protected] or on 1800
234 338 or at:
Melbourne Perth Level 21 41 Exhibition Street Melbourne 3000
123a Colin Street West Perth 6008
Introduction The cover provided by this Policy may vary from the cover
provided by your existing or previous policies. You should
read this policy wording and important notices carefully and
satisfy yourself that you understand their contents. Please
refer any questions regarding the information contained in
these documents to your intermediary.
The Policy is written on a ‘claims made’ basis
Privacy Notice IBL Limited trading as Focus Underwriting, is committed to
protecting your privacy in accordance with the Privacy Act
1998 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles. This Privacy
Policy describes our current policies and practices in relation
to the collection, handling, use and disclosure of personal
information. It also deals with how you can complain about a
breach of the privacy laws and how you can access the
personal information we hold and how to have that
information corrected.
Our contact details for all privacy enquiries:
Level 21, 41 Exhibition Street Melbourne 3000
Phone: 1800 234 338 Fax 03 9500 2274
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.focusuw.com.au
We encourage you to check our website regularly for any
updates to our Privacy Policy.
Our website utilises cookies to provide you with a better user
experience. Cookies also allow us to identify your browser
while you are using our site. They do not identify you. If you
do not wish to receive cookies, you can instruct your browser
to refuse them.
What information do we collect and how do we use it?
When we arrange insurance on your behalf, we ask you for
the information we need to advise you about your insurance
needs and management of your risks. This can include a
broad range of information ranging from your name,
address, contact details, age etc. We provide any information
that the insurers who we ask to quote for your insurances
require to enable them to decide whether to insure you and
on what terms.
Insurers may in turn pass on this information to their
reinsurers. Some of these companies are located outside
Australia. When you make a claim under your policy, we
assist you by collecting information about your claim.
Sometimes we also need to collect information about you
from others. We provide this information to your insurer (or
anyone your insurer has appointed to assist it to consider
your claim, e.g. legal advisers etc) to enable it to consider
your claim. Again this information may be passed on to
reinsurers.
We may use your information internally to help us improve
our services and help resolve any complaints or problems.
What if you don’t provide some information to us?
The insurance laws require you to provide your insurers with
all the information they need in order to be able to decide
whether to insure you and on what terms. You have a duty to
disclose the information which relevant to the insurer’s
decision to insure you. If you provide inaccurate or
incomplete information we may not be able to provide you
with the products or services you are seeking.
When do we disclose your information overseas?
This policy is provided by Lloyd’s of London. Your information
may be given to the Lloyd’s broker and underwriters at
Lloyd’s of London to make a decision about whether to
insure you. Lloyd’s are regulated by laws which protect your
information in a way that is similar to the Privacy Act.
Your insurer may acquire reinsurance from reinsurance
companies that are located throughout the world, so in some
cases your information may be disclosed to them for
assessment of risks and in order to provide reinsurance to
your insurer. We do not make this disclosure, this made by
the insurer (if necessary) for the placement for their
reinsurance program.
How do we hold and protect your information?
We strive to maintain the reliability, accuracy, completeness
and currency of the personal information we hold and to
protect its privacy and security. We keep personal
information only for as long as is reasonably necessary for
the purpose for which it was collected or to comply with any
applicable legal or ethical reporting or document retention
requirements.
We hold the information we collect from you in a working file
and/or electronically on our own servers.
Working files are maintained and held in secure premises or
securely destroyed. In some cases, your file is archived and
sent to an external data storage provider for a period of
time. We only use storage providers located in Australia who
are also regulated by the Privacy Act.
We ensure that your information held on our servers is safe
by restricting access by use of individual logons and
passwords. Access is on a need to know basis with only the
necessary staff having access to your information.
We ensure that your information is safe by protecting it from
unauthorised access, modification and disclosure. We
maintain physical security over our paper and electronic data
and premises, by using locks and security systems. We also
maintain computer and network security; for example, we
use firewalls (security measures for the Internet) and other
security systems such as user identifiers and passwords to
Focus PIP Policy Wording
PIP 2016.1/03.05.16
control access to computer systems where your information
is stored.
Anonymous data – We use technology to collect anonymous
information about the use of our website, for example when
you browse our website our service provider logs your server
address, the date and time of your visit, the pages and links
accessed and the type of browser used. It does not identify
you personally and we only use this information for statistical
purposes and to improve the content and functionality of our
website, to better understand our clients and markets and to
improve our services.
Cookies – In order to collect this anonymous data we may
use “cookies”. Cookies are small pieces of information which
are sent to your browser and stored on your computer’s hard
drive. Sometimes they identify users where the website
requires information to be retained from one page to the
next. This is purely to increase the functionality of the site.
Cookies by themselves cannot be used to discover the
identity of the user. Cookies do not damage your computer
and you can set your browser to notify you when you receive
a cookie so that you can decide if you want to accept it. Once
you leave the site, the cookie is destroyed and no personal or
other information about you is stored.
Forms - Our website allows visitors to submit information via
self-service forms. The information submitted via the forms
is not encrypted.
Information collected via on-line forms is sent to our offices
via email (not encrypted) and may also be stored on local
email and/or servers which are accessible by IBL staff only
and is password protected.
Will we disclose the information we collect to anyone?
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to
others.
We may need to provide your information to contractors
who supply services to us, eg to handle mailings on our
behalf, external data storage providers or to other
companies in the event of a corporate sale, merger,
reorganisation, dissolution or similar event. However, we will
do our best to ensure that they protect your information in
the same way that we do.
We may provide your information to others if we are
required to do so by law, you consent to the disclosure or
under some unusual other circumstances which the Privacy
Act permits.
How can you check, update or change the information we
are holding?
Upon receipt of your written request and enough
information to allow us to identify the information, we will
disclose to you the personal information we hold about you.
We will also correct, amend or delete any personal
information that we agree is inaccurate, irrelevant, out of
date or incomplete.
If you wish to access or correct your personal information
please write to our Compliance Manager at the address
noted above.
We do not charge for receiving a request for access to
personal information or for complying with a correction
request. We do not charge for providing access to personal
information.
In some limited cases, we may need to refuse access to your
information, or refuse a request for correction. We will advise
you as soon as possible after your request if this is the case
and the reasons for our refusal. If you do not agree with our
refusal you may request the decision to be reviewed via our
internal complaints handling policy.
What happens if you want to complain?
If you have concerns about whether we have complied with
the Privacy Act or this Privacy Policy when collecting or
handling your personal information, please write to our
Compliance Manager at the address noted above.
Your complaint will be considered by us through our internal
complaints resolution process and we will try to respond with
a decision within 45 days of you making the complaint.
Your consent
By asking us to assist with your insurance needs, you consent
to the collection and use of the information you have
provided to us for the purposes described above.
Tell us what you think
We welcome your questions and comments about privacy. If
you have any concerns or complaints, please contact our
Compliance Manager on the number listed above.
Duty of Disclosure Before you enter into a contract of general insurance with an
Insurer, you have a duty under the Insurance Contracts Act
1984 (Cth) to disclose to the Insurer every matter that you
know, or could reasonably be expected to know, is relevant
to the Insurer’s decision whether to accept the risk of the
insurance and, if so, on what terms.
You have the same duty to disclose those matters to the
Insurer before you renew, extend, vary or reinstate a
contract of general insurance. Your duty however, does not
require disclosure of matter–
that diminishes the risk to be undertaken by the
Insurer;
that is of common knowledge;
that your Insurer knows or, in the ordinary course of
its business, ought to know;
as to which compliance with your duty is waived by
the Insurer.
It should be noted that this duty continues after the proposal
form has been completed up until the Policy is entered into.
Non Disclosure
If you fail to comply with your duty of disclosure, the Insurer
may be entitled to reduce its liability under the contract in
respect of a claim or may cancel the contract. If your non-
disclosure is fraudulent, the Insurer may also have the option
of avoiding the contract from its beginning.
It is therefore vital that you enquire of all principals and
senior staff before you complete your proposal form, and
Focus PIP Policy Wording
PIP 2016.1/03.05.16
before you sign any declaration that there has been no
change in the information disclosed.
Agent of the Insurer Please note that in arranging the contract of insurance, we
are acting under an authority given to us by the insurer, and
we will be effecting the contract of insurance as agent of the
insurer, and not as your agent.
General Insurance Code of Practice We support and adhere to the General Insurance Code of
Practice. A copy of the code can be obtained from the
Insurance Council of Australia by visiting
www.codeofpractice.com.au or phoning (02) 9253 5100.
Retroactive Liability The insurance does not provide cover in relation to acts,
errors or omissions that occurred prior to the
commencement of this insurance unless the policy is
extended accordingly.
Average Provision One of the insuring provisions of the professional indemnity
insurance policy provides that where the amount required to
dispose of a claim or claims exceeds the limit of indemnity in
the policy then the insurer shall be liable only for a
proportion of the total costs and expenses. This shall be the
same proportion of the total expenses as the policy limit
bears to the total amount required to dispose of the claim or
claims.
Surrender or Waiver of any Right of
Contribution or Indemnity Where another person or company would be liable to
compensate you or hold you harmless for part, or all, of any
loss or damage otherwise covered by the policy, but you
have agreed with that person either before or after the
inception of the policy that you would not seek to recover
any loss or damage from that person, you are not covered
under the policy for any such loss or damage.
Other information you should know Upon receipt of your unqualified written acceptance of the
quotation terms offered, and subject to the total premium
payable we will place your insurance cover.
Making a Claim Planned Professional Risks Underwriting Agency acts as
agent of the insurer, in relation to receiving and managing
claims.
The Claim Process
Claims or notifications must be reported in writing by
completing a notification form which can be obtained by
telephoning 1800 234 338, emailing [email protected] or
from www.focusuw.com.au. Do not make any statement on
the notification form that could be construed as an admission
of fault. Confine your notification to statements of fact, and
leave expressions of opinion for later discussion with a Claims
Manager.
If the matter is urgent, advice can be obtained from one of
our legally qualified Claims Managers on telephone number
1800 234 338
Return the completed notification form with any supporting
documents to:
Focus Underwriting Level 21, 41 Exhibition Street Melbourne 3000 Fax: (03) 9500 2274 Email: [email protected]
Receipt of your notification form will be acknowledged in
writing. A Claims Manager will then evaluate the matter, and
contact you if necessary, to obtain further information that
may be required, and advise you as to the steps to be taken
in the management of the matter.
Focus PIP Policy Wording
PIP 2016.1/03.05.16
INDEX
Important Notices i
Introduction i
Introduction i
Privacy Notice i
Duty of Disclosure ii
Agent of the Insurer iii
General Insurance Code of Practice iii
Retroactive Liability iii
Average Provision iii
Surrender or Waiver of any Right of Contribution or
Indemnity iii
Other information you should know iii
Making a Claim iii
Professional Indemnity Insurance Policy 3
SECTION 1 – INSURING CLAUSES 3
1.1 Indemnity Clause 3
1.2 Additional Benefits 3
1.2.1 Libel and Slander 3
1.2.2 Principal’s Previous Business 3
1.2.3 Breach of Contract 3
1.2.4 Intellectual Property 3
1.2.5 Joint Ventures 4
1.2.6 Severability and Non-Imputation 4
1.2.7 Outgoing Principals 4
1.2.8 Project/Construction Managers 4
1.2.9 Prior Corporate Entity 5
1.2.10 Employee Dishonesty 5
1.2.11 Continuity of Cover 5
1.2.12 Inquiry and Hearings Representation Costs 6
1.2.13 Loss of Documents 6
1.2.14 Consultants, Sub-Contractors and Agents 7
1.2.15 Retroactive Cover 7
1.2.16 Fidelity 7
1.2.17 Court Attendance 7
1.2.18 Novation 7
1.2.19 Public Relations Expenses 8
1.2.20 Claims Preparations Costs 8
SECTION 2 – EXCLUSION 9
2.1 Claims and Circumstances Known at Inception 9
2.2 Dishonesty 9
2.3 Insolvency 9
2.4 Assumed Liability 9
2.5 Director’s Liability 9
2.6 Occupier’s Liability 9
2.7 Employer’s Liability 9
2.8 Waiver of Rights 9
2.9 Professional Fees 9
2.10 Trading Debts 9
2.11 Real Estate Developer, Builder, Manufacturer 9
2.12 Goods Sold 9
2.13 Joint Venture, Project or Construction Business 9
2.14 Other Business 10
2.15 Related Parties 10
2.16 Jurisdiction and Territory 10
2.17 Taxes and Punitive Damages 10
2.18 Aircraft 10
2.19 War/Terrorism 10
2.20 Nuclear Risks 10
2.21 Asbestos 10
2.22 Toxic Mould 10
2.23 Pre-purchase Building Inspections 11
SECTION 3 - CONDITIONS 12
3.1 Notification of Claims 12
3.2 Defence and/or Settlement 12
3.3 Deductible 12
3.4 Subrogation 12
3.5 Insurer’s Right to Contest 12
3.6 Claims Co-operation 12
3.7 Senior Counsel 12
3.8 Joint and Several Liability 12
3.9 Multiple Claims 13
3.10 Cancellation 13
3.11 Notices 13
3.12 Headings 13
3.13 GST 13
3.14 Governing Law 13
3.15 Insurers Several Liability 13
3.16 Complaints Handling and General Insurance Code of
Practice 13
3.17 Service of Suit 13
SECTION 4 - DEFINITIONS 15
4.1 Adverse Publicity Event 15
4.2 Appropriate Professional Qualifications: 15
4.3 Business: 15
4.4 Claim: 15
4.5 Continuity Date: 15
4.6 Costs and Expenses: 15
4.7 Deductible: 15
Focus PIP Policy Wording
PIP 2016.1/03.05.16
4.8 Employee: 15
4.9 Inception Date of the Policy: 15
4.10 Insured: 15
4.11 Insurer: 15
4.12 Joint Venture: 15
4.13 Known Circumstances: 16
4.14 Legal Proceedings: 16
4.15 Limit of Indemnity: 16
4.16 Outgoing Principals: 16
4.17 Period of Insurance: 16
4.18 Policy: 16
4.19 Premium: 16
4.20 Principal: 16
4.21 Public Relations Expenses: 16
4.22 Schedule: 16
4.23 Senior Counsel: 16
Focus PIP Policy Wording
PIP 2016.1/03.05.16
Professional Indemnity Insurance Policy
In consideration of the Insured named in the Schedule
hereto having agreed to pay to us who have hereunto
subscribed our names (hereinafter called “the Insurer”)
the Premium mentioned herein.
The Insurer agrees in accordance with the insuring
clauses of and subject to the conditions expressed in or
endorsed upon or attached to the Policy that if liability or
loss as specified in the said conditions be incurred by the
Insured
THEN the Insurer will indemnify the Insured the amount
of loss resulting therefrom in accordance with the
provisions herein contained
AND THAT the liability of the Insurer shall in no case
exceed the Limit of Indemnity as specified in the said
Schedule and in accordance with the conditions of the
Policy.
SECTION 1 – INSURING CLAUSES
1.1 Indemnity Clause
The Insurer agrees to indemnify the Insured, in
accordance with the provisions of the Policy, for any
amount which the Insured may become legally liable to
pay up to the Limit of Indemnity as specified in the
Schedule for any Claim(s) first made against the Insured
during the Period of Insurance and arising from the
conduct of the profession stated in the Schedule and
notified in writing to the Insurer during the Period of
Insurance, for legal liability for any Claim(s) caused or
arising by reason of any civil liability whatsoever and
howsoever incurred (including any breach of the
provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act
2010(Cth), the Fair Trading Act 1987(NSW), the Fair
Trading Act 1985 (Vic) or similar legislation enacted by
the other states or territories of the Commonwealth of
Australia or the Dominion of New Zealand, which does
not constitute a breach of the penal or criminal
provisions of those statutes) in connection with the
Business of the Insured committed or alleged to have
been committed subsequent to the retroactive date
specified in the Schedule.
In addition, the Insurer will pay the Costs and Expenses
incurred with the Insurer’s prior written consent, in the
investigation, defence or settlement of any such Claim(s)
up to an amount equal to, but not exceeding in the
aggregate for all Costs and Expenses, the Limit of
Indemnity in respect of any one Claim or series of Claims
arising out of one causal event. If payment exceeding
the Limit of Indemnity has to be made to settle a Claim or
series of causally related Claims against the Insured, the
Insurer’s liability for such Costs and Expenses shall be
such rateable proportion as the Limit of Indemnity bears
to the amount required to be paid in settlement of such
Claim(s) but not, in any event, exceeding in the
aggregate the amount equal to the Limit of Indemnity.
1.2 Additional Benefits
For the avoidance of doubt, the following coverage is
provided in accordance with, and subject to, the terms,
conditions, exclusions and limitations of the Policy.
1.2.1 Libel and Slander The Insurer will indemnify the Insured in respect of any
Claim made against the Insured, by any person, for libel
or slander by reason of words written or spoken
provided that such Claim arises out of or in the course of
the conduct of the Business of the Insured.
1.2.2 Principal’s Previous Business Provided that the Principal(s) was a qualified Principal of
a prior professional practice(s) noted in the proposal
then, notwithstanding Exclusion 2.14 (Other Business)
the Policy shall indemnify such Principal(s) in respect of
Claims otherwise within the scope of the Policy arising
from that prior professional practice(s).
For the purposes of this clause the retroactive date
shown in the Schedule shall read without limitation of
date but Claims arising from Known Circumstances are
excluded from cover.
1.2.3 Breach of Contract The Insurer will indemnify the Insured in respect of any
Claim made against the Insured for breach or alleged
breach of contract for the provision of professional
services in the conduct of the Business of the Insured.
1.2.4 Intellectual Property The Insurer will indemnify the Insured in respect of any
Claim made against the Insured for any inadvertent
infringement in the conduct of the Business of the
Insured of copyright, moral rights, trademarks,
registered designs or patents, or any breach of
confidentiality.
Focus PIP Policy Wording
PIP 2016.1/03.05.16
1.2.5 Joint Ventures In relation to Claims against the Insured in its
professional capacity as a Joint Venture partner:
a. The Insurer will indemnify the Insured for the
Insured’s civil liability for Claims first made against
the Insured within the Period of Insurance in its
professional capacity as a Joint Venture partner
providing the person(s) allegedly responsible for
the civil liability hold Appropriate Professional
Qualifications and:
i. the Insured had disclosed the nature of
the Joint Venture to the Insurer before the
Insured knew or ought reasonably to have
known of circumstances which might give
rise to the Claim; and
ii. the Insured has declared fees derived
from the Joint Venture where required to
do so by the Insurer.
b. If subclause (a) applies and the Insured and the
other Joint Venture partner(s) have agreed in their
Joint Venture Agreement that all Claims against the
Joint Venture will be apportioned between them
on a fixed percentage basis without regard to fault,
then provided that the agreed apportionment is
proportionate to the extent of the Insured’s
obligations under the agreement and is fair and
reasonable taking account of the total fees the
Insured is to derive from the Joint Venture,
exclusion clauses 2.4 and 2.8 shall not apply to that
apportionment;
c. Without affecting subclause (b), the Insurer is
entitled to exercise subrogation rights contained in
clause 3.4 of this Policy;
d. Where the Insured has not disclosed the Joint
Venture to the Insurer in accordance with
subclause (a), and/or where required by the
Insurer, the Insured has not declared the fees from
the Joint Venture:
i. the Insurer will only indemnify the Insured
in relation to a Claim arising out of a Joint
Venture, including a Third Party Claim,
where the Claim directly relates to a
breach of the Insured’s professional duty,
but only on the condition that the Insured
pay the additional premium that would
have been applied if the Insured had
made the disclosures to the Insurer as
required;
ii. where indemnity is extended to the Insured
under subclause (d) (i) the Insurer’s liability is
limited to the extent of the Insured’s civil
liability arising from the Claim and the Insurer
will not indemnify the Insured for any legal or
contractual liability or other legal obligations
assumed under the Joint Venture or otherwise
by agreement unless such liability would have
attached to the Insured in the absence of such
agreements.
1.2.6 Severability and Non-Imputation The Insurer agrees that where the Policy insures more
than one party, any conduct on the part of any party or
parties whereby such party or parties:
a. failed to comply with the duty of disclosure in
terms of the Insurance Contracts Act 1984 (Cth);
or
b. made a misrepresentation to the Insurer before
this contract of insurance was entered into; or
c. failed to comply with any terms or conditions
of the Policy;
shall not prejudice the right of the remaining parties to
indemnity as may be provided by the Policy; provided
always that such remaining parties shall be entirely
innocent of and have had no prior knowledge of any
such conduct.
1.2.7 Outgoing Principals The Insurer agrees to provide coverage in respect of any
Claim made against any former partner, director,
Principal or Employee of the Insured or any entity as
disclosed in the proposal that previously directed the
business now being conducted by the Insured for any
civil liability incurred on the part of such person in the
conduct of the Business of the Insured.
1.2.8 Project/Construction Managers Where the Insured is retained for a fee or other benefit
as Project or Construction Manager then the Policy shall
provide coverage to the Insured in accordance with
clause 1.1 (Indemnity Clause) but only in respect of
design consultancy, project construction co-ordination
or advice where such activities are carried out by
persons holding Appropriate Professional Qualifications
to perform the Insured’s professional duty.
However, the Policy shall not cover Claims arising from:
a. failure to procure or maintain any financing
for the payment of contract work or
services in connection therewith for any
cause whatsoever;
b. the final cost of a project or any part
thereof exceeding a pre-set financial limit
to which the Insured agreed to be bound;
Focus PIP Policy Wording
PIP 2016.1/03.05.16
c. any incorrect inadequate or misleading
representations or estimates by the Insured
in relation to profit or return on capital;
d. bankruptcy, liquidation or insolvency of any
of the parties involved in the project;
e. use or repair of any real or personal
property or ownership, rental, occupation,
deemed occupation, leasing, maintenance
or operation of any real or personal
property;
f. bodily injury, sickness, disease or death
sustained in the course of their
employment to or of any person arising out
of their employment by the Insured under
either a contract of service or an
apprenticeship with the Insured.
1.2.9 Prior Corporate Entity In the event of a Claim against the incorporated
body(ies) disclosed in the proposal who have previously
directed the business now being conducted by the
Insured firm or incorporated body, the Policy will, to the
extent and in the manner provided for herein, extend, at
the express written request of the Insured, and on the
agreement of the Insurer, made subsequent to the
notification to the Insurer, and upon the written
agreement of the Insured incorporated body(ies) to be
bound by all the terms, exclusions and conditions of the
Policy, to indemnify such incorporated body(ies) as if
they were named Insured PROVIDED ALWAYS THAT the
Policy shall not respond to any Claim made against the
said incorporated body(ies) named in the said proposal
arising from work undertaken after the conduct of such
business has passed to the Insured firm or incorporated
body, unless such work was undertaken in the conduct
by the Insured of the profession stated in the Schedule.
The Insured identified in the Schedule shall be jointly and
severally liable for the payment of the Deductible on
behalf of the named incorporated body(ies).
1.2.10 Employee Dishonesty For the purposes of this Clause 1.2.10 an Employee shall
mean a person or persons in the direct service of the
Insured but in the case of an incorporated body shall
exclude any director.
Provided a dishonest fraudulent criminal or malicious act
or omission is not committed by the Insured, the Insurer
shall indemnify the Insured, in accordance with Clause 1.1
(Indemnity Clause) hereof for any Claim(s) arising from
the conduct of its professional Business, for legal liability
to third parties by reason of:
a. dishonest, criminal, fraudulent or malicious
acts or omissions of an Employee of the
Insured; or
b. misappropriation or theft of funds by an
Employee, provided that all funds were
maintained by the Insured in separate trust
accounts subject to independent annual
audit by a qualified Accountant and that all
such accounts require(d) not less than two
authorised signatories for all payments.
Indemnity under this Additional Benefit shall be limited
to the Limit of Indemnity specified in the Schedule and
that no indemnity shall be given for civil liability involving
the same Employee(s) where there have been previous
notifications under this benefit.
1.2.11 Continuity of Cover Notwithstanding the provisions of Clause 1.1 (Indemnity
Clause), the exclusions of the Policy and only in the
absence of fraudulent non disclosure, the Insurer will
accept Claim notification under the Policy where:
a. a Claim is made during the currency of the
Policy against the Insured by reason of a
fact or circumstance which occurred prior
to the Period of Insurance shown in the
Schedule; and
b. the Insurer was the Insured’s professional
indemnity Insurer at the time when the
Insured first became aware of the
circumstance(s) which subsequently gave
rise to the Claim; and
c. but for the failure of the Insured to have
notified the Insurer of the Known
Circumstance(s) when the Insured first had
knowledge of such circumstance(s), the
Insured would otherwise have been entitled
to indemnity in accordance with the terms
and conditions of the Policy in force at the
time the circumstance(s) ought to have
been notified; and
d. the Insurer has continuously been the
Insured’s professional indemnity Insurer
from the date when the Insured first
became aware of the Claim circumstance(s)
in respect of which notification should have
been given and the date when such
notification was given.
Notwithstanding the above, the indemnity provided by
this Additional Benefit shall be the lesser of the available
Limit of Indemnity under the Policy or the earlier Policy
and otherwise subject to the terms and conditions
Focus PIP Policy Wording
PIP 2016.1/03.05.16
provided under the Policy. For the purposes of this
Clause 1.2.11, insofar as the Insured was insured through
Planned Professional Risks Underwriting Agency at the
time when the Insured first became aware of the
circumstance(s) which subsequently gave rise to the
Claim after the Continuity Date and remained
continuously insured through Planned Professional Risks
Underwriting Agency up to the date of commencement
of this Policy, the provisions of this clause apply as
though the previous insurer(s) was the Insurer.
1.2.12 Inquiry and Hearings Representation
Costs 1.2.12.1 Coronial Inquests
Where the Insured is required by law to attend any
Coronial Inquest arising directly from or out of an
occurrence in connection with the conduct by the
Insured of the profession stated in the Schedule, the
Insurer shall pay all reasonable legal costs, charges and
expenses arising out of the legal representation incurred
by the Insured with the prior written consent of the
Insurer.
1.2.12.2 Registration Board Proceedings
In so far as any complaint (which may form the basis of a
Claim against the Insured as covered by the Policy)
lodged during the Period of Insurance against the Insured
with any professional regulatory authority, or in so far as
any statutory or professional body claims jurisdiction to
enquire into or adjudicate in any such matter, relates to a
Claim, or circumstances which may give rise to a Claim,
under the Policy then the Policy shall pay, within the
terms, including limits, of Clause 1.1 (Indemnity Clause) of
the Policy, all reasonable costs, charges and expenses
incurred by or on behalf of the Insurer or by or on behalf
of the Insured with the Insurer’s prior written consent, in
respect of the investigation and defence of the Insured
at such proceedings.
1.2.12.3 Safe Design Investigations, Examinations and
Prosecutions
Notwithstanding Exclusion 2.17 (Taxes and Punitive
Damages) the Insurer will:
a. indemnify the Insured for any fine or pecuniary
penalty in respect of a proceeding, official
investigation or notice issued against,
commenced or served upon the Insured during
the Period of Insurance pursuant to legislation in
Australia alleging (or which might result in an
allegation) that the Insured has breached
occupational workplace health and safety laws;
b. indemnify the Insured for any compensatory civil
penalty awarded in the jurisdiction of Australia
during the Period of Insurance; and
c. pay all reasonable costs, charges and expenses
incurred by the Insured with the prior written
consent of the Insurer in the defence of any fine or
penalty which, if imposed, would be indemnified by
a or b above.
1.2.12.4 Limit of Cover
Indemnity under this Additional Benefit 1.2.12 (Inquiry,
Hearings and Prosecution Representation Costs) is
limited to Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand dollars
($350,000.00) in the aggregate during the Period of
Insurance. The Excess as specified in the Schedule does
not apply to additional benefit 1.2.12.1, 1.2.12.2 or 1.2.12.3
c.
1.2.13 Loss of Documents If during the Period of Insurance the Insured shall first
discover that any documents as defined by this clause,
the property of or entrusted to the Insured, which may
be now or hereafter be, or be supposed or believed to
be, in the custody of the Insured, or in the custody of any
person to or with whom such documents have been
entrusted, lodged or deposited by the Insured in the
ordinary course of the Business have while within
Australia or New Zealand (or while in transit in and
between Australia and New Zealand or by land, sea or air
anywhere in the world until delivery to the addressee or
their representatives) been destroyed, damaged, lost or
mislaid and after diligent search cannot be found, the
Insurer shall indemnify the Insured against:
a. legal liability which may attach to the
Insured in consequence of such documents
having been so destroyed, damaged, lost or
mislaid, and
b. Costs and Expenses of whatsoever nature
incurred by the Insured in replacing or
restoring such documents provided that
such Costs and Expenses shall be supported
by accounts approved by a competent
person nominated by the Insurer.
PROVIDED ALWAYS THAT:-
a. no indemnity shall be afforded in respect of
any loss brought about by wear and tear
and other gradually operating cause(s), and
b. the expression “documents” shall in this
clause mean deeds, wills, agreements,
maps, plans, books, letters, forms and
documents of any nature whatsoever
Focus PIP Policy Wording
PIP 2016.1/03.05.16
including computer printouts, magnetic
tape and/or discs or other like means of
recording information for use with any
computer recording system but shall not
mean or extend to bearer bonds, coupons,
bank notes, currency notes or negotiable
instruments, and
c. the Policy does not insure loss or damage to
documents the contents of which are
unknown to the Insured at the time such
loss or damage occurs.
1.2.14 Consultants, Sub-Contractors and
Agents The Insurer agrees to provide coverage in respect of any
Claim made against the Insured arising from any conduct
giving rise to civil liability committed or alleged to have
been committed on the part of any consultant,
subcontractor or agent for whose conduct the Insured is
legally liable PROVIDED ALWAYS THAT such coverage
shall not extend to any such consultant, subcontractor
or agent.
1.2.15 Retroactive Cover Unless a retroactive date is specified in the Schedule, the
Policy shall provide cover in respect of civil liability or
alleged civil liability irrespective of when the Insured’s
conduct giving rise to the civil liability or alleged civil
liability occurred.
Where a retroactive date is specified in the Schedule, the
Policy shall only provide cover in respect of civil liability
or alleged civil liability where the Insured’s conduct
giving rise to the civil liability or alleged civil liability
occurred after the retroactive date.
1.2.16 Fidelity The Insurer shall indemnify the Insured against loss of
money belonging to or held in trust by the Insured
caused directly by any act of fraud or dishonesty
committed by any Employee or Principal of the Insured in
the conduct of the Business and discovered and notified
to the Insurer during the Period of Insurance.
PROVIDED ALWAYS THAT:
a. no person committing or condoning such fraud or
dishonesty shall be entitled to indemnity;
b. the Insured must immediately take all reasonable
steps to prevent further loss;
c. if the Insurer so requests the Insured shall take all
reasonable steps to effect recovery from the
person committing or condoning such fraud or
dishonesty;
d. the following will be deducted from any amount
payable under this Policy;
i. any monies which but for such fraud or
dishonesty would be due from the
Insured to the person committing or
condoning such act;
ii. any monies held by the Insured and
belonging to such person; and
iii. any monies recovered following action as
described in c above;
e. the Insurer shall not be liable in respect of any
Claim arising from any fraud or dishonesty
committed by any person after the discovery in
relation to that person of reasonable cause for
suspicion of fraud or dishonesty; and
f. the total amount payable by the Insurer under this
Additional Benefit shall not exceed $50,000 during
the Period of Insurance.
Notwithstanding the Deductible as specified in the
Schedule, the Deductible applicable to this Additional
Benefit 1.2.16 shall be $5,000 during the Period of
Insurance.
1.2.17 Court Attendance The Insurer agrees to pay the court attendance costs of
any Principal or Employee of the Insured who is legally
required to attend court as a witness in respect of any
Claim covered by the Policy, to an amount not exceeding
$500 per day for Principals and $250 per day for
Employees.
Indemnity under this Additional Benefit 1.2.17 Court
Attendance is limited to $1,000 per day and $10,000 in
the aggregate during the Period of Insurance. The
Deductible as specified in the Schedule, does not apply to
this Additional Benefit.
1.2.18 Novation The Insurer will indemnify the Insured in respect of any
Claim made against the Insured arising out of the Insured
having entered into a Deed of Novation provided that
this clause does not extend the Policy to cover:
a. liabilities that were not otherwise covered
by the Policy prior to novation; or
b. any additional or duplicated liability where
the Deed of Novation imposes upon the
Insured liability to both the original client
and the new client in respect of the same
professional services.
Focus PIP Policy Wording
PIP 2016.1/03.05.16
Deed of Novation means a deed or agreement which
provides that the professional services contract between
the Insured and the Insured’s original client will be
novated so that the rights and obligations of the
Insured’s original client under the professional services
contract are assumed by a new client.
1.2.19 Public Relations Expenses The Insurer will indemnify the Insured for Public Relations
Expenses incurred by the Insured in respect of an Adverse
Publicity Event that first occurs and is notified to the
Insurer during the Period of Insurance. The total liability
of the Insurer under this extension is limited to $100,000
in the aggregate during the Period of Insurance.
Notwithstanding the Deductible as specified in the
Schedule, the Deductible applicable to this subclause
shall be $1,000 each and every Claim.
1.2.20 Claims Preparations Costs The Insurer will pay up to $25,000 in the aggregate
during the Period of Insurance for reasonable
professional fees and such other expenses payable by
the Insured to third parties with the Insurer’s prior
written consent, which consent will not be unreasonably
withheld, for the preparation of any Claim that is covered
by this Policy.
This amount is in addition to the Limit of Indemnity.
Provided that such claims preparation costs shall not
include any Costs and Expenses.
Notwithstanding the Deductible as specified in the
Schedule, the Deductible applicable to this subclause
shall be Nil.
Focus PIP Policy Wording
PIP 2016.1/03.05.16
SECTION 2 – EXCLUSION
The Insurer shall not be liable for any Claim(s) or loss
(including Costs and Expenses) arising from or in respect
of or as a result of:
2.1 Claims and Circumstances Known at
Inception any Claim made against the Insured prior to the
commencement of the Period of Insurance; nor in respect
of any Claim(s) or circumstance(s) notified under any
previous policy; nor in respect of any Claim(s) or Known
Circumstances; nor in respect of any Claim(s) or
circumstance(s) noted on the proposal form, declaration
or underwriting information being the basis of the Policy.
2.2 Dishonesty any actual or alleged dishonest, fraudulent, malicious,
criminal or deliberate conduct of or on behalf of the
Insured, or any Employee(s) of the Insured or agent(s) of
the Insured other than as provided for under Additional
Benefit 1.2.10 (Employee Dishonesty).
2.3 Insolvency the insolvency or bankruptcy or liquidation of the
Insured.
2.4 Assumed Liability any liability assumed by the Insured under any express
warranty, guarantee or agreement unless such liability
would have attached to the Insured notwithstanding
such express warranty, guarantee or agreement.
2.5 Director’s Liability liability or alleged liability of the Insured or any Principal
of the Insured arising solely from the duties of the
Insured or such Principal as a director or officer of any
company.
2.6 Occupier’s Liability liability incurred or alleged to have been incurred as a
result of any occupation or ownership of any real
property by the Insured.
2.7 Employer’s Liability bodily injury, mental injury, sickness, disease or death of
any Employee of the Insured or damage to or destruction
of any property of any Employee, including loss of use,
arising out of, or in the course of, their employment.
2.8 Waiver of Rights the Insured having at any time forgone, excluded or
limited a right of recovery.
2.9 Professional Fees any action for a refund of professional fees whether by
way of damages or otherwise.
2.10 Trading Debts any trading debt incurred or alleged to have been
incurred by the Insured or any guarantee given by the
Insured or alleged to have been given for any debt.
2.11 Real Estate Developer, Builder,
Manufacturer arising directly or indirectly from the Insured undertaking
or allegedly undertaking:
a. the manufacture, sale or distribution of any
product or process or patented production
process (including any breach of any
express or implied warranty);
b. construction, fabrication, erection,
installation, assembly, alteration, repair or
servicing activities or any form of building
contracting;
c. faulty or inadequate workmanship;
d. real estate or property development by or
on behalf of the Insured. However, this
Exclusion shall not apply to Claim(s) by
independent third parties arising out of the
actual or alleged negligence of the Insured
in the conduct of the Business of the
Insured.
2.12 Goods Sold the sale or supply of goods by or on behalf of the
Insured.
2.13 Joint Venture, Project or Construction
Business any activities or the performance of or by the Insured of
services, where the Insured:
a. was involved as a joint venturer or partner,
or
b. acted as a Project or Construction Manager
except where otherwise expressly covered elsewhere in
the Policy.
Focus PIP Policy Wording
PIP 2016.1/03.05.16
2.14 Other Business the conduct of any Business not conducted by or on
behalf of the Insured or for the benefit of the Insured.
2.15 Related Parties any matter(s) in respect of which a Claim is made against
the Insured:
a. by any person or entity named as an Insured in
the Policy; or
b. by any company or trust operated or controlled
by an Insured and/or by Employees, nominees or
trustees of an Insured or in which that Insured
or that Insured’s spouse or child has a direct or
indirect financial interest; or
c. by any person or entity advised or induced by
the Insured or by anyone acting on the Insured’s
behalf to invest in or lend money to any
company being a company or trust referred to
in the preceding subclause, or to any person or
entity named as an Insured under the Policy; or
d. by the Insured’s spouse, de facto partner or
child;
except where a Claim by a party referred to in subclause
a, b or d above seeks contribution from an Insured to a
claim made by a third party (not being a party referred to
in subclauses a-d above) and that Claim, if made directly
against the Insured, would have been covered by the
Policy.
2.16 Jurisdiction and Territory a. any Claim or action brought in a Court of law or
pursuant to an arbitral process within the territorial limits of, or governed by the laws of, the United States of America or Canada or their territories or protectorates;
i. or b. the enforcement of any judgment, order or
award obtained within, or determined pursuant to, the laws of the United States of America or Canada or their territories or protectorates; or
c. any act, error or omission committed or alleged
to have been committed within the territorial
limits of the United States of America or
Canada or their territories or protectorates.
2.17 Taxes and Punitive Damages punitive and/or exemplary and/or aggravated damages,
fines and/or penalties imposed by law and/or taxes
(other than GST).
2.18 Aircraft the ownership, use, maintenance or operation of any
aircraft, boats, automobiles or vehicles of any kind by or
on behalf of the Insured.
2.19 War/Terrorism a. war, invasion, acts of foreign enemies, or
hostilities (whether war is declared or
otherwise); or
b. insurrection, civil or military uprising,
rebellion, civil war or usurped power; or
c. terrorism; being any act of any person or
group of people, involving the use of or
threat of force or violence, where the
purpose of the act by its nature or context
is to further a political, religious or
ideological aim and/or to intimidate or
influence a government (whether lawfully
constituted or otherwise), the public or any
section of the public; or
d. the confiscation, nationalisation, requisition
or destruction of, or damage to, any
property by or under order (whether lawful
or otherwise) of any government, public or
local authority; or
e. the imposition of any economic, trade or
political sanctions (whether lawful or
otherwise) by any sovereign power.
2.20 Nuclear Risks a. ionising radiation or contamination by
radioactivity from any nuclear fuel,
weapon, medical isotope, waste or other
material whether occurring naturally or
otherwise; or
b. the radioactive, toxic, explosive or other
hazardous properties of any explosive
nuclear assembly or nuclear component
thereof; or
c. the storage, transport, assembly,
disassembly, maintenance or operation of
any nuclear weapon or nuclear component
thereof.
2.21 Asbestos arising directly or indirectly out of or resulting from or in
consequence of, or in any way involving asbestos, or any
materials containing asbestos in whatever form or
quantity.
2.22 Toxic Mould arising directly or indirectly out of or resulting from or in
consequence of, or in any way involving:
Focus PIP Policy Wording
PIP 2016.1/03.05.16
a. the actual, potential, alleged or threatened
formation, growth, presence, release or
dispersal of any fungi, moulds, spores or
mycotoxins of any kind; or
b. any action taken by any party in response
to the actual, potential, alleged or
threatened formation, growth, presence,
release or dispersal of fungi, moulds, spores
or mycotoxins of any kind, such action to
include investigating, testing for, detection
of, monitoring of, treating, remediating or
removing such fungi, moulds, spores or
mycotoxins; or
c. any governmental or regulatory order,
requirement, directive, mandate or decree
that any party take action in response to
the actual, potential, alleged or threatened
formation, growth, presence, release or
dispersal of fungi, moulds, spores or
mycotoxins of any kind, such action to
include investigating, testing for, detection
of, monitoring of, treating, remediating or
removing such fungi, moulds, spores or
mycotoxins.
2.23 Pre-purchase Building Inspections Any pre-purchase building inspection activities
undertaken or allegedly undertaken by or on behalf of
the Insured.
Focus PIP Policy Wording
PIP 2016.1/03.05.16
SECTION 3 - CONDITIONS
3.1 Notification of Claims All Claims must be immediately notified to the Insurer in
accordance with Clause 1.1 (Indemnity Clause) regardless
of whether or not the Insured believes the quantum of
any such Claim is likely to be within or above the amount
of the Deductible specified in the Schedule.
3.2 Defence and/or Settlement Subject to the provisions of the Insurance Contracts Act
1984 (Cth), the Insured shall not admit liability for or
settle any Claim (including any threat or intimation of a
Claim or any circumstances which may give rise to a
Claim, notified to the Insurer during the Period of
Insurance) or incur any Costs or Expenses in connection
therewith without the prior written consent of the
Insurer who shall be entitled to take over and conduct in
the name of the Insured the defence and/or settlement
of any Claim.
3.3 Deductible In respect of each and every Claim made against the
Insured, the Deductible specified in the Schedule shall be
borne by the Insured at the Insured’s own risk and
uninsured. The Insurer shall be liable to indemnify the
Insured only for the difference between the amount of
the Deductible and the amount of the Limit of Indemnity,
provided always that the indemnity for Costs and
Expenses incurred with the prior written consent of the
Insurer shall not be subject to the Deductible.
Where the Insurer has paid a Claim inclusive of the
amount of the Deductible the Insured shall pay the
amount of the Deductible on demand to the Insurer.
3.4 Subrogation The Insurer shall be entitled to claim indemnity or
contribution at any time in the name of the Insured from
any party against whom the Insured may have such
rights provided always that the Insurer shall not exercise
any subrogated rights of recovery against any Employee
of the Insured unless the Claim has been brought about
or contributed to by the dishonest, fraudulent, criminal
or malicious act or omission of the Employee.
3.5 Insurer’s Right to Contest If the Insured refuses to consent to any settlement of
any Claim recommended by the Insurer and elects to
contest or continue any Legal Proceedings in connection
with such Claim, the Insurer’s liability shall not exceed
the amount for which the matter could have been so
settled (subject to the aggregate Limit of Indemnity) less
the Deductible specified in the Schedule together with
Costs and Expenses incurred up to the date of such
refusal.
3.6 Claims Co-operation At the Insured’s own expense, the Insured shall give to
the Insurer all such information and assistance as they
may reasonably require to enable them to investigate
and defend any Claim or any litigation against the Insured
or in the prosecution of any recovery action by the
Insurer and/or to enable the Insurer to determine their
liability under the Policy. The Insured agrees to waive any
right to claim legal professional privilege to the extent
only that the privilege would otherwise prevent any legal
representative from disclosing information to the
Insurer. The Insured shall, at its own expense, do all such
things reasonably necessary and practicable to avoid or
diminish any loss hereunder.
3.7 Senior Counsel Neither the Insurer nor the Insured shall require the
other to contest or continue to contest any Legal
Proceedings in respect of any Claim unless a Senior
Counsel (to be mutually agreed upon by the Insured and
the Insurer) shall advise that such Claim should be
contested.
In formulating such advice, Senior Counsel shall take into
consideration the economics of the matter, the damages
and costs which are likely to be recovered by the
plaintiff, the likely Costs and Expenses and the prospects
of the Insured successfully defending the Claim.
The cost of such Senior Counsel’s opinion shall be
regarded as part of the Costs and Expenses recoverable
under the Policy.
3.8 Joint and Several Liability Where the Insured is an incorporated body and, where
any legislation provides that directors of the Insured are
jointly and severally liable with the incorporated body for
any civil liability incurred by it, then the Policy shall
indemnify all directors of the Insured in respect of any
liability so imputed, but only to the extent that such
liability would have been covered by the Policy if the civil
action had been taken against the Insured incorporated
body alone. An unqualified Principal (whether a director
or otherwise) is not granted indemnity by reason of this
Focus PIP Policy Wording
PIP 2016.1/03.05.16
provision in respect of civil liability of that Principal
unless the work, the subject of the Claim, is work in
respect of the profession stated in the Schedule and was
being done under the direct supervision or control of a
qualified Principal or a professionally qualified Employee
of the Insured.
3.9 Multiple Claims All causally connected or interrelated civil liabilities shall
jointly constitute a single civil liability under the Policy.
Where conduct of an Insured results in a civil liability or
alleged civil liability and gives rise to more than one
Claim, all such Claims shall jointly constitute one Claim
under the Policy, and only one Limit of Indemnity and one
Deductible shall be applicable in respect of such Claim.
3.10 Cancellation The Insured may cancel the Policy at any time by
notifying the Insurer in writing. The Insurer may cancel
the Policy only in accordance with the relevant
provisions of the Insurance Contracts Act 1984 (Cth) and
shall provide a pro-rata refund of Premium for the
unexpired portion of the Period of Insurance.
3.11 Notices Any notices required to be given to the Insurer including
notification of Claims or applications for indemnity may
be made or notified to Planned Professional Risk
Services, P.O. Box 2257 Caulfield Junction 3161.
3.12 Headings Any headings in the Policy are included for the purpose
of reference only and do not form part of the Policy for
interpretation purposes.
3.13 GST Where under the Policy the Insurer is obliged to
indemnify the Insured against any Claim, or Costs and
Expenses, for which the Insured is entitled to an input tax
credit for the GST, the amount of any such input tax
credit will be deducted from the amount payable by the
Insurer.
3.14 Governing Law The Policy will be governed in accordance with the laws
of Australia. Any disputes relating to interpretation will
be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts
of Australia.
3.15 Insurers Several Liability The subscribing Insurers’ obligations under this Policy to
which they subscribe are several and not joint and are
limited solely to the extent of their individual
subscriptions. The subscribing Insurers are not
responsible for the subscription of any co-subscribing
insurer who for any reason does not satisfy all or part of
its obligations.
3.16 Complaints Handling and General
Insurance Code of Practice This insurance complies with the Insurance Council of
Australia’s General Insurance Code of Practice, apart
from any claims adjusted outside Australia.
Underwriters at Lloyd’s proudly support the General
Insurance Code of Practice. The purpose of the Code is
to raise standards of practice and service in the general
insurance industry. Any enquiry or complaint relating to
this Insurance should be referred to the Coverholder
shown above in the first instance. If this does not
resolve the matter or you are not satisfied with the way
a complaint has been dealt with, you should contact:
Lloyd’s Underwriters’ General Representative in Australia Level 9, 1 O’Connell Street Sydney NSW 2000 Telephone Number: (02) 8298 0783
Who will refer your dispute to Policyholder & Market
Assistance at Lloyd’s.
Complaints that cannot be resolved by Policyholder &
Market Assistance may be referred to the Financial
Ombudsman Service (UK). Further details will be
provided at the appropriate stage of the complaints
process.
3.17 Service of Suit
The Insurers hereon agree that:
a. In the event of a dispute arising under this
Insurance, the Insurers at the request of the
Insured will submit to the jurisdiction of any
competent Court in the Commonwealth of
Australia. Such dispute shall be determined in
accordance with the law and practice
applicable in such Court.
b. Any summons notice or process to be served
upon the Insurers may be served upon: Lloyd’s Underwriters’ General Representative
in Australia Level 9, 1 O’Connell Street Sydney NSW 2000 Telephone Number: (02) 8298 0700
who has authority to accept service and to
enter an appearance on the Insurers’ behalf,
and who is directed at the request of the
Focus PIP Policy Wording
PIP 2016.1/03.05.16
Insured to give a written undertaking to the
Insured that he will enter an appearance on the
Insurers’ behalf.
c. If a suit is instituted against any one of the
Insures, all Insurers hereon will abide by the
final decision of such Court or any competent
Appellate Court.
Focus PIP Policy Wording
PIP 2016.1/03.05.16
SECTION 4 - DEFINITIONS
4.1 Adverse Publicity Event means an event which, in the reasonable opinion of a
Principal of the Insured, might cause the reputation of
the Insured to be seriously affected by adverse or
negative publicity.
4.2 Appropriate Professional
Qualifications: means professional qualifications which equip the
person(s) to carry out the work or undertaking required
to be carried out in the conduct of the profession stated
in the Schedule.
4.3 Business: means the carrying out of those functions normally
associated with the conduct of the members of the
profession stated in the Schedule.
4.4 Claim: means:
a. any originating process (in Legal
Proceedings or arbitration), cross claim or
counterclaim or third party or similar notice
issued and served upon an Insured claiming
compensation or alleging any civil liability in
connection with the conduct of the
Business of the Insured; or
b. any written communication received by the
Insured which alleges any civil liability in
connection with the Business of the Insured.
All Claims made against the Insured arising from the same set of circumstances or the same causal event shall be treated as one Claim for the purposes of the Policy.
4.5 Continuity Date: means the date specified in the Schedule.
4.6 Costs and Expenses: means the expenses incurred by or on behalf of the
Insurer, or by or on behalf of the Insured with the
Insurer’s prior written consent, in the investigation,
defence or settlement of a Claim covered by the Policy
and shall include legal costs and disbursements.
4.7 Deductible: means the amount borne by the Insured for each and
every Claim and not otherwise insured. Such amount
shall be net of any input tax credit the Insured may be
entitled to claim for the GST.
4.8 Employee: means a natural person who is not a Principal, who:
a. is engaged by the Insured to provide
professional services in the course of the
conduct of the profession stated in Schedule,
directly for the Insured; and
b. is throughout the engagement directly
controlled and supervised by the Insured in
the course of the conduct of the profession
stated in the Schedule at the time of the
relevant act, error or omission giving rise to a
Claim under the Policy.
4.9 Inception Date of the Policy: means the date on which the Period of Insurance as
specified in the Schedule commences.
4.10 Insured: means:
a. the person, persons, partnership, company,
or other entity specified under the heading
“Insured” in the Schedule including their
predecessors in business, and
b. any person who is or may become, during the
Period of Insurance, a Principal, partner,
director or Employee of anyone or any entity
referred to in sub-clause 4.10(a); and
c. any former Principals, partners, directors or
Employees of any person or entity referred to
in sub-clauses 4.10(a), and only in respect of
work undertaken for and on behalf of any
entity referred to in sub-clause 4.10(a); and
d. the estate, heirs, legal representatives or
legal assigns of any natural person insured
under the Policy in the event of the death or
legal incapacity of such person.
4.11 Insurer: means certain underwriters at Lloyd’s.
4.12 Joint Venture: means an enterprise carried out in common by the
Insured with a third party or parties not being a named
Insured under the Policy and:
a. where the Insured is a co-owner of the joint venture entity along with the third party or parties; or
Focus PIP Policy Wording
PIP 2016.1/03.05.16
b. where the Insured has no legal or equitable interest in the joint venture other than a fee for service.
4.13 Known Circumstances: means any circumstance(s) of which the Insured was
aware at the Inception Date of the Policy and which the
Insured knew or ought reasonably to have known might
give rise to a Claim under the Policy.
4.14 Legal Proceedings: means any proceeding commenced whether by Writ,
Summons, Complaint or the like in any court of law,
other than in the United States of America or Canada or
their territories or protectorates.
4.15 Limit of Indemnity: means the limit of the Insurers(s) liability under the Policy
as specified in the Schedule.
4.16 Outgoing Principals: means any person who was a qualified Principal of the
Insured at any time but who is no longer, or who during
the currency of the Policy ceases to be, a Principal of the
Insured.
4.17 Period of Insurance: means the period shown in the Schedule.
4.18 Policy: means:
a. the Insuring Clauses, Additional Benefits,
Exclusions, Conditions, Definitions and
Schedule herein;
b. the Endorsement(s) attaching to and forming
part hereof either at the commencement of or
during the Period of Insurance;
c. the proposal completed by the Insured; and
d. the fee declaration completed by the Insured.
4.19 Premium: means the premium specified in the Schedule or the
premium relating to any Endorsement to the Policy.
4.20 Principal: means a person being a partner, director or sole
practitioner of the Insured (deemed to be “qualified”
only if, at the time the work giving rise to a Claim
hereunder was undertaken, he or she held the
Appropriate Professional Qualifications) but does not
mean an Employee of the Insured.
4.21 Public Relations Expenses: means the reasonable costs, charges, fees and expenses
of a public relations firm or consultant engaged to
prevent or limit the adverse effects of or negative
publicity from an Adverse Publicity Event, which the
Insured may engage with the prior written consent of
the Insurer, but only during the first thirty days
immediately following the Adverse Publicity Event.
4.22 Schedule: means the schedule to the Policy.
4.23 Senior Counsel: means a barrister in active practice who is entitled to use
the post-nominals Q.C. or S.C. in any one or more
superior court in Australia or New Zealand.