Architects Insurance

You should assess the greatest loss that might result from a mistake on any particular project/contract. Ultimately, no one will take on your responsibility to ensure you have enough cover, but you should carefully review this area with your broker. We're here to help.

Not all policies cover work overseas automatically, so make sure to check the terms of your policy. If not covered already, arrange with your broker for the necessary amendments to be made.

Most policies will protect you against claims made against you in the UK, but if you want to be defended abroad you may need to change the 'jurisdiction clause'. This must be correct to ensure your activities are covered.

Ensure to tell your broker about all your overseas work, especially if you change this during your policy period.

Some clients will request higher limits for particular contracts, with subsequent cost implications.

Other than on very large projects, 'Single Project Professional Indemnity' is difficult to source in a cost-effective manner. Our normal advice would be to increase your overall limit of indemnity for your ‘whole turnover’.

The increased limit needs to continue for the length of your contractual obligations and exposure on the contract.

Architects' insurance cover usually combines several protections. For most firms, the core is professional indemnity insurance cover, supported by wider business insurance such as public liability and employers’ liability. Many studios also take office insurance for contents, computers and documents. Together, these can respond to allegations linked to design work, injury claims, third party physical damage or pure financial loss suffered by a client.

For British architects, professional indemnity insurance is designed to respond if a client alleges negligence in your work. It can address civil liability for design, specification or advice and help manage claims arising from professional activities. Typically, the policy can support legal defence costs, legal fees and other expenses linked to defending your professional service under the terms of your professional indemnity policy.

The professional indemnity market for construction professionals has hardened in recent years. Insurers are more cautious when arranging professional indemnity insurance, especially on higher-risk projects, and this can affect pricing and terms. In some cases, indemnity insurance for architects may be offered with a higher minimum limit, tighter exclusions or additional conditions driven by market competition. A specialist broker can help you secure the level of indemnity required for your work.

Architects professional indemnity insurance can, subject to policy terms, respond to certain fire safety claims and other complex allegations connected with your professional role. In these situations, insurers will look closely at project details, applicable regulations and the nature of the allegation, and may contribute towards reasonable legal costs incurred in defending your position.