PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE LIABILITY INSURANCE (PLI) INFORMATION

Any corporation, partnership or other entity that wishes to obtain a Certificate of Authorization (C of A) will be required to provide the Registrar of PGO with evidence of professional liability insurance in accordance with the Registration Regulation Section 25 (see below). Such evidence will be required before each C of A will be issued.

Members of the PGO may obtain the required form of insurance through any company that offers suitable professional practice liability insurance. Should a broker be required, members may contact a broker of their choice.

For information on Registered Ontario Insurance Brokers, click here (http://www.ribo.com)

Additional information on brokerage service providers may be obtained at The Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario - click here (http://www.ibao.org/)

Premium rates for PLI vary greatly and are dependant on such things as the size of the firm, its gross fee billings per annum, the type of services provided, the sector, and the percentage of work that is undertaken outside of Canada for USA or overseas clients. Other important factors are history of reputable service, prior history of insurance and claim history. A final factor which effects PLI rates for the geoscience sector as a whole - as opposed to some other regulated professions - is the relatively short period that the geoscience profession as a profession has carried insurance, making it more difficult to assess true risk.

Coverage should include claims for errors, omissions and negligent acts in the performance of professional services for others.

Complying with Section 25 of the Registration Regulation as follows:

Section 25. It is a term and condition of every Certificate of Authorization that the holder be insured against professional liability under a policy of professional liability insurance which complies with the following minimum requirements:

1. A policy limit for each single claim of not less than $250,000 and either an aggregate policy limit for all claims of not less than $500,000 per year, or an automatic policy reinstatement feature.

2. Coverage for liability for errors, omissions and negligent acts arising out of the performance of all services within the practice of professional geoscience offered or provided to the public by the insured subject to such exclusions and conditions and otherwise on such terms as are consistent with normal insurance industry practice from time to time.

Professional Geoscientists Act, 2000
Ontario Regulation 59/01
Amended to O.Reg. 378/01
REGISTRATION

PGO allows an exemption from professional liability requirements for Certificate of Authorization holders. Click here for details.