An overseas engineering checklist should cover insurance, contract and registration issues before an Australian engineer accepts overseas work.
Before accepting the engagement, check:
- where the client is located
- where the project is located
- which law governs the contract
- where disputes can be brought
- whether the PI policy covers the relevant territory and jurisdiction
- whether local professional registration is required
- whether locally admitted insurance is required
- the contractual PI limit and run-off requirements
There is no single ‘Asia’, ‘Middle East’ or ‘Pacific’ insurance position. Requirements can differ materially between countries within the same region, so the exposure should be assessed country by country.
USA and Canadian work also commonly receives additional underwriting attention and may require specific insurer agreement depending on the policy.
Overseas work should therefore be disclosed before significant commitments are made rather than assuming a broadly worded Australian PI policy automatically provides suitable protection everywhere.
