As an engineer or architect, you work in a highly-skilled, detail-oriented industry and are expected to provide quality design services that are free of errors or omissions. Even the smallest error can have serious consequences. If a client believes damages are due to a mistake on your part, they can sue your company. It is important to protect yourself against this potentially devastating liability. The cost of defending yourself in court can be huge, not to mention the restitution costs if you’re found at fault. A professional liability policy will cover these costs in the event of such a claim, which might otherwise financially cripple your business.
How Does the Policy Work?
A professional liability policy will cover the cost of defending you or your company in court, along with any monetary damages awarded to the claimant due to an error or omission on your part. These policies are known as “claims-made” policies. This means that coverage is triggered when a claim is filed and you report it to the insurance company, since it is often hard to identify when the alleged error or omission occurred. Your work will be covered dating back to the earliest date of your continuous professional liability coverage. Policies typically have a one-year term, with an annual premium and deductibles on a per-claim basis.
What to Look for in a Policy
Though you may specialize in certain areas, you likely handle a variety of projects and services, and you’ll want your policy to reflect that. Depending on your needs, you may want to consider these components when choosing a policy:
- Coverage and enhancements available for Specified Clients and Specified Projects
- Pollution liability that covers sudden, accidental and gradual pollution
- Specific coverage for breach of a client contract
- Full civil liability coverage—not just negligence
- Coverage for breach of intellectual property rights
- Reimbursement of costs incurred to help reduce or avoid a claim
- Punitive and exemplary damages coverage
- Virus and hacking liability coverage
To learn more about Gilsbar’s architects and engineers professional liability coverage options, click here to schedule a call with a consultant.