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What’s next? 3 professional liability trends for 2026

For 2026, our team forecasts 4 top professional liability trends shaping the market. Find insights on AI, diversification of services and more.

Professional liability Article 3 min Mon, Jan 19, 2026

Professional liability is evolving as new risks reshape the insurance landscape in 2026. Our team has highlighted the three top trends brokers and firms need to watch in the year ahead.

  1. Diversification of services drives insurance innovation

    In today’s competitive market, professional service firms are expanding their offerings to deliver greater value and stand out. Diversification can be a powerful growth strategy, but it also introduces new layers of risk. Errors in these added services can lead to significant financial loss for clients and professional liability claims for firms.

    As industries evolve, so do their risk profiles. Contractors are a prime example: once reliant on casualty policies, many assumed professional liability coverage to be unnecessary. However that assumption no longer holds. Demand is growing for bespoke professional liability coverage for contractors and construction firms. 

     Find out more with our manufacturers toolkit.

  2. AI domination uncovers hidden professional liability risks

    AI tools are now deeply embedded in operations and service delivery, but this convenience comes with hidden exposures. If an AI tool produces incorrect outputs, liability often falls on the professional service firm – not the technology provider – creating significant professional liability risk.

    To mitigate these risks, firms must ensure their coverage explicitly addresses AI and technology usage. Without this safeguard, contractual vulnerabilities could lead to costly claims.

  3. Professional liability an anchor for comprehensive cover

    Professional liability is a traditional, cornerstone coverage that’s often legally mandated. But its role is evolving. Beyond protecting against traditional risks, it now acts as a launchpad for other critical coverages such as technology liability, intellectual property and cyber.

    At CFC, one-third of professional liability clients also purchase cyber cover, alongside frequent uptake of general liability, property, legal expenses and management liability. As businesses seek holistic protection, professional liability’s ability to facilitate well-rounded package solutions will become increasingly vital.

Ready to lead the change? 

In 2026, professional liability will remain a cornerstone of risk management, but its role is evolving. As economic pressures and ESG obligations add complexity, businesses need to ensure their coverage keeps pace with emerging risks.

At CFC, we’re helping professional service firms stay protected with market-leading professional liability cover.

If you’d like to learn more about emerging risks, how our professional liability coverage works, and how to get started with our products, get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.