Architects & Engineers

What does it cover?

Typical policies cover individuals and organizations involved in designing or preparing plans and specifications for construction projects to cover many of the exposures that their work generates. For architects and engineers, the risk of mishap during a project looms from the drawing board to the ribbon cutting ceremony - and well beyond.

Cost and applications:

• Premiums start at $2,500.
• Deductibles start at $5,000.
• Limits are available from $500,000 to $10,000,000.
• Please click here to download the Architects & Engineers application.

Claim Scenarios

NOTE: The claims scenarios summarized are offered only as examples. The examples are not intended to establish any standards of care or to serve as legal advice appropriate for any particular factual situations. Coverage depends on the actual facts of each case and the terms, conditions and exclusions of each individual policy.

1. An architecture firm was retained to provide design services for a new school in Fresno, California. This insured hires subcontractors to perform services. One of the subcontractors makes a major mistake. The school files a lawsuit in which the whole design team is named and required to pay losses to rectify the situation.

Outcome - Paid over $50,000 to correct the problem.

2. A land surveyor is retained to provide construction stakeout prior to the start of a shopping center. This land surveyor incorrectly stakes the ground six feet from where it was supposed to be. The mistake is discovered mid-way through the construction phase.

Outcome - The land surveyor was required to pay $30,000 to correct the mistake and rectify the situation.

3. An engineer is retained by an architect to perform electrical engineering services for a building. Three years after the building is completed, there are major malfunctions in the electrical system. A lawsuit is filed against the design team.

Outcome - Electrical repairs totaled $15,000.

• Cost of defense options: first dollar defense, additional defense costs, aggregate deductible.
• Punitive Damages where Insurable by Law.
• Pollution Incident Liability.
• Bi-lateral ERP.
• Insured Definition includes Independent Contractors and Volunteers.
• Intellectual Property Coverage.
• Sub-Limit for discrimination, wrongful termination and sexual harassment claims.
• General Liability coverage eby endorsement for certain professionals.
• Follow-form Excess Coverage.