Protect your accounting practice from professional liability claims
Professional Indemnity insurance for NZ accounting firms — with a fast online quote process and cover tailored for CA ANZ members.
Professional Indemnity cover designed for accounting practices
Professional Indemnity insurance covers accounting practices for claims arising from an alleged breach of professional duty in the provision of professional services.
- Most accounting practices complete their quote in minutes
- Simple online application
- View your quote before deciding
- Cover tailored for accounting firms
Why Professional Indemnity Matters for Accounting Practices
Accounting practices operate in an environment where clients rely heavily on the accuracy of financial advice and reporting.
Even experienced firms may encounter situations where a client alleges that advice or services have contributed to financial loss.
Many accounting practices include Professional Indemnity insurance as part of their overall approach to managing professional risk.
Real Claim Scenarios Accounting Firms Face
The following examples are illustrative only and do not represent all situations that may be covered under a policy.
Incorrect tax advice
A client relies on tax advice and later receives penalties from the IRD, resulting in a financial loss claim against your firm.
Missed filing deadline
A return is lodged late and the client incurs penalties and interest.
Financial reporting error
Incorrect financial statements influence a business decision made by the client.
Designed for Accounting Practices
Built for NZ accounting firms
This cover reflects the real risks faced by accounting practices — including tax advice, financial reporting, and handling sensitive client financial data.
What Professional Indemnity Insurance Covers
Cover can include claims arising from:
- Incorrect tax advice
- Financial reporting errors
- Missed filing deadlines
- Professional negligence in accounting services
Cover is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions and limits of the policy.
Why choose Pulse for Professional Indemnity?
- Designed in collaboration with the CA ANZ Professional Standards team
- Tailored for NZ accounting practices and aligned to industry requirements
- Backed by Envest, a large insurance group with scale and expertise
- Access to a broader range of insurance solutions as your practice evolves over time
- Simple, digital quote process with local support
Top Risks Facing Accounting Firms
Accounting firms face a range of professional and operational risks, including:
- Errors in advice or reporting leading to client financial loss
- Cyber attacks and data breaches
- Payment instruction fraud
- Regulatory compliance issues
- Operational disruption
Professional Indemnity vs Cyber Risk — What’s the Difference?
Professional Liability
Errors in advice, reporting or filings may lead to claims from clients who suffer financial loss.
Cyber & Data Risk
Accounting practices hold highly sensitive financial and personal client information, making them a common target for cyber incidents.
Risks involving unauthorised access to systems, data breaches or cyber incidents are generally not covered under Professional Indemnity insurance.
Some practices also consider whether additional types of business or liability cover are appropriate depending on how they operate.
Considering Other Risks Within Your Practice
While Professional Indemnity insurance is designed to respond to claims arising from the provision of professional services, accounting practices may also be exposed to other types of business and operational risks.
Depending on the nature of your activities, structure and operations, some practices consider whether additional insurance covers are appropriate as part of their overall risk management approach.
Explore insurance options for your practice
1.
Public Liability
Covers claims involving third-party personal injury or property damage occurring in connection with your business activities.
2.
Statutory Liability
Covers certain fines and penalties (where insurable by law) arising from unintentional breaches of legislation.
3.
Employers’ Liability
Covers claims where an employee suffers injury or illness that is not covered by ACC and alleges employer liability.
4.
Directors & Officers’ Liability
Covers directors and officers for claims arising from the management of the business.
5.
Employment Practices Liability
Covers claims from employees relating to matters such as dismissal, discrimination or workplace disputes.
6.
Office Contents and Business Interruption
Covers physical assets and financial loss resulting from an interruption to business operations due to an insured event.
7.
Commercial Motor Insurance
Covers vehicles used in connection with your business activities.
Factors to consider:
Accounting practices may wish to consider the following when reviewing their insurance arrangements:
- The size and structure of the practice
- Whether staff are employed
- The nature of client interactions and business activities
- Reliance on physical premises or business assets
- Exposure to regulatory or employment-related obligations
- Use of vehicles in the course of business
Reviewing your cover over time
As a practice evolves, the services offered, staffing structure and operational risks may change.
Regularly reviewing insurance arrangements may assist in ensuring that cover remains aligned to the activities of the business.
Pulse provides access to a range of insurance solutions that can be considered alongside Professional Indemnity insurance.
Explore insurance options for your practice
Speak with our team
Is Professional Indemnity Right for Your Practice?
Consider the following questions:
- Do clients rely on your professional advice or reports?
- Do you prepare financial statements or tax filings for clients?
- Do you store sensitive financial client data?
- Would a claim create financial pressure for your practice?
If you answered yes to any of the above, Professional Indemnity insurance may be an important consideration for your practice.
Do Accountants Need Professional Indemnity Insurance in New Zealand?
Many accounting practices consider whether Professional Indemnity insurance is required in New Zealand.
Requirements may vary depending on professional obligations, licensing requirements or contractual arrangements.
Many accounting practices choose to hold Professional Indemnity insurance as part of their approach to managing professional risk.
Explore Professional Indemnity cover for your accounting practice
Disclaimer
Exclusive CA ANZ member pricing is available in New Zealand on annual premiums for new Professional Indemnity and Public Liability policies issued through Pulse Insure, subject to eligibility. Pricing benefits are embedded in the quoted premium and may vary by policy and individual circumstances. Please review the policy wording and disclosures before making any decision. Terms, Conditions, limits and exclusions apply.
Pulse Insure distributes insurance as an Authorised Representative of PSC Insurance Brokers NZ Ltd (FSP1001806), a licensed Financial Advice Provider. Insurance issued by Ocean Underwriting Pty Ltd ABN 62 004 478 960 AFSL 700014. © 2026 Pulse Insure.