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Does an indemnification clause survive termination of a contract?

I'm wondering if I'm still responsible for indemnifying the other party after the contract is over, does it continue or stop?

Answer

It depends on the contract, but not entirely. Many agreements include a "survival clause" stating that indemnification continues after termination. If that language is included, the obligation clearly remains in effect.

Even without a survival clause, indemnification may still apply to claims tied to actions that happened during the contract term. Courts often treat these obligations as covering rights that have already built up, especially for third-party claims that arise later but relate to earlier work.

What determines if indemnification continues?

The key factor is whether the contract includes a survival clause or specific wording in the indemnification section. These provisions often state that indemnity obligations apply even after termination.

If the contract is silent, obligations may end when the contract ends. However, claims tied to actions during the contract period may still be relevant.

Why do indemnification clauses often survive?

Indemnification often relates to risks that may arise later, such as third-party claims based on past work. Because of this, contracts commonly state that these obligations continue after the agreement ends.

This helps ensure that responsibility for past actions does not disappear just because the contract has expired.

What to do next...

  1. Check your contract for a "survival" clause.
  2. Review the indemnification section for post-termination language.
  3. Identify what types of claims are covered after termination.
  4. Clarify any unclear terms before signing.

What to consider in your specific situation

While indemnification often survives, the outcome depends on your contract details.

  • Whether your contract includes a survival clause.
  • The exact wording of the indemnification provision.
  • The type of services and risks involved.
  • The timing of events giving rise to a claim.
  • Local laws that affect contract interpretation.
  • The potential size and timing of future claims.

Understanding what continues after termination can help you manage long-term risk. Since every situation is different, consider more information through Rocket Copilot, a Legal Pro, or a legal document review to move forward with confidence.

Pro Reviewed
Published on 04/19/2026
Reviewed by Rustin B. Duncan, Esq.

At Rocket Lawyer, we follow a rigorous editorial policy to ensure every article is helpful, clear, and as accurate and up-to-date as possible. This page was created, edited and reviewed by trained editorial staff who specialize in translating complex legal topics into plain language, then reviewed by experienced attorneys to ensure legal accuracy.

Please note: This page offers general legal information, but not legal advice tailored for your specific legal situation. Rocket Lawyer Incorporated isn't a law firm or a substitute for one. For further information on this topic, you can Ask an Attorney.

Laura Bojart
Laura Bojart
Editorial Researcher and Copywriter

Laura Bojart is an SEO copywriter and editor at Rocket Lawyer. She researches legal and business topics and translates complex ideas into clear, practical content for everyday readers. With her background in journalism and endless curiosity, she approaches each subject by asking the questions readers are likely to have first, making legal information approachable and easy to understand even to those with no legal background.