Why do your clients need architect and engineer insurance?

Because of the nature of the services they provide, architects and engineers assume a lot of risk on each and every project.  That makes professional liability insurance essential for any architect or engineer.  Professional liability insurance (also known as errors and omissions insurance) gives architects and engineers coverage for claims by clients for alleged professional errors and omissions which amount to negligence.

Let’s take landscape architects as an example.  The field of landscape architecture is an interesting mix of design ideas, earth science, horticulture and various constructions where knowledge of plants and engineering blend to create the final product.  Most firms are responsible and take precautions to limit problems, but the truth is that mistakes happen and when it costs the customer some money, suits arise.  Strong architect and engineer insurance coverage can really help in these instances.

Recently, a landscaper was involved with a project where large trees were planted near a glass building.  As time went on, the trees grew, and so did the roots… so much in fact, that they cracked the foundation of the building causing structural damage, and a lawsuit.  Unfortunately, the damages sought exceeded the policy limits.  Our insured thought they had ‘no exposure’ and carried a minimal policy.   In the blink of an eye, they get tagged with a massive lawsuit that was about triple the policy limits they carried (not counting the defense costs). 

This example illustrates why it is so important for architects and engineers to have the right professional liability insurance coverage.  It is critical to find an agent or insurance product, like Stuckey's Aspire A&E, that recognizes the particular exposures associated with the architect and engineers job.  To learn more, contact Chris Boylan at chris@stuckey.com.