Our brokers have several decades of experience providing tried & true insurance solutions for architects. Let Collis Insurance help secure your practice with Professional Liability or Errors & Omissions Insurance in the short and long term.
Architects and their projects are constantly scrutinized by clients and therefore, exposed to being one of the parties targeted in costly lawsuits. The fact is, even if it wasn’t your work that is the problem of building deficiencies, the Architectural Firm is likely to be named in any claim that arises. That’s why it’s important as ever to cover all your bases. With architect insurance, we guide you to build specific coverage plan to suit your needs. Don’t risk potentially irreversible damage to your career, professional reputation, and finances. Get the right coverage today.
Scenarios and Examples – Why You Need Architect Insurance
Commercial General Liability is required contractually.
You are assisting with the periodic visits of the project site over the course of the building project. The Owner or Project Manager requires you to have Commercial General Liability and Non-Owned Automobile Insurance before being allowed on site. Alternatively, even if not visiting the site, a lot of clients/project managers require Commercial General contractually as a part of the insurance requirements of the project contract.
The completed project develops water leakage after completion.
Several years after completion of a project, the building develops water leakage. Inspections are done and several construction deficiencies are determined. The Architect, along with the Project manager, Engineer and a variety of other of the contractors are all named in a large suit by the building owner. It takes several years of legal fees to get the firm out of the suit, with or without an agreed settlement.
A client is unhappy with your work
A client is displeased with the visual design of a project. They claim the final project looks drastically different to what they expected and what the architect communicated. They also claim that the architect didn’t meet several terms of the contract. The client wants to sue to have the project work redone or corrected.
What Does Architect Insurance Cover?
The following list are only examples of common coverages that architects may need, are could be available in packages, or can be added as individual policies. Working with you, one of our brokers will help identify which policies are in your best interest based on risk/operations and obtain quotes from multiple insurers to get you the best value for your money.
Professional Liability
As an architect, when people rely on your advice, any errors in your services (or allegations thereof)– or even the failure to provide specific advice, recommendations, can land you in court. That’s where Professional Liability or Errors & Omissions Insurance comes in. This coverage protects you by covering the costs of legal expenses, where experts will defend you and you can go back to running and growing your business.
Here are some examples of common professional liability claims:
- Design Errors/Repairs that resulted in financial losses for the client
- Going over the budget or delays in a project timeline.
- Leaving out vital information from a project
Commercial General Liability (CGL)
Commercial general liability insurance covers common risks such as bodily injuries, property damage, non-owned automobile liability, libel or slander, and other advertising injuries. It protects your business during lawsuits and pays for legal and medical expenses.
Imagine you accidentally spill coffee on a client’s white couch, or accidentally damage a client’s computer during a meeting. Even something this simple can lead to a claim and this coverage helps cover the cost of replacing damaged property as well.
Legal Expense Coverage
This coverage will assist to help in Occupational Health & Safety reviews, dealings with Revenue Canada, or even assistance with a client won’t pay your fees. This coverage empowers you to defend or pursue your rights in court and take back control of your business without endangering your finances.
Cyber Insurance
Cyber insurance is essential to have if you store confidential client information. With hackers getting more and more sophisticated, a data breach exposing private client or even employee information, could turn into an expensive fix. Cyber insurance covers the cost to identify/fix the cyber attack, creates a plan to notify clients as well as covers legal and other fees associated with the breach.
What are the Benefits of Architect Insurance?
- Financial Protection – A small cost for a big benefit.
- Peace of Mind
- Clients/customers have more confidence in you.
- At Collis Insurance, you get the best value.
Who Needs Architect Insurance?
- Architects (ARB/RIBA)
- Architectural Technicians
- Landscape Architects
See for yourself what clients have to say about us
FAQ
FAQ
Have a question? Don’t hesitate to reach out!
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How much does insurance for architects cost?
The cost is of the various policies are dependent on a variety of factors, some of which include: # and experience of design professionals, types and scope of projects / specialties, gross annual revenue and split of types of projects, claims history, contractual requirements, types and limits of insurance needed, to name a few.
Speak with one of our brokers to find out how to customize coverage specific to your firm’s needs.
How do I make sure I’m getting the right insurance coverage for my profession?
Our brokers take time to understand your true professional/business needs, risks, and more to provide a tailored policy and additional protection areas that fit your business insurance needs/budget.
We will gather all of the facts about your business, contractual requirements and needs, market your business to insurers who are experienced with what your business does and gather a variety of quotes for your consideration.
Have a question?
Your trusted Collis Insurance Business Insurance Broker can help and also offer additional coverage for consideration, like Cyber & Privacy Liability, Legal Expense Insurance, and other relevant coverage.