With the economic downturn increasingly exposing companies to new liabilities it has never been more important for those operating in either the technology or marketing industries to make sure they have full cover for their professional exposures. In addition to breach of contract, these policies will provide:

• cover on a duty to defend basis – on receipt of a claim, the policy will defend the entire claim even if some aspects are not covered (allocation of non-covered parts occurs at point of settlement)
• cover for the insured’s own advertising and website – covering not only the insured’s work with their clients but also their own advertising and website
• cover for negligent transmission of a computer virus.

Commenting on the new products, Suzy Kemble, Head of Hiscox Media and Entertainment, said: “Our experience shows that more than a third of professional indemnity claims are based on an alleged breach of contract and it is critical that companies operating in the media and technology sectors assess this threat to their business.

Our new professional indemnity products provide wider cover for breach of contract claims as well as cover on a ‘duty to defend’ basis and can be combined with our office package to provide a comprehensive, insurance solution.”