Architects insurance provides important protection from financial losses if you are accused of a work mistake that causes financial harm or an injury. It can also help pay for expenses if there is a workplace injury or care accident.
Whether you have an architecture firm with partners and employees to help make your clients’ visions a reality or you’re working independently, you’ll need architect insurance to protect your business from risks.
Convenient, cost-effective architect insurance provides the protection and confidence you need to show your colleagues and clients. At Next Insurance, we make getting a quote and buying your insurance so simple, you can explore your options in just a few minutes.
What does architect insurance cover?
Typically, an architect insurance package includes several types of coverage, including:
- Professional liability (also known as errors and omissions)
- General liability
- Commercial auto
- Workers’ compensation
The key to getting the protection you need is selecting policies and limits customized for the unique risks you face.
Architect professional liability insurance
Professional liability insurance for architects — also known as errors and omissions insurance — is one of the most important policies an architect can have. When you’re designing buildings and outdoor spaces for people to enjoy, even a small mistake can significantly affect the project’s outcome.
For example, a client could claim flaws in your design led to a structurally unsound building, property damage, project delays or inaccurate pricing estimates.
An active professional liability policy can help you pay for defense expenses or legal judgments if you are ruled at fault. It also covers work completed by contractors during the project’s construction phase.
So, if a contractor uses different materials than the ones specified in your design without your knowledge, you’re covered up to your policy limit if you are asked to pay for replacement costs.
Even if you haven’t done anything wrong. Putting together a defense against a claim — even a baseless one — can be expensive. Without professional liability insurance, you’d have to pay all expenses related to a claim out of pocket.
Architect General Liability insurance
General liability insurance covers many of the most common accidents that can happen at any business. It can help pay for expenses if you or an employee damage someone’s property or if you are held responsible for an injury.
For example, if a client comes to your office to look at blueprints you’ve drawn up, and experiences a back injury after tripping on a rug, general liability insurance can help pay for their medical bills.
Commercial Auto insurance
Your personal auto insurance policy is great for providing the protection you need when you drive to and from work or when you’re out and about on personal matters. But if you have vehicles you use for your business, your personal policy typically won’t cover them if you’re in an accident.
To get coverage for work vehicles, you’ll likely need a commercial auto insurance policy. Like your personal auto policy, a commercial policy can help pay for expenses related to injuries and property damage after an accident.
If you’re going back and forth to job sites or visiting clients and someone runs a red light and totals your car, you’re covered.
You can add hired and non-owned auto insurance to your commercial auto policy for additional coverage If you sometimes use rented vehicles or your employees occasionally use a personal vehicle for work.
Workers’ Compensation insurance
Most states require workers’ compensation coverage if you have employees. However, even if you’re working solo, you may want to consider it. Workers’ comp helps pay for medical bills and lost wages if you or your employees experience a work-related injury or illness.
Suppose one of your employees develops carpal tunnel syndrome from sketching blueprints or you visit a construction site and get injured. In either of those situations, workers’ comp insurance can help pay for your medical bills or lost wages if you’re unable to work for an extended time.
How Next Insurance helps architects find the right coverage
Because different types of architects have different business risks, we work with you to create an insurance package that’s customized to fit your needs.
You can get a quote, select the insurance coverage you want and get your certificate of insurance in less than 10 minutes with our painless and seamless online platform.
If you have questions along the way, our licensed, U.S.-based insurance advisors are available to help.
Start an instant quote today.