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Indemnity clauses in B2B commercial contracts: a practical drafting, negotiation and risk checklist covering losses, claims control, limitations, UCTA reasonableness, mitigation and insurance (English law)

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This checklist sets out the main terms and matters to bear in mind when preparing and negotiating indemnity provisions in commercial (business-to-business) contracts. For model wording with drafting notes, see Precedent: Indemnity clause-commercial contracts. For more on indemnities, consult the following Practice Notes:

  • Indemnities in commercial contracts
  • Guarantees and indemnities-general contract

For a practical guide to reviewing an indemnity clause in B2B agreements, see Practice Note: How to review an indemnity clause.

General comments

What to watch out for

Is an indemnity appropriate?

An indemnity is a contractual promise by one party to reimburse the other for specified loss or damage or, in some instances, to relieve them from liability. Unlike a guarantee, it imposes a primary obligation that may not rely on a third party’s default. Assess if an indemnity is the right mechanism or whether a guarantee is preferable, for example where a parent company guarantees a subsidiary’s obligations. If advising the indemnifier, consider whether the counterparty is sufficiently protected by alternative remedies, such as a right to claim contractual damages...

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Web page updated on 27/05/2026

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