Freelance Solicitors PI Insurance

Reserved vs Non-Reserved Legal Services

The distinction between reserved and non-reserved legal activities has a direct and significant impact on the availability and cost of Professional Indemnity Insurance for freelance solicitors.

Main Information Page

At-a-Glance: Market & Pricing

Non-Reserved Legal Services

· Broader insurer appetite.
· Streamlined underwriting.
· Indicative premiums from around £600 + IPT for a £1 million limit (non-reserved work).

Reserved Legal Services

· Limited market capacity.
· More detailed scrutiny and higher excesses common.
· Indicative premiums from around £2,000 ± £250 + IPT for a £500k limit (reserved and non-reserved work).

Important Notice: Example premiums shown are illustrative only and based on low-risk profiles with adequate experience in relevant practice areas. Actual premiums will vary according to factors such as turnover, services offered, experience, claims history and insurer appetite at the time of quotation. Cover is always subject to formal underwriting and acceptance by insurers, and this page should not be interpreted as a recommendation or offer to insure.

Why the Difference?

Reserved activities — such as the conduct of litigation, reserved instrument activities and probate — carry higher claim severity and regulatory risk. Fewer insurers offer terms for this type of work, which drives up price and leads to tighter policy wordings. Non-reserved work typically attracts wider insurer appetite and more competitive premiums.

What Underwriters Look For

· Exact service list — what you will (and will not) do in year one.
· Evidence of competence — CV and experience aligned to each service.
· Sound controls — client vetting, file management, record-keeping.
· Realistic turnover with a brief plan for client acquisition and marketing.

Presenting Your Enquiry

1 Complete our proposal form fully — leave no blanks.
2 Attach your CV and a short business plan covering services, clients and projected fees.
3 Declare all services you intend to offer, and tell us in advance before adding new ones so we can update your cover.

Free Download

Freelance Solicitors PI Insurance Guide 2026

How to present your enquiry clearly to insurers — reserved and non-reserved guidance.

Download Guide (PDF)

Ready to Request a Quotation?

Our online questionnaire takes you through the right route for your type of practice. Reserved and non-reserved options both covered.

Related Information

Freelance Solicitors PI — Main Page Market Overview Download PDF Guide