Retroactive Date
Definition. Retroactive Date is the earliest date back to which a Claims-Made policy will respond. Critical when switching Pro Liab carriers — new policy retro must match earliest prior retro.
Also known as: Retro Date, Prior Acts Date
If a Pro Liab carrier issues a new policy with retro date = today (instead of your earliest prior retro date), any claim about work done before that date is uncovered. Always confirm retro date in writing when switching carriers.
Example
Consultant switches Pro Liab carriers in 2026. New carrier sets retro to 2026; client sues over 2023 project. New policy responds only to work from 2026 onward — 2023 work uncovered.
Sources cited
Need retroactive date coverage?
Compare quotes from 10+ commercial insurance carriers in 5 minutes. Free, no contact info required.
Get My Quotes →Disclosures
📘 Educational content only.
Reviewed by California-licensed Property & Casualty insurance agent
Jason Wootton (CA License #0I94454). Not insurance advice, an individual recommendation, or a solicitation in any state. Insurance regulations vary by state. For specific coverage decisions, consult a licensed insurance agent in your state.
Advertiser disclosure.
Get Business Coverage is a licensed insurance referral service. We may receive
compensation when you click links to carrier partners or complete a quote. This
compensation may impact how and where products appear on this page, but it does
not influence our editorial content or research methodology.