For some reason when I tried to search for this topic on this forum I got no hits, though I know its been discussed before, any help would be appreciated. A client wants us to include E & O as an additive alternate to our agreement, for my colleagues who offer E & O what, where, when?
Search Liability Insurance
well I got this thread in the search and nothing else, maybe I am doing something wrong, but I use the search feature regularly and have never had this problem.
papa bear (colin) can you help?
Try searching for “E&O” and use the quotes in the search box. Got 17 pages identified.
You want to find an insurance broker that represents a number of providers of professional liability insurance.
Suggest that you ask several of your architect clients who their insurance broker is. If several mention the same firm your chances of finding a knowlegable broker is increased. Your attorney may know of several reputable insurance brokers.
You want somebody local and you want somebody who will review contracts regarding insurability issues.
You want to make the point that you do not sign the construction documents. This might result in a lower premium?
The reality is that having insurance will make you a greater target if there are problems. Unless the project is large it might not be worth while. Understand who your client is. Are they sued regularly and are they likely to sue you.
These agreements often require that you continue to carry coverage for x number of years. Your fee should reflect the additional premium.
Mark I am finding that insurance companies will insure me as an architect, but not as a specwriter. I am not the architect on the project, and I don’t sign and seal the specifications.
There is no insurance for just specification writing. My PLI is based on me being an architect and not a specifier. Specifiers who are not architects or engineers cannot obtain PLI.
Ron, do you provide only specifications on a project and if you do, do you sign and seal them?
CNA/Schinnerer offers a PLI program for “Construction, Technical & Planning Consultants” and they will cover an independent spec consultant or consulting firm. My firm has carried this insurance for many years, w/ great experience w/ the company & local agent.
Although CNA is a national company, I don’t know whether this particular program is available in every state.
They understand the spec consultant’s limited role in preparing documents, and the lower risk involved in our services compared to the design professional.
Many of my clients require this insurance. I have never been brought into dispute on a project & have never had a claim against my firm.
Jeff Wilson
Wilson Consulting Inc
Narberth PA
PS. I am not a licensed design professional.
Jerome:
I sometimes provide code consulting and peer review. For specifications, I do not sign and seal them.
Need to ask if (more expensive) project-specific coverage might be req’d; “regular” E&O would provide coverage for all projects, i.e., claims are subject remaining limits of policy after any other project claims are paid. BTW, I am not licensed/registered professional, but have E&O coverage; there are companies that will provide policies to non-architects/engineers, but CNA is definitely not one of them. But, yes, find a good broker who will shop several companies for you.
Be aware, that you must maintain this insurance for several years after project completion. Will the add alternate cover that?
As Jeffrey points out, one can get PI insurance as a specifications consultant – I have it, and have carried it since 2007 to make my overseas clients happy – with a fairly high limit. I can also add per-project higher coverage, if necessary; if that is required, I pass the cost on to the client.
I got it through Poole Professional in MA.