Finally, the Board of Directors is of the view that QPPs should document and maintain documentation of the steps taken to purchase and maintain professional liability insurance, which should be provided if a review is required. • take all reasonable steps to purchase and maintain annually professional liability insurance that is appropriate for the services provided by the Chartered Engineer. The obligation to take all reasonable steps to obtain and maintain E&O insurance does not apply to a QPP in connection with the provision of a professional engineering service[16] if: The Commission expects a QPP employed by an entity, government agency or other employer to reasonably inquire about that employer: if it is covered by the employer`s professional indemnity insurance. Given the provisions of the Code of Conduct, the objectives of the Act[14] and the history of amendments to the Act,[15] the Commission is of the view that QPPs should operate with adequate professional liability insurance. The Commission is also of the opinion that best practices would be for QPPs to determine the amount of professional liability insurance they hold and explain it to clients. If this applies to you and it is an issue, we recommend that you ask your insurance broker to explore other coverage options. Traveling should be fun. However, accidents do happen. And if they do, they can ruin both your trip and your finances. But with Cover-More`s travel insurance, you don`t have to worry about unexpected incidents.
Whether your flight is delayed, you lose your luggage or get sick while traveling, Cover-More can help you when you need it most. Professional Engineers Australia and Cover-More have partnered to create an exceptional offer for members. As an IP insurance expert for engineers, EngInsure provides professional and impartial advice while providing access to proprietary risk investment facilities. Professional indemnity insurance is a form of insurance that compensates the insured person against the consequences of a breach of professional obligations and, in particular, against professional negligence. E&O insurance can compensate the insured for any damage suffered as a result of professional errors or omissions in the course of his or her business, or it can only provide protection against claims based on professional negligence. It may provide coverage under which the insurer agrees to indemnify the insured for liability caused by negligent acts or omissions in the provision of professional services, such as the design of a product, plant or equipment; test another person`s products or machinery; or advice, for example in relation to the use of a product. [10] (i) the insurance is not available or would not be economically viable for the QPP, taking into account all relevant factors, including: A group IP insurance policy means that you share an insurance limit with many other companies. If you decide to purchase this type of IP insurance, it is important to understand that the overall liability limit may be undermined by other customers who share the same group of claims.
If your retroactive date for the new policy is later than your current policy, you have a significant gap in coverage for your previous business activities. Example: A PI group insurance policy has 10 members and the total policy limit is $20 million. If two class members have paid claims of $10 million each, it means that the policy limit has been exhausted and there will be no coverage for the remainder of the insurance period. EngInsure only recommends and places PI insurance policies with stand-alone policy limits, thus guaranteeing clients their own total liability limit. Example: For an insurer, a mechanical engineer working in mines has a very different risk than a mechanical engineer working in building technology. Failure to properly disclose the scope of your business can impact your coverage in the event of an insured event. Chartered engineers are aware of the legal requirements that apply to their profession A number of Chartered Engineers (“QPEPs”) have inquired with the Board of Professional Engineers of Queensland (“Board”) about their personal requirements for professional liability insurance, as set out in Principle 3.2 of the Code of Conduct[1]. The purpose of this practice note is to clarify the position of boards of directors on the requirement that QPPs take all reasonable steps to purchase and maintain professional liability insurance. (iii) the individual has met the requirements of Principle 3.2 for or on behalf of the QPP; or (ii) QPP has informed the Client in writing, prior to entering into a contract with a Client for the provision of Professional Engineering Services, that QPP does not purchase professional indemnity insurance for the provision of Professional Engineering Services. The appropriateness of a person`s actions must be assessed objectively, but taking into account the person`s background and circumstances. [12] In determining whether something is “appropriate”, all the circumstances of the case, including financial factors, must be considered. [13] [3] Professional Engineers Act 2002 (Qld), subsection 108(5).
The Code of Conduct provides the QPN guidelines for appropriate professional conduct and practice. In fact, it is very common for an exclusion of coverage to apply here (i.e. , there is no coverage) or a $250,000 sub-limit applies. A $250,000 sub-limit means that, within the $10 million limit, you are only entitled to a maximum payment of $250,000 for bodily injury or property damage. “QPEC Certification” means the process by which a Queensland Chartered Professional Engineer (QPE) provides, supports or approves a professional engineering service. Typically, this involves reviewing and approving designs to ensure safety and compliance while mitigating risks to you, your equipment, and the public. Our QPN engineers have extensive experience and a commitment to providing high-quality engineering services to you, your business and your customers. (i) a person other than the QPP is responsible for providing a professional engineering service; If you don`t disclose potential claims or significant changes in the scope of your business to your insurer, you could find yourself without coverage in the event of a claim. [17] Practice Note 4.5(1A) Direct Supervision; see also Hall v Board of Professional Engineers of Queensland, 2012 QSC 23. [12] See NF v Queensland, [2005] QCA 110 (citing Castlemaine Perkins Limited v McPhee, [1979] Qd R 469); Randel v. Brisbane City Council [1984] 2 Qd R 276-285).
Under the Insurance Contracts Act 1984, the insured is required to disclose to the insurer anything that could increase or change their risk, such as a change in your business or a claim report. This information is not intended to be personal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for any form of personal advice. Please contact Whitbread Associates Pty Ltd ABN 69 005 490 228 License number: 229092 trading as EngInsure Insurance & Risk Services for more information or visit our website. The Professional Engineers Act 2002 (Qld) (“Act”) requires the board of directors to develop a code of conduct. [2] The Commission is also required to review the Code of Conduct every three years. [3] The Code of Conduct will not come into force until it is adopted by regulation. [4] If your business or potential loss changes, inform your insurer at any time. [13] Waters v Public Transport Corp (1991) 103 ALR 513. [1] Code of Conduct (entered into force on 29 October 2021). The Act provides that the Code of Conduct is admissible as evidence in disciplinary proceedings initiated by the Chamber against a QPP.
[8] The Code of Ethics may only be used in disciplinary proceedings as evidence of conduct or practice appropriate to a QPP. [9] You don`t always spend your workday in an office. For this reason, APEA membership also means that you are automatically eligible for Professionals Australia travel insurance. This provides protection to members who sustain injuries on the way to work. Discounts are granted if workers` compensation, the Motor Vehicle Accident Act or equivalent legislation does not respond to a claim. Click here to learn more about what is covered and how to make a claim. [15] See cl 108 Professional Engineers Bill 2002 Explanatory Notes. What value does QPEP certification bring to me, my business or my clients? Does your IP policy exclude bodily injury and/or property damage or cover it only to a very limited extent? Is that a problem for you? The current Code of Conduct was approved by the Board of Directors on August 4, 2020, following a statutory consultation process. [5] The Code of Conduct entered into force on 29 October 2021 after its adoption by regulation. [6] The Code of Conduct is a legal instrument. [7] Your business description should accurately describe your business activities.