Making a client explicitly aware of the limitations of the service offered to them can help to reduce any Professional Indemnity (PI) claim resulting from the advice given, it has been claimed.

Denis Palmer, senior manager at advisory service Business Link London, explains that such limitations can prove particularly useful where a fairly general service is being provided.

He adds that maintaining documentation of what has been agreed with clients is an important step in ensuring such boundaries are recorded - which could prove crucial if a PI claim were to arise.

"If you're providing a service, make it very clear in writing what the limitation of what you are providing is," he tells businesses.

"So you're setting the expectation of the client at the earliest possible stage."

Business Link suggests that PI cover is important for anyone involved in "selling your knowledge or skills" as part of their everyday operations.

PYV's Director of Claims Robert Bass regards this as sound advice and added: "It is imperative to agree in writing with all parties exactly what functions and services are being offered and by whom. That way disputes can largely be avoided as the responsibilities of each party are clear from the outset."

PYV are one of the UK's leading providers of professional indemnity insurance. This news article has been produced by Adfero in collaboration with PYV and its unauthorised use is not permitted.