Finance/Bookkeepers

Professional Indemnity Insurance for Bookkeepers

Bookkeepers handle sensitive financial data and provide services that directly affect their clients' financial records, VAT returns and tax obligations. Professional Indemnity Insurance protects your business when errors occur.

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Risk Exposure

Why Bookkeepers Need Professional Indemnity Insurance

Bookkeeping services form the foundation of a client's financial management. Errors in record-keeping, VAT calculations, payroll processing or bank reconciliations can result in financial losses, HMRC penalties and missed business opportunities.

Many bookkeepers underestimate their professional liability exposure. A VAT error that goes undetected for several quarters can result in significant penalties. A payroll error affecting multiple employees can create substantial liability.

Professional Indemnity Insurance provides protection against claims arising from errors, omissions and negligent bookkeeping services. It also provides access to legal defence costs which can be substantial even where the claim is ultimately unsuccessful.

Scope of Cover

Typical Activities Covered

Day-to-day financial record keeping
VAT return preparation and submission
Payroll processing and RTI submissions
Bank reconciliation
Management information preparation
Credit control and debtor management

Illustrative Claims Scenarios

Typical Claims Scenarios

The following scenarios are illustrative examples only and are intended to demonstrate the types of claims Professional Indemnity Insurance is designed to respond to.

1

VAT Return Error

Systematic miscategorisation of expenses leads to incorrect VAT returns over an extended period. HMRC penalties and interest accumulate, and a Professional Indemnity claim is made against the bookkeeper for the penalties and retrospective correction costs.

2

Payroll Processing Failure

Incorrect tax code application across multiple employees results in underpayment of PAYE. The employer pursues a Professional Indemnity claim for the tax shortfall and associated penalties.

Proposal Information

What Underwriters Usually Ask

When we approach the market on your behalf, underwriters will typically require the following information. We guide you through this process.

01Annual fee income
02Number of clients
03Services provided (bookkeeping, VAT, payroll, management accounts)
04Professional qualifications and memberships
05Software used for bookkeeping and payroll
06Claims history

Why Choose PLB

Specialist Bookkeepers PI Brokers

Sector Expertise

We understand the specific professional risks facing bookkeepers and arrange cover that responds to your actual exposures.

Market Access

Access to specialist Professional Indemnity underwriters and markets with experience in this sector.

Personal Service

Deal directly with experienced PI specialists who know your sector — not a call centre or an algorithm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bookkeepers — Common Questions

Get Started

Request a Quotation

Complete the form and a specialist Professional Indemnity broker will review your Bookkeepers activities and contact you within one working day.

No obligation quotation
Direct access to specialist PI broker
Response within one working day
Independent, advice-led service

Bookkeepers — Request a Quotation

Finance
Bookkeepers
PLB

Professional Indemnity Brokers

Specialist Professional Indemnity Insurance brokers providing expert advice to businesses and professionals across the United Kingdom.

0800 061 4262mail@plb.insure
International House, 36–38 Cornhill, London EC3V 3NG

PLB Professional Indemnity Brokers is a trading style of Professional Liability Brokers Limited registered in England & Wales (No. 09847323).

Professional Liability Brokers Limited is an Appointed Representative of Acrisure Eleven Network Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 314593).

The applicable Terms of Business will be provided to clients and introducing agents separately, according to the nature of the relationship.

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