Cyber Insurance vs Professional Indemnity: Which Do You Need?

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Understanding the difference between cyber insurance and professional indemnity insurance is crucial for complete business protection

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We compare quotes from leading insurers

  • Allianz
  • Aviva
  • QBE
  • RSA
  • Zurich
  • NIG

THE KEY DIFFERENCES EXPLAINED

While both policies protect your business, they cover fundamentally different risks

Cyber Insurance

Cyber Insurance

Protects against digital threats, data breaches, cyber attacks, and technology failures

Professional Indemnity

Professional Indemnity

Protects against claims arising from professional advice, services, or negligence

Quick Comparison: Cyber Insurance vs Professional Indemnity

Cyber Insurance Covers


  • Data breaches and theft
  • Ransomware attacks
  • Network security failures
  • Business interruption from cyber incidents
  • Cyber extortion
  • GDPR fines and regulatory penalties
  • Notification and credit monitoring costs
  • Forensic investigation expenses

Professional Indemnity Covers


  • Professional negligence claims
  • Errors in advice or services
  • Breach of professional duty
  • Defamation or libel claims
  • Loss of documents or data (non-cyber)
  • Intellectual property infringement
  • Breach of confidentiality
  • Legal defence costs

What Each Insurance Type Protects Against

Cyber Insurance: Technology & Digital Risks


Focus: Digital threats and system failures

  • Ransomware encrypting your systems
  • Hackers stealing customer data
  • Website downtime from DDoS attacks
  • Email compromise and CEO fraud
  • Malware infections spreading through networks
  • Phishing attacks targeting employees
  • Cloud service provider breaches
  • System failures causing business interruption

Professional Indemnity: Service & Advice Risks


Focus: Professional liability and negligence

  • Accountant providing incorrect tax advice
  • Solicitor missing a legal deadline
  • Consultant's recommendation causing financial loss
  • Doctor's misdiagnosis or treatment error
  • IT consultant's poor system design
  • Architect's design flaw causing construction issues
  • Marketing agency's campaign causing brand damage
  • Loss of client documents or intellectual property

Who Needs Cyber Insurance?

Businesses That Store Data


  • E-commerce retailers (customer payment data)
  • Healthcare providers (patient records)
  • Financial services (account information)
  • SaaS companies (client data)
  • Hospitality businesses (guest information)
  • Any business with online operations

Businesses Vulnerable to Cyber Attacks


  • Manufacturing (operational technology)
  • Professional services (client confidentiality)
  • Retail (payment processing)
  • Construction (project management systems)
  • Automotive (connected systems)
  • Any business relying on IT systems

Who Needs Professional Indemnity Insurance?

Professional Services


  • Accountants and bookkeepers
  • Solicitors and legal advisors
  • Management consultants
  • IT consultants and system designers
  • Financial advisors
  • Architects and surveyors
  • Engineers
  • Marketing and PR agencies

Healthcare & Specialized Sectors


  • Doctors and medical professionals
  • Dentists
  • Therapists and counsellors
  • Veterinarians
  • Opticians
  • Training and education providers
  • Insurance brokers
  • Real estate agents

Do You Need Both?

Many businesses need BOTH cyber insurance and professional indemnity insurance for complete protection.

Businesses That Definitely Need Both


  • IT Consultants: Provide professional advice AND handle client data
  • Accountants: Offer professional services AND store financial data
  • Legal Firms: Provide legal advice AND hold confidential client information
  • Healthcare Providers: Deliver medical services AND maintain patient records
  • Financial Advisors: Provide investment advice AND manage client funds
  • Management Consultants: Offer strategic advice AND access sensitive business data

Why Both Policies Matter


Professional Indemnity covers claims from clients about your advice or services

Cyber Insurance covers claims from data breaches or system failures

These are completely different risks requiring different coverage.

Example: A solicitor's firm needs PI for legal advice errors AND cyber insurance for client data breaches.

Real-World Scenarios: When Each Insurance Applies

Scenario 1: Accountant's Data Breach


What Happened: An accountancy firm was hit by ransomware. Hackers encrypted client tax records and demanded £50,000.

Coverage Needed: CYBER INSURANCE

Why: This is a digital attack on systems and data, not a professional negligence claim. Cyber insurance covered:

  • Ransom negotiation costs
  • Forensic investigation
  • Data recovery services
  • Client notification expenses
  • Business interruption losses

Professional Indemnity: Would NOT cover this (not a professional error)

Scenario 2: Accountant's Bad Advice


What Happened: An accountant gave incorrect tax advice, costing a client £30,000 in unexpected tax bills and penalties.

Coverage Needed: PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY

Why: This is professional negligence, not a cyber incident. PI insurance covered:

  • Client's financial loss
  • Legal defence costs
  • Settlement or judgment
  • Investigation expenses

Cyber Insurance: Would NOT cover this (not a digital threat)

Scenario 3: Legal Firm's Cyber Attack


What Happened: Hackers breached a law firm's email system and stole confidential client documents. The firm faced GDPR fines and had to notify clients.

Coverage Needed: CYBER INSURANCE

Why: This is a data breach and network security failure. Cyber insurance covered:

  • Forensic investigation
  • GDPR fine defence
  • Client notification costs
  • Credit monitoring services
  • Regulatory compliance support

Professional Indemnity: Would NOT cover this (not a professional error)

Scenario 4: Solicitor's Missed Deadline


What Happened: A solicitor missed a critical court filing deadline, causing a client to lose their case and £100,000 in damages.

Coverage Needed: PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY

Why: This is professional negligence. PI insurance covered:

  • Client's loss of damages
  • Legal defence costs
  • Settlement payment
  • Investigation and expert fees

Cyber Insurance: Would NOT cover this (not a digital threat)

Scenario 5: Healthcare Provider's Data Loss


What Happened: A clinic's backup system failed, causing loss of patient medical records. The clinic had to notify patients and faced ICO investigation.

Coverage Needed: CYBER INSURANCE

Why: This is a system failure and data loss incident. Cyber insurance covered:

  • Data recovery attempts
  • Patient notification costs
  • Regulatory investigation support
  • Business interruption losses
  • Credit monitoring for patients

Professional Indemnity: Would NOT cover this (not a professional error)

Scenario 6: Doctor's Misdiagnosis


What Happened: A doctor misdiagnosed a patient's condition, delaying proper treatment and causing permanent injury. The patient sued for £200,000.

Coverage Needed: PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY

Why: This is professional negligence in medical care. PI insurance covered:

  • Patient's compensation claim
  • Legal defence costs
  • Medical expert witness fees
  • Settlement or judgment payment

Cyber Insurance: Would NOT cover this (not a digital threat)

Industry-Specific Guidance

Professional Services Firms


Accountants, Solicitors, Consultants

  • Professional Indemnity: Essential for professional liability claims
  • Cyber Insurance: Essential for client data protection
  • Recommendation: BOTH policies required

Healthcare Providers


Doctors, Dentists, Therapists, Clinics

  • Professional Indemnity: Essential for medical negligence claims
  • Cyber Insurance: Essential for patient data protection
  • Recommendation: BOTH policies required

E-Commerce & Retail


Online Retailers, Shops, Marketplaces

  • Professional Indemnity: May be needed if providing advice
  • Cyber Insurance: Essential for payment data and customer information
  • Recommendation: Cyber Insurance essential; PI if applicable

IT & Technology Companies


IT Consultants, Software Developers, Tech Support

  • Professional Indemnity: Essential for advice and design errors
  • Cyber Insurance: Essential for client data and systems
  • Recommendation: BOTH policies required

Hospitality & Food Service


Restaurants, Hotels, Cafes, Bars

  • Professional Indemnity: Generally not needed
  • Cyber Insurance: Important for payment systems and customer data
  • Recommendation: Cyber Insurance recommended

Financial Services


Financial Advisors, Brokers, Insurance Agents

  • Professional Indemnity: Essential for advice errors
  • Cyber Insurance: Essential for client financial data
  • Recommendation: BOTH policies required

Key Differences at a Glance

Cyber Insurance


  • Focus: Digital threats and technology
  • Covers: Breaches, ransomware, system failures
  • Claims from: Anyone affected by your data loss
  • Key Risk: Cyber attacks and data theft
  • Regulatory: GDPR fines, compliance costs
  • Business Impact: System downtime, lost data

Professional Indemnity


  • Focus: Professional services and advice
  • Covers: Negligence, errors, omissions
  • Claims from: Your clients or customers
  • Key Risk: Professional mistakes
  • Regulatory: Professional standards compliance
  • Business Impact: Reputation, client loss
Quote icon

We thought we only needed professional indemnity, but when we were hit by ransomware, we realised cyber insurance was equally critical. Now we have both.

James T., Accounting Firm Director

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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What is the main difference between cyber insurance and professional indemnity?

Cyber insurance protects against digital threats like data breaches and ransomware attacks. Professional indemnity protects against claims arising from professional negligence or errors in your advice or services. They cover completely different risks.

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Do I need both cyber insurance and professional indemnity?

If your business provides professional services AND stores customer data, you likely need both. Examples include accountants, solicitors, IT consultants, healthcare providers, and financial advisors. Contact us for a risk assessment.

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Can professional indemnity insurance cover cyber attacks?

No. Professional indemnity insurance covers claims from professional negligence or errors. Cyber attacks and data breaches are covered by cyber insurance. These are separate risks requiring separate policies.

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Can cyber insurance cover professional negligence claims?

No. Cyber insurance covers digital threats and data breaches. Claims arising from professional errors or negligence are covered by professional indemnity insurance, not cyber insurance.

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Which businesses absolutely need cyber insurance?

Any business that stores customer data, processes payments online, or relies on IT systems should have cyber insurance. This includes e-commerce, healthcare, finance, professional services, hospitality, and retail businesses.

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Which businesses absolutely need professional indemnity insurance?

Any business that provides professional advice or services should have professional indemnity insurance. This includes accountants, solicitors, consultants, doctors, dentists, architects, engineers, and financial advisors.

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Does cyber insurance cover GDPR fines?

Yes, many cyber insurance policies include coverage for GDPR fines and regulatory penalties following a data breach. Professional indemnity insurance does not cover GDPR fines.

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Does professional indemnity insurance cover data breaches?

No. Professional indemnity insurance covers claims from professional errors or negligence. Data breaches are covered by cyber insurance. If your data is breached due to poor security (not professional error), cyber insurance applies.

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Can I combine cyber insurance and professional indemnity into one policy?

Some insurers offer combined policies, but they are typically separate products. We recommend discussing your specific needs with our specialists to determine the best approach for your business.

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What does cyber insurance cover that professional indemnity doesn't?

Cyber insurance covers data breaches, ransomware attacks, network security failures, business interruption from cyber incidents, GDPR fines, forensic investigation costs, and notification expenses. Professional indemnity does not cover any of these.

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What does professional indemnity cover that cyber insurance doesn't?

Professional indemnity covers claims from professional negligence, errors in advice or services, breach of professional duty, defamation claims, intellectual property infringement, and breach of confidentiality (non-cyber). Cyber insurance does not cover these.

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Do accountants need both cyber and professional indemnity insurance?

Yes, absolutely. Accountants need professional indemnity for errors in tax advice or financial recommendations, and cyber insurance for protecting client financial data and systems from breaches or attacks.

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Do solicitors need both cyber and professional indemnity insurance?

Yes, solicitors need professional indemnity for legal errors or missed deadlines, and cyber insurance for protecting confidential client documents and complying with data protection regulations.

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Do IT consultants need both cyber and professional indemnity insurance?

Yes, IT consultants need professional indemnity for errors in system design or recommendations, and cyber insurance for protecting client data and systems from breaches or attacks.

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Do healthcare providers need both cyber and professional indemnity insurance?

Yes, healthcare providers need professional indemnity for medical negligence claims, and cyber insurance for protecting patient medical records and complying with GDPR.

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Does a restaurant need cyber insurance or professional indemnity?

Restaurants typically need cyber insurance to protect customer payment data and reservation systems. Professional indemnity is generally not needed unless the restaurant provides catering consulting services.

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Does an e-commerce retailer need cyber insurance or professional indemnity?

E-commerce retailers definitely need cyber insurance to protect customer payment data, personal information, and online systems. Professional indemnity is generally not needed unless providing product advice or consulting.

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What happens if I have a cyber attack but only professional indemnity insurance?

Your professional indemnity insurance will not cover the cyber attack. You would be responsible for all costs including forensic investigation, data recovery, notification, regulatory fines, and business interruption losses. This is why cyber insurance is essential.

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What happens if I make a professional error but only have cyber insurance?

Your cyber insurance will not cover professional negligence claims. You would be personally liable for the client's losses, legal defence costs, and any settlement or judgment. This is why professional indemnity insurance is essential for service providers.

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How much does cyber insurance cost compared to professional indemnity?

Costs vary significantly based on business size, industry, revenue, and risk profile. Cyber insurance premiums typically range from £500-£5,000+ annually depending on coverage. Professional indemnity costs similarly vary. Contact us for a personalised quote.

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Can I get a discount if I purchase both policies together?

Many insurers offer discounts for bundling multiple policies. Contact our team to discuss your specific situation and explore available discounts for combining cyber insurance and professional indemnity.

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How do I know which insurance my business needs?

Ask yourself: (1) Do I provide professional advice or services? If yes, you need professional indemnity. (2) Do I store customer data or rely on IT systems? If yes, you need cyber insurance. If both apply, you need both policies. Contact us for a free risk assessment.

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What if my professional indemnity insurer also offers cyber insurance?

Many insurers offer both products. You can purchase from the same provider for convenience, but ensure both policies provide adequate coverage for your specific risks. Compare quotes to ensure you're getting the best value.

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Are cyber insurance and professional indemnity required by law?

While not legally required for most businesses, professional indemnity is often required by professional bodies or client contracts. Cyber insurance is increasingly required by clients, partners, and regulators. Both are strongly recommended.

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Can I adjust my coverage if my business changes?

Yes, you can review and adjust your coverage during renewal or contact your insurer to discuss mid-term changes. If your business expands or changes services, inform your insurer to ensure adequate coverage.

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What should I do if I'm unsure which insurance I need?

Contact Insure24 for a free consultation. Our specialists will assess your business, identify your risks, and recommend the appropriate coverage. Call 0330 127 2333 or complete our online quote form.

Our Expert Team Can Help


  • Free risk assessment to identify your insurance needs
  • Comparison quotes from leading insurers
  • Expert guidance on cyber vs professional indemnity
  • Tailored policies for your specific business
  • Ongoing support and claims assistance

Summary: Cyber Insurance vs Professional Indemnity

Understanding the difference between these two insurance types is crucial for protecting your business comprehensively.

Cyber Insurance protects your business from digital threats including data breaches, ransomware attacks, network failures, and cyber extortion. It covers investigation costs, recovery expenses, regulatory fines, and business interruption losses.

Professional Indemnity Insurance protects your business from claims arising from professional negligence, errors in advice or services, and breach of professional duty. It covers legal defence costs, settlements, and judgments.

Key Takeaway: These are separate risks requiring separate coverage. Many businesses need both policies for complete protection. Contact Insure24 today for a free assessment of your insurance needs.

Why Choose Insure24 for Your Insurance Needs?

Expert Guidance


  • Specialists understand both cyber and professional risks
  • Free risk assessments to identify your needs
  • Tailored recommendations for your industry
  • Clear explanation of coverage differences

Competitive Coverage


  • Quotes from leading insurers
  • Flexible coverage options
  • Affordable premiums without compromising protection
  • Bundle discounts available

Dedicated Support


  • 24/7 incident support when you need it
  • Fast claims processing
  • Expert incident response coordination
  • Ongoing policy management and reviews

Industry Experience


  • Experience across all business sectors
  • Understanding of sector-specific risks
  • Knowledge of regulatory requirements
  • Proven track record of successful claims

Next Steps: Getting Your Insurance

Step 1: Assessment

Contact us to discuss your business, operations, and risks. Our specialists will identify whether you need cyber insurance, professional indemnity, or both.


Step 2: Quote

We'll provide personalised quotes from leading insurers, clearly showing the differences between cyber and professional indemnity coverage options.


Step 3: Recommendation

Our team will recommend the appropriate coverage levels and policy combinations for your specific business needs and budget.


Step 4: Purchase

Once you've selected your policies, we'll handle all the paperwork and ensure your coverage is activated immediately.


Step 5: Support

We provide ongoing support, policy reviews, and are here to help if you need to make a claim.

Contact Insure24 Today

Don't leave your business unprotected. Get expert guidance on cyber insurance and professional indemnity insurance.

Call Us


Phone: 0330 127 2333

Hours: Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm

Our specialists are ready to discuss your insurance needs and provide expert guidance.

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