Best professional liability insurance (RC pro) 2026
Professional liability insurance policies compared on cover, pricing, sign-up and claims handling. Editorial ranking scored out of 100 according to our methodology.
- Professional liability insurance is mandatory for certain regulated professions (healthcare, legal and accounting professions, brokers, estate agents) and for construction (professional liability + ten-year warranty); for other activities, it remains strongly recommended.
- Hiscox is recognised for cover suited to consulting, tech and digital; Orus (launched in 2021) and Simplis (more than 30,000 entrepreneurs insured) focus on fast, 100% online sign-up.
- The contribution depends on the activity, turnover and cover: from a few tens of euros a year for a simple profile, the order of magnitude observed for a self-employed person often being around €250 to €300 a year depending on the activity.
- ⚠️ This does not constitute personalised advice — check the cover, caps and exclusions as well as your legal obligations with the insurer before subscribing.
Professional liability insurance protects your business against damage caused to third parties, which can sometimes have heavy financial consequences. It is legally mandatory for many regulated professions and for construction (alongside the ten-year warranty), and strongly recommended for the rest. Depending on your trade, priorities vary between the scope of cover, caps, excess and speed of sign-up. This comparison is an editorial ranking scored out of 100 using a grid that is the same for all insurers; it is not a substitute for a personalised analysis of your risks and your professional obligations.
Our methodology
Each option is scored out of 100 against weighted criteria, using the same grid for all.
| Criterion | What we look at | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Cover | Scope of cover, caps, options | 30 |
| Pricing | Contribution, cover/price ratio, excess | 20 |
| Sign-up | Simplicity, online quote, attestation lead time | 20 |
| Claims handling | Reporting, lead times, support | 20 |
| Customer service | Availability, advice, responsiveness | 10 |
The 2026 ranking
Hiscox
Orus
Simplis
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Comparison table
| Insurer | Target | Contribution | Sign-up | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hiscox | Consulting / tech | On quote | Online | 92 |
| Orus | Small businesses / self-employed | On quote | Fast online | 89 |
| Simplis | Self-employed / construction | On quote | Online | 86 |
Frequently asked questions
Is professional liability insurance mandatory?
It is for certain regulated professions: healthcare professions (doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, etc.), legal and accounting professions (lawyers, chartered accountants), estate agents, brokers, as well as construction (professional liability and ten-year warranty mandatory for any building trade). For other activities, it remains strongly recommended. Check the obligations specific to your trade; failing to comply can expose you to heavy penalties.
What is the difference between professional liability and the ten-year warranty?
Professional liability covers damage caused to third parties during the activity or on the worksite (accidents, damage, harm). The ten-year warranty, specific to construction, covers for ten years after handover any defects compromising the soundness of the structure. A building tradesperson needs both.
What does professional liability insurance cover?
It covers damage (bodily, material, immaterial) caused to third parties in the course of your activity. The exact scope, caps and exclusions vary depending on the contract and the activity: read the conditions carefully.
How is the contribution calculated?
It generally depends on the activity, turnover, the cover chosen and the excess. Prices are obtained on quote; compare on equivalent cover rather than on the headline price alone.
🗓️ Update history
- 05/08/2026 — Verification of players and facts, 2026 update.
- 12/06/2026 — Updated cover and the 2026 sign-up criterion.
- 05/03/2026 — Comparison created.
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