THE ESSENTIALS
Before you start
- Identify who contracts, performs and invoices.
- Check the individual and company separately.
- Assess continuity before changing or cancelling protection.
Start with more than the profession
Portugal's official gov.pt professional liability guide addresses responsibilities of independent professionals and service companies and refers compulsory insurance to activity-specific rules. It does not establish that an individual policy automatically extends to any company. The actual obligation and scope require assessment of the relevant regime and quotation.
Map three roles
Record who signs the service agreement, who performs the professional acts and who issues invoices. Where partners, employees or external collaborators participate, describe their roles and activities. This gathers information; it does not decide who would be liable in a dispute.
Compare the map with the policy's insured definition and activities. Ask whether company liability, individual acts and collaborators' participation have been considered. Requesting only a name change on a certificate may leave the actual contract position unresolved.
Preserve the transition timeline
Fictional example: a consultant starts contracting new projects through a company but retains earlier engagements signed personally. During the review, she provides both dates and separates projects by contracting entity. A new invoicing arrangement does not rewrite old agreements.
Ask how earlier acts, relevant dates and later claims would be considered after the transition. Any cessation of practice by the person or entity also needs assessment. Do not conclude that renewal or purchase of another policy automatically resolves every phase.
Bring RMACHADO the complete question
To prepare a professional liability insurance quote, describe the profession, business structure and proposed change. An initial discussion needs relevant roles and dates rather than client files or personal data. Confirm policy scope and professional requirements before presenting a certificate as sufficient for a contract.
KEEP THESE QUESTIONS
Your checklist for the next conversation
- Map contracting, performance and invoicing.
- Identify individuals, company and collaborators.
- Separate previous and future activities.
- Request confirmation of scope and dates.
FROM THE ARTICLE TO YOUR SITUATION
Let us discuss your situation
Tell us what you want to protect. We review your request and help compare relevant terms. Requesting a quotation does not activate insurance.
Sources and transparency
Content updated on .
Consultation dates are stated in individual references when available.
Numerical examples are fictional and explain concepts. Editorial interpretations are identified in the text.
Information from RMACHADO GROUP. This is not an insurance offer or individual advice. Covers, acceptance, exclusions, sums insured and costs depend on the policy. The intermediary does not underwrite the risks.