Ltd company and subcontractor PI insurance

[Engineer J]

Hi there I need some legal advice please. I run a small business supplying construction related services to clients mainly in London. I use subcontractors who have their own PI insurance, and up until now have had my own PI insurance. However, I now cannot get PI insurance and so need to know how I can still supply my services through these subcontractors without my own PI but assuring my clients that we are covered by the subcontractors' PI. I'm guessing there may be some sort of contract that could be drawn up to make this clear - would anyone have knowledge in this area?

[atticus]

I would not do that.

[atticus]

Or rather you do that at your own risk if for some reason you are found liable but the subcontractor is either not insured or the insurer voids the policy.

If you tell clients that you do not have insurance, won't this affect their willingness to deal with you?

Why can you not get insurance? Have you tried a specialist broker?

[Engineer J]

Thanks for your replies.
I have tried a specialist broker and unfortunately due to a claim 5 years ago, along with the broker changing their preferred underwriter I am unable to get PI unless I pay £30k a year (as opposed to about £3k last year).
The subcontractors all have valid PI already with the same company that previously insured me so I don't see why that would not be valid.
It may indeed affect some of my clients' willingness to deal with me, even though materially it makes no difference if there is a claim (in effect my insurers would be claiming against the subbie's insurance anyway), but I just need to explore options.

[atticus]

If you are willing to take that risk, your solicitor will be able to provide suitable wording for your terms of business.

This raises another question. If you were to be able to limit your liability to, say, £100,000, would affordable insurance cover be available? Something to ask your broker.