Case study: Is it possible to get Professional Indemnity Insurance for Architects?
Posted on 29th May 2022 at 14:48
What colour are your underpants?
We don’t really ask this question, but it comes pretty close!
Joe Bvumburai, Chief Executive of Eznat Architects based in Hull, provides architectural design solutions for land owners, residential and commercial property owners, property developers, building contractors, landlords, housing associations and charities across Hull, Yorkshire and the Humber region, as well as overseas.
In the wake of the Grenfell tragedy, professional indemnity insurance (PII) premiums have soared and obtaining any Professional Indemnity Insurance at all for architects, represents a huge challenge as insurers see the industry to be very high risk.
In some cases fire safety exclusions have been introduced and premiums have increased exponentially.
It feels like a time-bomb for the profession and architects are alarmed, as without it, practices may be forced to close.
Property and Construction Insurance Specialists
The specialist construction and property team at HI Commercial have many years of experience working in this sector. As standard, we undertake a comprehensive review for both new and renewing clients. This includes questions which reveal changes and issues that have arisen within the business, that could impact the outcome of a future insurance claim.
Our client, Joe Bvumburai from Eznat Architects has been so impressed with the approach from our team at HI Commercial, that he wanted to share his experience so that others in the profession might benefit too. He explains:
“After the Grenfell tragedy, professional indemnity insurance has become so difficult to get. But with Luke at HI Commercial, he searches the whole market to find the most appropriate and cost effective insurance policy. It may not be the cheapest but it is the most cost effective.
“Luke asks very detailed questions to understand the exact operations, how we work, equipment that we have and the extent of cover for the projects.
“In our case we cover projects in Africa as well as the UK. Luke wanted to know all of the detail about this, to the extent that it felt like he wanted to know the colour of my underpants!
“At the end of the day, I feel that I am properly covered without anything left to chance.”
What is Professional Indemnity Insurance for Architects?
Architects Professional Indemnity Insurance protects against the failure to exercise reasonable skill and care in provision of professional and/or advisory services. This type of policy can protect architects’ firms by providing a legal defence and covers the cost of damages from a claim made against them.
How can a professional indemnity claim arise?
Negligence – being careless in your work, such as giving bad advice or making a mistake.
Incorrect architectural plans and designs.
Defamation – making false or damaging claims about a person or organisation.
Breach of confidence – sharing confidential or commercially sensitive information without consent.
Do I need Professional Indemnity Insurance?
As a professional and experienced architect, when you have confidence in the quality of the advice you provide and the service that you deliver, you may question the need professional indemnity insurance. The reality however is, that if the advice you provide does not meet the client’s expectations, or you make a mistake, any business providing a professional service can be vulnerable to an insurance claim.
Making mistakes within the property sector is a very expensive business. We ask you to consider; what is the biggest mistake you can make and how easy/difficult would it be to put right?
If you are not sure about your commercial insurance policies, please call HI Commercial on 01482 247477 for peace of mind that you will be protected at all costs. At your service, at your side – commercial insurance with a personal touch.
Share this post: