Tail Coverage

Extra time to report claims after a claims-made policy ends. Often bought when a firm closes, retires or merges.

Reviewed by Avi Rabbani, Licensed Insurance Agent

What it means for your firm

Claims against design firms can arrive years after a project is finished. Once a claims-made policy ends, new claims usually cannot be reported to it.

A tail, or extended reporting period, adds time to report those claims. Options and prices vary by carrier and are often only offered at the moment the policy ends.

Articles that explain it

Do Architects Need Tail Coverage When They Retire? Do Architects Need Tail Coverage When Closing Their Firm? What Is an Extended Reporting Period (Tail) on an A&E Professional Liability Policy? Can You Cancel E&O Insurance After Closing an Architecture or Engineering Firm? What Happens to Professional Liability Insurance When an Architecture Firm Splits Up? New Architecture Firm vs. Name Change: Why It Matters for E&O Insurance

General definition for education only. It is not an interpretation of any policy or contract, and it is not legal advice. The wording of your own policy and contract controls. Policies and definitions vary by insurance company.

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