PROJECT CERTIFICATION AND CLOSEOUT IN A VIRTUAL COVID WORLD AND AFTER The past few weeks have brought a jarring amount of change. Multiple architecture events have been postponed or canceled. The AIA has indefinitely postponed its annual conference, originally scheduled…

Completing the Professional Liability Application for Architects/Engineers It seems as though it could be a daunting task to complete the Professional Liability application, however from year to year much of the information may remain the same.  It is important, however,…

Exclusions on a Professional Liability Policy for Architects/Engineers While the exclusions will vary with each insurance company there are several that are quite common amongst most policies.  Here are some sample wordings of common exclusions on policies. Example one: Based…

Umbrella Liability insurance is a form of liability insurance that will supplement your basic liability policies, such as your auto, home, or renters insurance. An umbrella liability policy covers a much higher limit and goes above and beyond claims directly relating…

The importance of reading your architecture/engineering firms Professional Liability policy…. Your firms Professional Liability policy is probably one of the most important insurance policies your firm has that is directly related to the work that your firm does.  It is…

Can my architecture/engineering firm have a choice of counsel on Professional Liability? This is a great question and an matter that needs to be address prior to purchasing your firms Professional Liability policy. Many architecture and engineering firms have an…

Providing  Pro Bono Services  Whether or not professional services are provided for a fee or on a complimentary basis, the professional liability risks are the same. Professional liability insurance coverage is also the same, even though no premium is calculated…

What is a deductible credit on Professional Liability for architects and engineers? The deductible credit definition will vary with each insurance company and generally will be for early resolution of a claim or use of mediation.  Here are a few…

  Malpractice Statute of Limitations applies to Breach of Contract Claims asserting Negligent Supervision but Indemnification Obligations Extend Time for Filing Suit Statute of Limitations for causes of action for negligent supervision and breach of engineering contract are both deemed…

Choosing a Limit of Liability on Your Architecture/Engineering Firms Professional Liability Policy These are the times you wished you had a crystal ball to predict the future and what a claim might cost your firm.  Unfortunately we do not have…

Business Owners Policy – Who Is It Right For? A Business Owner’s Policy (BOP Insurance) can help safeguard your company from property damage, loss and lawsuits in the wake of unforeseen events.  A Business Owner’s Policy builds in many specialized…

Additional Insured Language in a General Liability Policy for Architects and Engineers Most general liability policies for architects and engineers are geared specifically towards the specific industry so the wording of additional insured may look slightly different than it would…

 Design Professional’s Common Contract Insurability Issues Below are a couple of the common insurability issues that are raised during the Contract Review process. Cost Estimates Clients rely heavily upon estimates provided by Design Professionals when budgeting for projects, but no…

General Liability vs Professional Liability Policy Why does my architecture/engineering firm need General Liability if we already carry a Professional Liability policy?  The reason is that these are two different types of policies, while most of a design professionals risk…

Diminishing Limits of Liability on Professional Liability for Architects/Engineers What does this mean, diminishing limits?  This is also referred to ask shrinking limits.  If your firm has a claim the amount of the indemnity and expenses reduces the limits of…

Architects & Engineers – Unauthorized Changes to Plans   By, Samuel J. Muir* I. What’s at stake? Some states recognize the potential problems of changes to design plans without the authorization of the design professional. In those states, there are…

Professional Liability Exclusions that Architects/Engineers Should Be Aware Of There are some exclusions in Professional Liability policies, and depending on the insurance company and your firm, some may have more exclusions than others.  Here are a few exclusions to pay…

Know Your Limitations  A Design Professional Guide to Limited Liability – By David A. Ericksen A limitation of liability provision in a contract is one in which a Design Professional and client agree to limits the liability of the Design Professional. …

Deductibles on Policies for Architects/Engineers The deductibles will vary based on the type of policy for your design firm.   It is important to know and understand your deductible on each policy in the event of a claim. Workers Compensation –…

    Hired Auto Liability Coverage Hired Auto coverage provides Liability insurance for vehicles you lease, hire, rent, or borrow to use in connection with your business. Hired auto liability coverage example You’ve taken on a special job that requires you to rent…

Umbrella Policy What is covered and not covered under an umbrella policy for architects/engineers?  An umbrella policy provides additional coverage or excess limits for your design firm. What is covered under the umbrella policy?  For an architecture/engineering firm the ‘underlying’…

Fiduciary Liability Coverage Why you and your organization need protection – If your company sponsors a retirement or health plan for its employees and you are involved in any way with the management of that plan, you are likely considered…

What does my architecture/engineering firm need to do in the event of a claim or circumstance?  First and foremost your firm needs to report the claim or circumstance immediately to your agent or insurance company. After the claim or circumstance…

Understanding Workers Compensation for Architects/Engineers Firms The workers compensation policy can be complicated but once you understand how it works it can become easier to comprehend. There are six standard parts of the workers compensation policy.  Part one pays for…

How to Get Paid Promptly… and Not Get Sued by Barry Temkin and Kate DiGeronimo Every design professional likes to get paid promptly. While it is not the only reason you are in business, getting paid certainly beats the alternatives….

What are some of the coverages that can be added on to an architects/engineers business owner policy?  There are many types of coverages that are automatically included in a business owner policy; however, there are additional coverages available for your…

Definition of a Claim in an Architects/Engineers Professional Liability Policy The definition of a claim is important because your firm will want to know when/if you should be reporting a claim.  Every insurance policy will be slightly different so be…

Directors & Officers Insurance – Why? Your organization’s assets and the personal assets of its directors and officers are at risk with every decision you make, every day. Directors and officers (D&O) liability insurance protects the personal assets of corporate…

What to Know About the Design Professionals Errors and Omissions (Professional Liability) Policy While the policy is not complicated to read, there are some areas to be aware of when you purchase your policy. First section that you will want…

Electronic Transfer of Documents By, Powell, Trachtman, Logan, Carrle & Lombardo, P.C.* I. What’s at stake? Clients, contractors and subconsultants frequently request that your work product be supplied in an electronic format. Such a request may require that you transfer…

Free Pre-Claims Assistance for Architects and Engineers Most Professional Liability insurance companies offer free pre-claims assistance for firms.  This is offered when a claim has not technically been filed but your firm feels that there may be an issue forthcoming….

Does Your Home Owners Insurance Cover Service Line Coverage? Protect your property – and what’s underneath it Chances are you have multiple “service lines” running underground on your property: pipes and wires that connect your home to your energy company,…

Does car insurance cover pets? It depends. While pet coverage is readily available by some car insurance companies, it’s not always a given — some insurers automatically include coverage for your pet if it happens to be injured in a…

Endorsements Available on the Business Owner Policy for Architects and Engineers There are several endorsements available on the business owner policy and this will vary with each insurance company.  Here are some of the examples of the endorsements that may…

  UNDERSTANDING CONTRACTUAL INDEMNIFICATION AND ADDITIONAL INSURED OBLIGATIONS   For design professionals, the thrill of securing an exciting new project often gives way to a stark reality: your sophisticated new client has retained experienced construction lawyers to negotiate a contract that…

Insurance – Good to know! For architects and engineers there is always something to learn about insurance.  Whether it is benefits to the policy or ways to get additional discounts, there is always something to learn. Did you know most…

Early Mediation – A Low-Risk High-Reward Proposition Early mediation is a mechanism that can provide a path to resolution. This forum allows the parties to present their issues to a knowledgeable intermediary who will work with all sides to facilitate…

Understanding Depleting Limits of Liability in a Professional Liability Policy for Architects and Engineers Limits of liability in your firm’s policy will be defined in the declarations page of your firm’s policy and is determined at renewal time or when…

Workers’ Compensation Insurance Workers’ compensation insurance (also known as workman’s comp insurance) provides benefits to employees for work-related injuries or illnesses including medical care, wages from lost work time, and more. Workers’ compensation insurance covers a deceased worker’s family with…

AUTO NO-FAULT REFORM QUICK FACTS The following information is provided on behalf of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services. When Does the New Law Take Effect? The law currently requires you to carry unlimited medical coverage to pay…

Can my firm increase limits of liability on my Professional Liability policy? The insurance company will need to look at all of the factors before determining if the limits of liability can be increased.   Here are some options and the…

Social Media and Design Firms Social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are just a few examples of the technology available to design firms and other businesses to promote their business and the services they offer. For relatively…

Deductibles in Professional Liability Policies for Architects and Engineers There are many deductible options and it will vary based on the insurance company and the size of your firm.  Here are further details about deductibles and what may be available…

CONTRACTUAL DEFENSE PROTECTION – A NEW SOLUTION FOR THE OLD “DUTY TO DEFEND” PROBLEM   Per the AIA: A contractual duty to defend is an obligation whereby one party, in this instance, design professionals, agree to defend another party, generally…

Supplementary payments included in architects/engineers Professional Liability policy.  Most Professional Liability policies have supplementary payments that are not subject to a deductible and are in addition to the limits of liability.  Here are some examples of the supplementary payments: All…

Cybersecurity Insurance is the best present! Heather Turner, digital managing editor of NU Property Casualty 360, provides us with 10 digital tips for a secure holiday shopping season. “The advent of the digital age transformed the way we shop — especially for…

Third-Party Vendor Problems Third-Party data breaches are becoming the normal. Partnering with a third party often requires sharing confidential and sensitive information. Too often, cyber security is ignored when companies are looking to secure business relationships. It is important to…

Do’s and Don’ts of Professional Liability Claims for Architects and Engineers There are several things to be aware of when reporting a claim or once your firm is going through the claims process.  Here is a list of some of…

What does my firm’s insurance policy cover? There are many insurance policies in the marketplace and many that are specific to architects and engineers.  Below is a brief description of what each policy covers. Professional Liability – This is the…

 Understanding Builders Risk Insurance  Builders risk insurance is essential protection for construction projects, but it is complex and often misunderstood. This isn’t surprising. There are no standardized policy forms for builders risk and coverage varies from insurer to insurer and…

Some Contractors Want to Bring More Design Services In-House Engineering News-Record (ENR) reports that a growing percentage of contractors plan to increase the use of in house design to better meet the demands of project owners. The article cites The…

What is the definition of professional services in Professional Liability policies? This is going vary from carrier to carrier and even policy to policy; most importantly read your policy so your firm knows what the professional services covered are.  Here…

Indemnity Clauses in Contracts According to Brian K. Stewart, Esq. : Indemnity legal wording for a way to shift the risk for a particular problem that might arise on a construction project. The variety that we are concerned with for purposes…

What insurance does my architecture/engineering firm need? There are some insurance policies that will be required by either contract or law and some that your firm needs to consider based on your business affairs. Professional Liability – this is probably…

  On the brink of another insurance crisis for drinking water not containing lead? A September article from the Insurance Journal explains this next public health issues and discusses the General Liability insurance and Environmental Liability Insurance: ‘Drinking water: a commodity…

Submitting a Claim for Your Architect/Engineering Firm Depending on the policy there are different pieces of information to gather and submit for a claim. Professional Liability – You firm may have received a notice of a claim or a verbal…

While costly and dangerous, data breaches aren’t the biggest threat to businesses from hackers on the radar for this year. The first half of this year alone has seen an uptick in the frequency and severity of attacks that have…

Increased Premium on my A/E Firm’s Business Owner Policy Why has the premium on my architect/engineer firm’s business owner policy increased?  There are many factors that are considered when the insurance companies are rating your policies, but here are some…

FAQ on Extended Reporting Period on Professional Liability.  Many questions come up when it comes time to start thinking about an extended reporting period (ERP) or tail policy.  Here are some of the questions and answers on the ERP. What…

 What is Employment Practices Liability (EPLI)? EPLI covers businesses against claims by workers that their legal rights as employees of the company have been violated. The number of lawsuits filed by employees against their employers has been rising. While most…

Business Income Insurance How will your business provide for loss of income during a disaster? Is your business prepared in the event of a disaster?  No matter what the disaster may be ……Fire, Tornado, Earthquake, Power Outage, Theft, Wind and…

  Do Hackers Pose a Threat to Design Firms? When most people picture a target for hackers, a design firm is usually not at the top of the list. Most often people picture a bank or law firm or doctors…

Waiver of Subrogation on Architects and Engineers Policies The request for waiver of subrogation on policies for architects and engineers occurs quite frequently.  The waiver of subrogation is different for each type of policy and many times it will need…

Is your Property Insurance prepared for disasters? Are you? September is National Preparedness Month, is your insurance prepared? Property Casualty360 contributor, Heather Turner, advised: “Recent events have been a sobering reminder at just how destructive hurricanes and storms can be….

How does my firm know if we have a Professional Liability claim?  There are quite often issues on projects, it is important for your firm to know when it is a claim. A claim, as defined by an insurance company…

Mitigating Indoor Weather Risks Throughout the year, severe weather nationwide creates hazards that can prove costly for retailers and other businesses. Slip and fall claims accounted for almost 30,000 injuries in 2016. These affect both customers and employees. Slip and…

Umbrella/Excess Policies for Architects/Engineers While umbrella/excess policies are not common they are available to architects and engineers.  A few items to be aware of when your firm does get an umbrella policy. What is an umbrella policy?  – The umbrella…

Definition of Professional Services in an Architects/Engineers Professional Liability Policy Each insurance company has a different definition of a Professional Services, be sure to read your insurance policy so that you know what it means for your firm.  Here are…

Cyber Attacks – Are We Becoming Immune? Cyber attacks seem to be happening more often these days.  These data breaches occur almost daily exposing email addresses, passwords, credit card numbers, and other highly sensitive information.  Unfortunately, most of us don’t…

 Pre-Claims Assistance for Professional Liability The first indication that a claim may be made against your firm may come long before a demand for money is made.  It may be that your client is dissatisfied with your services and refuses…

Definition of a Claim in an Architects/Engineers Professional Liability Policy Each insurance company has a different definition of a claim, be sure to read your insurance policy so that you know what it means for your firm.  Here are a…

Your A/E Professional Liability Premium Increase? Reasons your architecture/engineering firms Professional Liability premium may have increased- There are several factors that go into determining what your firms Professional Liability renewal payment is for the renewal term.  There are also several…

A/E Firm’s Workers Compensation Policy   What should my architecture/engineering firm consider when looking at a Workers Compensation policy? The Workers Compensation policy is fairly straightforward as far as options, but there are a few items to think about. The…

Climate Change – Risk to Michigan Properties In the last 30 years, Michigan’s average temperature has increased by less than 2 degrees. However, that’s enough to cause changes that affect Michigan policy holders in negative ways. The GLISA confirms that…

Limits to Carry on a Business Owner Policy What limits should my architecture/engineering firm carry on our business owner policy?  This is a very good question and one that does present itself from time to time.  There are several parts…

CYBER SECURITY CYBER ATTACKS – are you next? CYBER ATTACKS seem to be happening more and more frequently these days.  One reason is because we as individuals and businesses are becoming forever reliable on technology.  We love the speed and convenience…

Construction Management- Advisor All professional services, including those of construction managers in the role of advisors (CMa), involve risk that may result in a claim of professional negligence. According to claims data from Travelers Design Professional Liabilty program, the average…

Should my architecture/engineering firm send a certificate of insurance to my clients or no? This is a business decision that your firm will need to make with regards to issuing certificates of insurance.  There are a few schools of thought…

Indemnification Clause A properly worded indemnification clause is critical to reducing risk in a construction contract. An indemnification clause may include any, or all, of three distinct obligations, including to (1) indemnify, (2) defend, and (3) hold harmless the client. …

FAQ on Business Owner Policies for Architects & Engineers These are some of the common questions we receive with regards to Business Owner policies for design professionals. Why does the insurance company need information about the building in order to…

CYBER INSURANCE MARKET UPDATE 2019  By Aubrey Gene | July 09, 2019 at 12:00 PM – Presented by National Underwriter PropertyCasualty360 Historically, buyers of cyber coverage have been large organizations in industries like health care, finance and retail. Makes sense, right? They store…

FAQ on Workers Compensation for Architects & Engineers These are some of the common questions we receive with regards to Workers Compensation for design professionals. Why my firm is receiving audit paperwork to complete? – The workers compensation is an…

CYBER COVERAGE It takes only one cyber event or data security breach to impair your company’s financial results, or even potentially put you out of business. One resourceful hacker, virus, or system glitch can shut down your entire network within…

FAQ on Professional Liability for Architects & Engineers   These are some of the common questions we receive with regards to Professional Liability for design professionals. -What is a claims-made policy? – Claims-made policies are most commonly Professional Liability policies.  The…

DEDUCTIBLE When does my firm have to pay a deductible on a Professional Liability claim? This will all depend on what type of deductible your design firm has a how much the deductible is.  The deductible amount and type are…

Project Exclusions on Professional Liability for Architects/Engineers The question often comes up as to specific project exclusions or inclusions in a Professional Liability policy.  The answer is it depends on your policy.  Read your policy to understand what projects are…

Pollution Insurance – Should small companies and non-manufacturers worry about it? Property Casualty360, a national underwriter company, published an article by Joyce Anne Grabel, which will make you think about carrying pollution incident insurance. She states: “The CEO and board of…

Professional Liability Coverage for When Your Firm has a Name Change Design firms go through changes through the years, whether it is a change to the corporate structure, name changes or partnership changes.  You will need to know how your…

Renters insurance coverage protects you and your personal belongings if the worst happens. While you may only be renting your apartment or house, chances are you own most of the stuff in it. And while your landlord’s insurance policy on…

Vehicles for College Grads 10 safest, most affordable vehicles to insure for college grads The official start of summer is still a few weeks away, but it’s already started for many college students who have finally graduated. Over the years, parents have…

CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE WARS We are now entering a phase of business where owners are relying on third party associates to handle their certificates of insurance in an attempt to limit their own risk and alleviate the pain of requesting…

Project Policy For Our Architecture/Engineering Firm Can our architecture/engineering firm get a project policy?  Project policies are available with a few of the insurance companies.  The Professional Liability project policy, that being referred to, will cover the whole design team…

E-Scooter Sharing Programs – Insurance Risks Burns & Wilcox, national insurance broker, published this article regarding expanding use of e-scooters (electric scooters) . They talk about the inherent risk to the e-scooter sharing companies but no mention of the ‘driver’ being…

Can my firm increase the limits of liability on our Professional Liability policy? If your firm has a contract requirement for a higher limit or if your firm has increased the amount and types of projects, then you may want…

MCCA – Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association Michigan has the best medical coverage in the United States when it comes to automobile accidents. Every insured driver in Michigan pays the Michigan catastrophic claims association fee, commonly referred to as the MCCA fee. Many…

Policy Premium Increased? Why has my Professional Liability policy premium increased?  Architects and engineers often have this question, because who wants to pay more in premium.  However, there could be several different reasons for an increase. The Professional Liability insurance…

Vicarious Liability for Subconsultants If a firm has professional liability insurance from CNA, its policy defends the firm against allegations of its negligence and pays on its behalf if the firm or its employees are found to have performed professional…

 Space heaters in the workplace?  Check your insurance! Travelers Insurance provides helpful information in their safety article with respect to space heaters. If you are renting a building or a suite your Business Liability insurance provides you coverage for ‘Damage to…

Additional Premium Due for Your Workers Compensation Policy? Why is my architect/engineering firm getting an additional premium invoice due for the workers compensation policy?  There may be several reasons for getting an additional premium due but if it is at…

Contract Commandments for Design Professionals The Ten Commandments of Design Professionals’ Contracts (Vol,2) by Matthew C. Ryan. Navigators provided this great article in their March 2019 issue of BluePrint for Design Professionals. First off, “Don’t Make It Personal:  If you’ve…

Hired and Non-owned Automobile Liability for Architects/Engineers Also referred to as HNOA, this coverage can be found in your business owner policy or package policy.  Hired auto means any auto you lease, hire, borrow or rent.  Non-owned auto refers to…

Motorcycle Safety When spring is in the air, motorcycles are everywhere. Do you long for the freedom that comes with riding on the open road? Then it’s critical to respect your machine and improve your skills throughout your lifetime. But…

Named Insured vs. Additional Insured on an Architects/Engineers General Liability Policy What is the difference between being a named insured and an additional insured?  There are several differences when it comes to the General Liability policy. First named insured has…

Space Heater Fires – Are You Covered? Travelers Insurance provides helpful information in their safety article, if you have space heaters in your office. If you are renting a building or a suite your Business Liability insurance provides coverage for ‘Damages…

Read Your Professional Liability Policy With so much going on in our daily work lives it seems challenging to have the time to set aside to read your policy.  However, it is extremely important to understand the policy so that…

Reporting Claims for Architecture and Engineering Firms What is the process of reporting a claim for your firm? First and foremost, when reporting a claim, is to report it as soon as possible, this goes for any type of claim…

What Is A Certificate of Insurance? What it Isn’t. A Certificate of Insurance is a representation of coverage under an insurance policy or policies, as it exits at the time the Certificate of Insurance (COI)  was issued.  A COI is…

What is the purpose of a certificate of insurance for my architecture/engineering firm? A certificate of insurance is for informational purposes, similar to your auto ID cards.  It is helpful information for your firm’s clients.  It provides information for about…

Why Valuable Item Insurance Is Important Homeowner insurance protects more than just your house. Valuable item insurance included in your policy can be used to insure your valuables such as jewelry, art, prized collections or antiques that can mean just…

Keeping Workers Compensation Claims Down Extreme winter weather and temperatures have been impacting most of the United States.  In these conditions, fostering safe working conditions can be a challenge. To keep work comp claims down, follow these tips from OSHA…

Important Clauses to Pay Close Attention To in the Architects and Engineers Professional Liability Policy Yes it can be a lengthy policy to review but when renewing your policy or comparing policies here are a few key areas to review…

  Blockchain and the Design Professional   What is Blockchain? The blockchain is an incorruptible digital ledger of economic transactions that can be programmed to record not just financial transactions but virtually everything of value. Per Victor O. Schinnerer: The design…

Key Points on the Architects/Engineers Professional Liability Application The Professional Liability application can be tedious at times but it is how an insurance company determines your premium on Professional Liability.  So the more accurate and detailed the information provided the…

When you think of what your home is worth, you tend to think of either what you paid for it, or the price you can sell it for on the open market. This may be affected by factors beyond the…

Business Owner Policy Coverages to be Aware Of When you receive your business owner policy it can be overwhelming to review about one hundred pages of coverage.   There are a few sections in the policy to be aware of and…

How Does A Claim Affect My Professional Liability Policy? You’ve had a claim and it has now closed and you are wondering how this will affect your professional liability premium.  At  your next renewal your agent will probably ask to…

 2019 Schedule Announced – ACEC Engineering Scholarship – And, 2018’s Winning Essay a/e ProNet is proud to sponsor the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Scholarship.  Each year this $5,000 scholarship is awarded to well-rounded engineering students.  The application deadline…

Is my design firm required to get the extended reporting period or ‘tail’ for Professional Liability? It is important to understand what an extended reporting period (ERP), also called a ‘tail’ policy is.  The ERP is an extended period of…

Manage Injured Worker Claims Through Additional Insured Status A very informative risk management article from Victor O. Schinnerer relates to having the contractor name the design professional as an Additional Insured under their General Liability coverage. They write “Construction operations…

Named Insured on Policies for Architects/Engineers What is a named insured?  This is an owner or entity that can make changes to the policy and is listed on the declarations page of a policy.  Named insured is different from an…

Understanding the Deductible on Professional Liability for Architects/Engineers It is important to understand what a deductible is on Professional Liability.  The deductible is your firm’s obligation to pay per claim in the policy year as described in your firms Professional…

Why is my design firm required to provide an application to obtain new or renewal quotes for Professional Liability? Professional Liability is a different type of policy from other policies in the marketplace and needs to be re-rated every year…

    Benefits of a Limitation of Liability Clause A limitation of liability clause (sometimes referred to simply as a liability clause) is the section in a contracted agreement that specifies the damages that one party will be obligated to…

The Parts of the Business Owner Policy for Architects/Engineers There are several sections of a Business Owner policy, all of which your firm should be familiar with. Declarations pages – this is the first few pages of the policy that…

Insurance, Active Shooters & Workplace Violence We know that no one really wants to read any more about active shooters especially how it may affect their insurance. However, Insurance and risk management issues become important considerations according to Patricia L. Harman,…

Why are some project types higher risks than others for design professionals? There are project types that are considered a better risk than other types of projects, here are some of the reasons why. Condo projects, as we know, are…

How to Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing Subzero temperatures can cause even interior pipes to freeze. When temperatures plummet, the risk of your pipes freezing and bursting skyrockets. In fact, burst pipes are one of the most common causes of property…

Definition of a Claim and When to Report it to Your Design Firms Professional Liability Insurance Company Claims, generally speaking, are a demand for money or service.  A demand doesn’t have to be a formal written demand; it can be…

What is Employee Benefits Liability? Why Do I Need It? Employee Benefits Liability Coverage provides errors and omissions coverage for the administration of employee benefits programs of an insured. This coverage is usually endorsed to the General Liability Policy or…

Can my architecture/engineering firm get an estimated premium on Professional Liability based on a new project? This question comes up quite often to determine if a. it is worth it to precede with the project a b. how my firm…

As an architect/engineer how does my firm choose a Professional Liability policy?  This is a very good question and the answer isn’t always premium.   What your firm should think about is what is important to your firm. Risk management services…

Cyber Insurance Myths Putting your Business at Risk! Lack of education, emerging risks, and inconsistent policy language sow confusion in the cyber market. Two CNA experts debunk common but dangerous myths and offer facts in their article for Risk &…

Home Renovations If you’re planning a home renovation, you may want to call your insurance agent first because this decision can impact your homeowners insurance. Some home renovations will change the amount of coverage you need, while others could even…

Architects/Engineers Professional Liability By the Numbers Some interesting facts and statistics for design professionals- One – The most common policy term among architects/engineers for Professional Liability is one year.  Some carriers offer multi year policies for different sized firms; however…

Surplus Lines Professional Liability Policies for Architects/Engineers It is important to first understand what a surplus lines (non-admitted) policy is.  Surplus lines is a policy that does not need not be filed with state insurance departments as a condition of…

What Does Cyber Liability Cover? The complexity of information systems in today’s marketplace can be just as daunting as the risks to the data handled by these systems. However, common causes of loss are being identified, making it easier to…

The Parts of a Professional Liability Policy for Architects/Engineers There are several sections of a Professional Liability policy, all of which your firm should be familiar with. Declarations pages – this is typically the first few pages of the policy…

Professional Liability Premiums The economy is experiencing growth at a consistent rate for the first time in a long time. With the uptick in business comes with it higher expenses for most companies, including professional liability premiums. It would make…

What does my design firm do in the event of a Professional Liability claim? There are several steps in the claims process for Professional Liability. The first step is report the claim to your Professional Liability insurance company or your…

Significance of a certificate of insurance for a certificate holder As an architect/engineer your clients may ask for proof of your insurance policies, such as Professional Liability, General Liability and Workers Compensation. The certificate of insurance provides information about the…

Things to Consider Before Using Your Personal Vehicle for Work Many of us work for a company or are small business owners that require we go above and beyond the normal show up, work, and go home routine. You may…

My Predecessor Firm – Does my Professional Liability policy cover it? There are a few factors to verify with your insurance company with regards to your predecessor firm. The first and probably the most important factor to determining if your previous…

CYBER INSURANCE GROWTH While cyber insurance offerings have expanded recently, the ability to keep up with demand for cyber insurance cover is a continuing challenge, and sustainable growth in the cyber insurance market should not be taken for granted, according…

Saved By the Contract   The Facts Acme Engineers was hired by Perfect Paperz to provide a feasibility study and engineering report for the company’s wastewater treatment plant at its nearby paper recycling mill. After the study, but prior to…

Changes that can be made to Business Owner policies for architects/engineers- There are many portions of the business owner policy and therefore many changes that can be made.  Some of those changes or endorsements will depend on the insurance company…

Can my firm make changes to the architects/engineers Professional Liability policy? There are portions of the policy that cannot be changed such as the mandated state portions and the sections of the policy that must be filed by each insurance…

Employment Practices Liability Insurance High Risk of Testing Applicants According to Travelers Insurance RiskManagement Plus+ Online article it appears another employee practice that should be instituted is careful testing of your applicants to avoid insurance claims. The EEOC sued Ashley…

What changes can be made on and architects/engineers Workers Compensation policy? While the conditions and exclusions cannot be changed on the policy there are many other changes that can be made. The employer’s liability insurance limits can be changed.  For…

Home Safety While on Vacation Don’t let the anticipation of a well-deserved vacation blind you to the risks of leaving your home unprotected. Go ahead and plan your holiday, but take precautions before you leave. Consider Hiring a House-or Pet-Sitter…

General Liability Policy for Architects or Engineers – Additional Insured Your firm’s client is not automatically included as an additional insured under your general liability policy.  There must be a request by the first named insured to have an additional…

Important Insurance Terms for Architects and Engineers There are many terms when it comes to insurance policies, below is a list of some of the terms that will be significant for your firm. Dec page – Also know as declarations…

Directors and Officers Insurance Directors and officers (D&O) liability insurance protects the personal assets of corporate directors and officers, and their spouses, in the event they are personally sued by employees, vendors, competitors, investors, customers, or other parties, for actual…

Professional Liability vs. General Liability for Architects and Engineers What does each policy cover?  How are the similar?  How are they different? Professional Liability is for design errors or omissions.  It relates to ‘your work’ and the potential claims that…

Including Sub Consultants on My Design Firms Professional Liability Renewal Application The question of sub consultants on Professional Liability comes up quite often.  Why do they need to be included on the renewal application? Your firm has vicarious liability for…

  Not carrying insurance on your vacant commercial building? It could cost you more than just losing the rents. According to Burns & Wilcox, a leading insurance broker, ‘each year, vacant commercial buildings experience more than $500 million in fire…

Replacement Cost vs Market Value When you think of what your home is worth, you tend to think of either what you paid for it, or the price you can sell it for on the open market. But insurance carriers…

Why is my Professional Liability premium different from another design firm that does similar work? This question comes up quite a bit because your design firm may be doing similar work and projects as another design firm.  It is not…

Summertime Dangers It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt, right?  As the weather gets warm and the days stay light longer, it’s a fact that mishaps will happen more.  Be SAFE out there this summertime! Car accidents: More teenagers…

Common Exclusions on Professional Liability Policies for Architects and Engineers Most Professional Liability insurance companies have much similar exclusions on their policies.  It is important you read your firms policy to be aware of what the exclusions are for your…

          Risks for Design Professionals 1.  Contract Language – Poorly written contracts and ambiguous language can expose firms to unintended Risk.  It is a good idea to send your contract in question to your agent to…

How to Complete the Architects and Engineers Professional Liability Renewal Application The renewal application is an important piece of information for the insurance companies to determine your renewal premium.  It is important to complete the application accurately and completely. The…

Lower premium – Tips and ‘How To’ The bottom line for your firm is very important.  Here are some ideas of how to help lower your Professional Liability premium. Deductible – Increase the deductible amount if possible.  By increasing your…

Allison Esrig, head of the architects and engineers Professional Liability group, and Roseanne DeBellis, senior claims counsel, work for different departments at Navigators, but the brokers and companies they serve would never think of them as operating in two different…

Do you, as the Insured, have a right not to file a claim, by a third party, on your insurance policy? Actually, no, unless you want to forfeit your insurance coverage. Guess whose pocket the costs will come out of…

Making changes to your design firms policies? While policy changes may seem like a simple task, it is important to get changes requested as soon as possible and accurately; it can make a difference down the line.  Here are a…

Fleet Safety Are your drivers prepared for an accident with a company truck? Having a plan in place can help keep drivers safe and prepared to capture important information at the accident scene. An accident response plan can also help your company…

A Claim and My Renewal Premium How will the claim affect my Professional Liability renewal premium?  This is a great question and will depend on a lot of factors involved including the outcome of the claim and your firm’s renewal…

RECREATIONAL VEHICLE INSURANCE Mother nature has finally caught up with the calendar here in Michigan.  Now is the time to start thinking about rolling out all those fun ‘toys’ we store away all winter long, just waiting for spring to…

Budgeting for insurance as a design professional can be tricky but doable.  It is important to look at your firm and determine what the needs are with regards to insurance and budget accordingly. The first step is to determine what…

Presentation for Architecture Students at University of Colorado Denver Our very own Cindy King was honored to be invited to present insurance topics for Architects at the University of Colorado Denver this week.  The topics included in the presentation were…

Spring Webinar Spring is upon us (at least calendar-wise) and Great American Insurance Group would like to invite you to their spring webinar. On April 25th 1PM (Eastern) Great American Insurance Group is hosting Kent Holland of ConstructionRisk LLC to…

Online Cyber Risk Index Chubb Insurance Group has used their 20 years of commercial insurance cyber claims data to create an online cyber risk index which shows the threat for cyber losses for companies based on their size and the…

Vacation Safety Tips! Vacations are a time to relax and have fun, but travel can quickly unravel due to unforeseen disruptions; including travel delays, medical emergencies, and crisis situations. There are ways to prepare and prevent any interruption while on…

Definitions in a Professional Liability Policy for Architects and Engineers All Professional Liability policies have a definitions section of the policy.  These are the words that are included in the policies that are either in bold or italicized throughout the…

9 Key Elements of a Data Security Policy While the conversation around the water cooler may be about the latest cyber breach, protecting your data against cyber attacks requires much more than words. Walk the talk to help protect your…

Comparing A/E Professional Liability Policies What to look for when comparing Professional Liability policies for Architects and Engineers – There are many factors when considering a Professional Liability policy and price isn’t always the number one factor. Here is a…

Engineering on the Margin: Practical Considerations for Avoiding Litigation Architects and engineers have enough to worry about while designing their projects that the thought of a claim is sometimes the last thing on their minds. Further to that, the thought…

Employment Practices Liability Insurance for Design Professionals- Also commonly referred to as EPLI, this is a policy that most Design Professionals don’t think about but may have a need for the coverage. What does EPLI do? – It is coverage…

 Design Professionals earn your continuing education credits, HSW, AIA approved for 4 learning units. Hear from Jim Case of Kerr Russell and Weber law firm regarding the 2017 changes to the AIA and EJCDC contracts, real life war stories and Sarah Chambers…

Claim Denied – Why? Reasons a Claim Can Be Denied on a Professional Liability Policy for Architects and Engineers While this is not something that happens very often it can happen and its best to understand the reasons why a…

Home & Auto Claims – what to expect Sadly, most people will have an incident in their lives that will require a Home or Auto claim to be filed on their insurance policy. Knowing what to expect can offer piece…

What is the process of obtaining a new professional liability policy for design professionals? Professional liability works slightly different than many of the insurance policies in the marketplace.  There are more details that go into rating a professional liability policy…

Need Continuing Education Credits? THIS FREE 4 HOUR PROGRAM IS REGISTERED WITH AIA/CES FOR 4 LEARNING UNIT HOURS AND QUALIFIES FOR HEALTH, SAFETY, AND WELFARE You and the members of your firm are cordially invited to attend the 28th annual…

Understanding the Workers Compensation Audit for Design Professionals When your firm obtains a workers compensation policy it is based on estimated salaries and job descriptions at that time.  The policy, when it starts and at future renewals, is an estimate…

Report Workers Compensation Claims ASAP Reporting workers compensation claims in a timely manner is important.  While late reporting of workers compensation claims by the employer does not affect the employee’s benefits, it often causes issues with claims handling process and…

Explaining ‘Limit of Liability’ on Professional Liability Policy for Architects and Engineers There are some portions about the limits of liability in Professional Liability policies that your firm should be aware of. Aggregate limit – What does an aggregate limit…

  Insurance for Cryptocurrency Cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, etc.,  may be the waive of the future as more and more companies are beginning to accept the products as legitimate currency. Along with this wide acceptance comes the potential for risk…

Agree to Comply? Did you know that your insurance could be compromised if you agreed to comply with all laws, rules, and regulations? As with most design professionals liability insurance there is an exclusion for claims based on or arising out…

The Dos and Don’ts of a Workers Compensation Policy for Architects and Engineers Workers Compensation provides medical benefits when an employee is injured on the job.  Here are a few reminders to keep in mind about the policy below: Do…

What is EPLI and Why You Need It More companies are purchasing EPLI now than in the last 10 years because employees are becoming more aware of their rights. But, what exactly is EPLI? EPLI stands for Employment Practices Liability…

The Dos and Don’ts of a Business Owner Policy for Architects and Engineers Business Owner policies are an important piece of your overall risk management and protection of your firm’s assets.  Here are a few things to remember with regards…

Super Bowl Short-Term Home Rental Insurance PHILADELPHIA EAGLES vs. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS is really all that one really cares about when you make the decision to take a trip to Minnesota for the Big Game on February 4th.  However, those…

What information does the certificate of insurance provide? Generally speaking the certificate of insurance provides the clients of architects and engineers’ proof of insurance for specific insurance policies. The first few items the certificate included are the contact information for…

Managing Risk of Site Safety and Contracts with Municipalities In only limited circumstances can employees sue their employers in court in an attempt to recover for injuries incurred on a job site. Instead, employees injured on the job must make…

The Dos and Don’ts of a Professional Liability Policy for Architects and Engineers There are many things to understand when you have or are going to obtain a Professional Liability policy.  Here are a few tips of the do’s and…

  Request For Proposal (RFP) One of the challenges that our clients face almost every day is responding to a Request For Proposal (RFP). Because this is an important part of our clients responsibilities, we are always happy to assist…

“Contractors Insurance Requirements – A Primer” Commercial insurance for a general contractor is different than the insurance that a subcontractor needs to carry. Really?? Many owners, generals, construction managers don’t realize the importance of requiring insurance ‘apples to apples’. In this AmWins…

Waiver of Subrogation What is waiver of subrogation on insurance policies for Architects and Engineers?  Waiver of subrogation is a contractual provision where your firm agrees to limit the rights of its own insurance carrier.  The insurance carrier would not…

Mediation Deductible Credit in a Professional Liability Policy for Architects and Engineers Many carriers will give a credit to your deductible if your firm agrees to mediation during the claims process.  Below are examples of the mediation credit in policies:…

Review of supplementary payments in a Professional Liability policy for Architects and Engineers The supplementary payments will vary for each insurance company, be sure you review your policy so that you are aware of the supplementary payments in your firm’s…

Professional Liability for Architects and Engineers – defining Professional Services Each insurance company has a different definition of what is considered a Professional Service under the policy.  It is essential that your firm is aware of what services your firm…

Extended Reporting Period Options with Professional Liability Insurance Companies for Architects and Engineers An Extended Reporting Period, also called tail policy or ERP, is an extended period of time after the end of the policy period for reporting claims to…

Consent to settle clauses (hammer clause) in Professional Liability policies for architects and engineers- What is consent to settle clause?  It is the clause in the Professional Liability policy that will state if/when/how a claim will be settled.  Will the…

Contractors Professional Liability Insurance Trends   Contractors Professional Liability insurance policies are increasing in number. Due to the increase in the proposed spending plan for our infrastructure the insurance coverage provided under this Professional Liability policy is becoming more attractive…

Does my in-home hobby need to be insured? Check your social media and you’ll find a number of your friends and family may be soliciting some sort of product for sale.  Anything from candles and oils, childcare, crafting, photography, clothing,…

Common Endorsements Requested by Architects and Engineers When referring to the endorsements in this list it will be on the Professional Liability, Business Owner, and Workers Compensation Policies.  The requests are sometimes by the design firm but more commonly clients…

Why is it important that I read my firms architect/engineers Professional Liability policy? There are many reasons it is good to read over your Professional Liability policy, mostly so that you know what your firm’s coverage is on the policy….

  Insured Status Under the Contractor’s CGL Policy The issue of requiring protection for design firms by having them named as additional insureds on the general liability policies of contractors is complicated. Without the professional advice of an insurance consultant…

When should my design firm report a claim on a Professional Liability policy?  This can be a tricky question because not all answers are straight forward as to when to report a claim. The most obvious answer is when you…

  “Complying with all Laws”; Contract Language for Architects and Engineers One of the most difficult aspects of any design project for design professionals has nothing to do with the design itself, it has to do with the contract. Most…

Who is an insured under a Professional Liability policy for Architects & Engineers? This will be defined differently with each specific insurance company.  Be sure you read the policy and understand the definition and how it relates to your firm. …

Marketplace – Strong Lineup of Insurance Companies in 2018 The Michigan Department of Insurance announced that consumers will continue to have a robust choice of insurance companies offering health insurance through the Marketplace for the 2018 plan year. According to…

 OPTIONAL HOMEOWNERS ENDORSEMENTS TO CONSIDER       The majority of home owners have an insurance policy in place to cover their loses in the event of a claim. However, many home owners are not aware of other optional policy…

Reporting Claims – Architects/Engineers Professional Liability Policy Your firm is responsible for reporting a claim or circumstance to the insurance company as soon as your firm is aware of the situation.  This enables the insurance company to provide defense, if…

Social Engineering – What is this new phrase you have been hearing about?  Social engineering, in the context of information security, refers to psychological manipulation of people into performing actions or divulging confidential information. This is becoming very common and more…

What is the declarations page of an architects and engineers Professional Liability policy for? The declarations pages, also known as ‘dec page’, are basically the first few pages of your Professional Liability policy.  These first few pages are very important…

  Insurance Requirements and Certificates of Insurance Everyday Design Professionals are faced with decisions on how to properly execute a contract negotiation and everyday we receive an email regarding these negotiations. More often than not, we are asked about our…

Deductible options on a Professional Liability policy for Design Professionals – One of the factors to consider when reviewing Professional Liability quotes is not just the deductible amount but the deductible option.  What are the typical deductible options? First dollar…

INSURANCE RATES Commercial Insurance rates can be affected by losses. Workers Compensation insurance costs can be affected by employee injuries. General Liability insurance costs could be affected by injuries to persons other than employees. Commercial Excess/Umbrella insurance costs can be…

Do I need Professional Liability as an architect or engineer? This question does come up from time to time in certain circumstances.  Sometimes as an architect or engineer you may think what you do is considered low risk services.  But…

Additional Insured’s Notice of Cancellation A&E firms rely on certificates of insurance as proof of their insurance policies, including an additional insured endorsement that may be required by contract. The certificate of insurance not only shows the types of insurance policies,…

Workers Compensation, what information is needed to quote? Here is a list of some of those items that may be required to obtain a quote: Address – location and mailing address will be requested, if they are different addresses provide…

Architects and Engineers Business Owner Policy quotes, what information is needed to quote? Here is a list of some of those items that may be required. Location Address – The insurance company will need the location address and information about…

Construction Contract Administration Services Q: I feel that there is more risk doing contract administration services. Am I better off avoiding providing that service? A: There is no indication that providing construction contract administration services (CA), if done properly by…

What information is needed to quote Architects and Engineers Professional Liability? Whether you are getting a renewal quote or a quote for your new firm the Professional Liability insurance companies will require an application.  There may be some additional items…

Copyrights in Design Contracts A copyright may not be the first thing a design professional contemplates while reviewing or writing a contract. Standard design industry contracts (e.g., AIA and EJCDC), keep the copyright with the design professional and provide for…

Payment Options Available on Professional Liability There are several payment options available when your design firm is binding your Professional Liability policy. Payment in full, paid to your agent directly is probably the most common option.  However, our agency works…

Eclipse Viewers Is insurance necessary for commercial and personal property owners allowing others to view the eclipse? You may want to review the potential liability issues if you said ‘no’.  As with any landowner, or if you are renting property,…

Exclusions in Kidnap & Ransom Policies In many parts of the world, company executive and even their family members are at risk of kidnap and ransom. However, there may be some exclusions in your policy that you are not aware…

Drone Insurance for Commercial Use More and more small businesses are turning to the use of drones these days.  Whether it be for photography, surveillance, mapping or filming you better look into getting the right amount of insurance for your…

Definitions in a Professional Liability policy for Design Professionals It may be a part of the policy that you don’t pay much attention to but it is as important as the limits and deductible. The definitions in the policy give…

Revised A201 Family of AIA Contract Documents Released As part of its 10 years revision cycle, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) released in April their revised A201 Family of documents. Eleven forms and contract were revised including:  A101™–2017,…

FAQ on Professional Liability for Architects and Engineers There are many questions that come up when discussing Professional Liability.  The list below addresses some of those FAQ. How does Professional Liability differ from General Liability?  Professional Liability covers your firm…

Insurance Changes Insurance section description is more detailed, separate attachment for insurance and bond exhibit, insurance is required by Architect for a minimum of one year following Substantial Completion (2.5); contact our office for a copy of Kent Holland’s, president…

What insurance company should my design firm bind Professional Liability coverage with? With so many insurance companies in the marketplace this can be a difficult decision.  There are some factors to consider when your firm is looking into getting a…

Determining business personal property amount on a Business Owner policy for Design Professionals.  There is not an exact science to how to determine the limits of business personal property on a policy, but here are some ideas to help in…

Jewelry Putting an insurance policy on your engagement ring may sound unromantic, but nothing’s sweeter than peace of mind. Many Homeowners or Renters policies will include a limited value for jewelry. However, this coverage will only apply when there is…

Limits of Liability Limits of liability on Professional Liability for architects and engineers.  There are always questions with regards to limits of liability on Professional Liability policy.  Here are a few of those questions that do come up and the…

Project Policy Is there a project policy available for one specific project?  We often get this question with regards to Professional Liability for Design Professionals.  Is it possible to get a project policy?  Below is a breakdown of the possible…

Auto Liability and Your Employees Guard against personal use loss A LOSS LESSON The incident A contractor allowed an employee to operate their commercial vehicles (pick up trucks) while on personal business. As a permitted user, the employee hit a…

Deductible Options What are deductible options on Professional Liability policies for Design Professionals? There are different deductible options with insurance companies.  They each have slightly different wording of first dollar deductible and straight deductibles.  Here are some examples of the…

FLOOD INSURANCE Business Property Insurance doesn’t cover it, homeowners insurance doesn’t cover it, renters insurance doesn’t cover it. It’s the time of year where flood insurance could be very important to your wallet. Business Property Insurance doesn’t cover it, homeowners insurance…

Extended Reporting Period (ERP) options with Professional Liability insurance companies Extended Reporting Period, also called tail policy or ERP, is an extended period of time after the end of the policy period for reporting claims to the insurance company. The…

Cyber Security At Home If you don’t take a few security and privacy steps, cyber-criminals can break into your home Wi-Fi network and compromise your data. Here are some steps you can take to protect your in home wireless network….

That’s good to know!  Things you may not have known about Professional Liability, Workers Compensation and Business Owner policies There are so many intricacies with insurance; there are a few highlights and things to know about different insurance coverage’s for…

Professional Liability renewal application; what information does my firm need to gather? Professional Liability, in many cases, renews on an annual basis.  In order for the insurance companies to assess what the premium will be for your firm the insurance…

The Definition of a Professional Liability Claim “Claim” means a demand for money or services, including, but not limited to, a complaint in a civil proceeding in a court of law or in an arbitration proceeding, received by an Insured…

Common requests on certificates of insurance for design firms Each of your firms’ clients will request certificates of insurance with different requirements for each insurance policy. Below is a list of the more common requests on certificates of insurance based…

2017: Architects Go Back to School There comes a time where the old school of thought is outdone and outsmarted by the new ideas of today’s youth. We see it in all walks of life and design professionals are no…

Additional insured requests of Design Firms on Professional Liability This is a frequent request of clients and other design firms to be added as additional insured on a Professional Liability policy.  There are several reasons this cannot be accommodated on…

NEW CYBER THREAT! Advisen Cyber Insurance reports that a new meme is making the rounds on Facebook and could be a threat to your online security and privacy. A request to list 9 concerts you attended and one a ‘fake’ and…

Workers Compensation for Design Professionals, when reviewing your policy there are a few items that your firm should be paying attention to in addition to the conditions, limitations and exclusions. Class codes – This is a code that indicates what…

Cyber Coverage In Depth – Third Party In continuation from last week’s post regarding First Party Cyber Coverage, this week we’re going to focus on Third Party Cyber Coverage. In our litigious society, businesses can expect a myriad of reasons…

Earthquake coverage in Michigan? According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency; Michigan has a “very small probability of experiencing damaging earthquake effects”. In fact, most tremors felt in Michigan originate elsewhere. However, buildings can suffer effects from earthquakes in neighboring states that have a…

Insurance policies for Design Professionals; there are several insurance coverage’s that your firm may need for the operations of your day to day business activities.  Some are requirements by contract and others may be needed for your business needs. Professional…

Cyber Coverage In Depth – First Party In a world where thousands of data breaches occur every year, it’s critical to know where you could best protect your business with regard to network and cyber security. The most immediate concern…

Technology is continually changing the way design firms provide services to their clients. One of the advancements that has had an immediate impact on the industry is the commercial use of drones. Due to the massive increase in commercial drone…

Statute of Repose for Design Professionals A statute of repose establishes the time limitation of the right to begin legal proceeds on a specific cause of action after which no suit can be preserved.   For claims against Design Professionals the…

    Claim reporting on a Professional Liability policy:   Claim reporting on a Professional Liability policy for Design Professionals firms.  It is important to understand that Professional Liability policies are a claims-made policy and reporting policy.  The policy applies…

  Policy Perk – Travelers Crisis Events Coverage With today’s technology, it’s easier than ever for firms to be on the bad side of the press or public perception, especially after an incident like a claim (and even more so…

  Professional Liability Coverage: The Standard Of Care There are many ways to jeopardize you Professional Liability coverage. One of the most common mistakes is signing a contract without reviewing what you are signing. Be very cautious when reading the…

Auto Insurance Claims Auto insurance claims caused by hail, water and wind are top perils from March through May, according to Farmers Insurance. Of course, you must carry comprehensive Auto insurance coverage if you want your vehicle repaired. Check to make…

What are claims trends among Design Professionals?  While the market is constantly evolving and changing claims trends have held steady in recent years with residential projects.  Projects such as condos, single family homes, town homes and apartments are the projects…

Cyber Coverage Last year marked the second-highest record for business data breaches: 781. In order to properly protect you, your business, and your employee and client data, you need to understand the different type of Cyber Liability coverage available.  …

CLAIMS How do claims affect my Professional Liability premium?  This is a tough question to answer because the bottom line is it all depends on all of the factors of your application and the claims history frequency and severity. First…

Understanding limits of liability in a Professional Liability policy for Design Professionals.  There are many parts to a Professional Liability policy and one of those areas is to be aware of is what the limits of liability are covering your…

    Slip and Fall Accidents Slip and fall accidents can be very costly for any business, whether they involve your employees or someone else legally on your premises. Each year these accidents result in thousands of workers’ compensation or…

Understanding Extended Reporting Period (tail policy) on a Professional Liability policy for Design Professionals.  Extended Reporting Period, also called tail policy or ERP, is an extended period of time after the end of the policy period for reporting claims to…

Why Condominium Projects Mean Expensive Insurance Rates There are several reasons why Condominium projects lead to increase insurance costs. The biggest driver for and increase in premium due to condominium work is due to the large amount of claims attributed…

What to look for when deciding on a Workers Compensation policy.  It is required by state law to provide workers compensation coverage for employees.  There are a few options to be aware of when reviewing your policy/quote. One of the…

hola! Auto insurance for rental vehicles Your basic Auto insurance does not cover rental vehicles in Mexico. Think your credit card ‘insurance’ will take care of everything? Spring break is nearing and if you are thinking of renting a vehicle in…

What to look for when deciding on a Business Owner policy for your Design firm There are three main parts of a Business Owner policy – the property coverage, liability coverage and optional coverage’s.  What to look for when reviewing…

Why Do You Need a Personal Umbrella Policy? Imagine that you’re just a few years away from a well deserved retirement. You’ve got a sizable retirement account, plus a house and car, or two, that are fully paid off. In short, life…

What to look for when deciding on a Professional Liability policy.  There are so many insurance companies with different options for architects and engineers on a Professional Liability policy.  It is important to know what your firm is purchasing because…

FREE SEMINAR to all that register- 2017 Professional Liability Seminar for Design Professionals Registration is in full swing!  Click HERE to send yours in now.  Don’t procrastinate, it will only take you a couple minutes to do.  Then you’ll be…

Standard of Care for Design Professionals Clients are sometimes confused about the standard of care applicable to the services of design professionals. The law recognizes that professional services are based on reasoned judgment and that there is no one correct course of…

  Cyber Insurance 101 There is a hot new topic in the insurance industry, and it is Cyber Insurance. By now, surely you know or know of someone who has been involved in some sort of Cyber attack. Whether it…

What limits should my design firm carry on Professional Liability?  This is, ultimately, a business decision for your firm but here are a few guidelines to determine what makes sense for your business. Does your firm have a contract requirement…

Insurance Inspection Afraid of an insurance inspection? Don’t be, the insurance companies only want to make sure that what you have entered on your insurance application is correct. As you expect your clients to provide accurate information about a project…

Sinkholes It’s probably not something you think could ever happen to you; the ground suddenly opens up and swallows your home and the posessions within. With the recent news about just that happening in the metro Detroit area, you may…

Understanding deductibles on Professional Liability policies for design firms.  While this may seem like it is a simple concept it can become confusing when it comes to quoting or at the time of the claim. First it is important to…

What is the different between an occurrence policy and a claims made policy?  There are several differences and typically specific types of policies have one or the other. Occurrence policy – coverage is ‘triggered’ by the date of the occurrence…

Parts of the Workers Compensation policy for Design Professionals.  There are six parts to a Workers Compensation policy, the list below details those components of the policy. Part one – pays for bodily injury by accident or disease.  The incident…

What are common requests on certificates of insurance for Design Professionals? There are many items that are requested on certificates of insurance, some that can be accommodated and some that can’t.  Below is a list of some of those requests:…

Home Insurance The HO-3 has been the standard homeowners policy form for decades, and is adequate for most home owners’ personal insurance needs. For older homes, it’s still a good choice. But today, there’s something better, particularly for newer, well…

Who is an insured on a Commercial General Liability policy?  This can be a tricky question; however, here is a brief breakdown.  As always refer to your firm’s specific policy so you have an understanding of an insured. First Named…

Design professional firms insurance – what each insurance company offers?  There are many insurance companies out there.  It is important for Design Professionals that your insurance is with a company familiar with your specific needs.  Below is a list of…

Stucky Vitale Architects, Inc. Celebrating 50 Years- We are happy to share in the celebration of our insureds success of providing architectural services for the past 50 years.  Stucky Vitale has established a reputation for excellence and leadership in the…

Professional Liability claims trends for Design Firms.  The more information your firm has about the types of projects, claimants and types of claims the better prepared your firm is.  With this information your firm can increase your risk management efforts…

    Insurance Information for New Design Professionals is very important in the world of architects and engineers. The task of completing a degree in Engineering or Architecture is one of the most daunting in existence. Once a young designer…

Project policy vs. project Specific Additional Limit Endorsement (SALE).  What is the different between a project policy and a SALE or project endorsement? A project policy is a separate Professional Liability policy specific to a project that covers the whole…

Auto Insurance Needed! Collision shops love this time of year. Foggy mornings and  early  darkness contribute. Did you know that in 2015, in  Oakland County alone, there were 1,873 auto accidents  involving deer; with 70 injuries (not including the deer!)  and…

Professional Liability claim process for Design Professional firms.  The first question that your firm may ask is ‘what is a claim?’  If you think it’s a claim it probably is.  Even if you don’t have a demand for money or…

CYBER ATTACKS – are you next? CYBER ATTACKS seem to be happening more and more frequently these days.  One reason is because we as individuals and businesses are becoming forever reliable on technology.  We love the speed and convenience of it…

Our Design Professional firms are merging, how does this work with Professional Liability insurance?  Merging firms can be tricky for many reasons involved but one major factor that is important for the merger is your Professional Liability policy. If both…

CLAIMS-MADE vs. OCCURRENCE Most liability policies are written on an “occurrence” policy form. Occurrence policies need only to be in effect on the date that an accident causing damage occurs in order to trigger coverage. A claim asserted against the…

Does my insurance carrier cover a pot shop design exposure?  With Colorado and Oregon passing the law to allow for recreational pot shops this question has come up more frequently.  Nine States have the recreational marijuana legalization on the ballot,…

What is a mediation credit on a Professional Liability policy?  Some insurance carriers offer a reduction on the deductible if your Design Professional firm resolves a claim with the use of mediation.  For example, if your firm’s deductible is $10,000…

What are supplementary payments in a Design Professional’s Professional Liability policy in the event of a claim? Just as it states, Professional Liability policies do have supplementary payments available in the event of a claim for Design Professionals.  Here are…

Have you thought about, or already began, using drones in your day to day business? If so, you are going to want to look into aviation liability insurance.   The most important stipulation for getting good drone insurance is that…

Does an insurance company need my consent to settle a claim on a Professional Liability policy? Most Professional Liability policies for Design Professionals do have a clause in the policy that says that the carrier will need consent from the first…

Will my Professional Liability policy cover Pro Bono work? Whether or not professional services are provided for a fee or on a complimentary basis, the professional liability risks are the same. Professional liability insurance coverage is also the same, even…

Benefits of having an agent that specializes in Professional Liability Insurance for Design Professionals, it is valuable for many reasons: Identify the risks that Design Professionals face – An agent that specializes in working with Design Professionals knows what risks…

Contract Requirements for Design Professionals Design Professionals are constantly being asked to provide proof of insurance coverage and it can be quite overwhelming. Not only are the requirements sometimes confusing, but they can also be a gateway to taking on…

My Design Professional firm has quotes from several Professional Liability carriers, how do I decide on which carrier?  This is a very good question and with more than 50 markets offering Professional Liability policies it can be very confusing. The…

Workplace Injuries Workplace injuries can hurt small businesses. Workers Compensation Insurance is so very important, it will pay for those medical costs and lost wages associated with a workplace injury claim. According to a study completed by the Hartford there’s…

Surplus lines Professional Liability policies for Design Professionals. What do surplus lines mean?  In every State in the United States there are non-admitted insurers (surplus lines) and licensed (admitted) insurers. Non-admitted insurance carrier is not required by the States to…

Data Breaches on the Rise The recent Panama Papers leak is by far the biggest data breach in history. The leak further underlines the need for businesses to carry cyber insurance.  Data breaches and cyber attacks are on the rise,…

What factors are affecting your Workers Compensation Policy premium?  There are many factors that go into rating your Workers Compensation Policy for Design Professionals.  Each carrier has a different prospective of rating on this policy.  Also, each State will have…

Insuring the 2016 Olympics How do you do that?  And what insurance companies are going to take on that kind of risk? Aside from the obvious health concerns of the Zika virus and unclean water, along with safety advisories against…

What factors are affecting your Business Owner Policy premium?  There are many factors that go into rating your Business Owner Policy for Design Professionals.  Each carrier has a different prospective of rating on this policy.  Below are some of those…

Non-Owned Automobiles When Personal Vehicles Become Business Company-owned vehicles are not the only ones used for business purposes – in many companies, employees use their own vehicles as well. Employees who operate their own vehicles to carry out business create liability…

What limit of liability and deductible should my Design Professional firm carry on the Professional Liability policy?  This is a very good question and one that we get quite often.  There is no straight answer that can be given on…

What information your Design Professional firm will need in the event of a Workers Compensation claim?  It is good to know what items are important when you are reporting a claim.  Below is a list of some of the items…

  ACEC Awards First a/e ProNet Engineering Scholarship Winner a/e ProNet is an organization of insurance brokers that specialize in the servicing of design professional firms.  Lauren Grimley was awarded by the ACEC a/e Pronet’s first engineering scholarship. Lauren is…

What information your Design Professional firm will need in the event of a Business Owner Policy claim?  It is good to know what items are important when you are reporting a claim.  Below is a list of some of the…

What factors are affecting your Professional Liability premium?  The short answer is all of the factors in the application your firm has completed.  But below are more details as to how the premium for Professional Liability policy for your Design…

Professional Underwriters – put us to work for you! Our website isn’t shiny new, hot off the press anymore but it sure has a ton of information right at your fingertips!  Just because our doors close at 5pm doesn’t mean…

Our agency often gets the question of how a specific project will affect your firm’s Professional Liability premium.  There isn’t an easy answer to this question because of so many factors that go into rating a Professional Liability policy. When…

How Does FMLA affect your office? When it comes to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) there are many questions. Both employers and employees must be concerned with the effects of FMLA on a business. The FMLA provides some…

Common exclusions on a Professional Liability policy for Design Professionals are as follows: -Intentional and dishonest acts – meaning if your firm is dishonest, fraudulent or have a criminal or malicious act the Professional Liability carrier will exclude the claim….

Prior Knowledge Did you know that your Liability insurance has a prior knowledge exclusion? If you or any other employee who is authorized to file an insurance incident knew of a bodily injury or property damage incident that occurred prior to the…

Is it beneficial to be a part of a Design Professional Association?  Yes, there are many benefits that come along with being a part of an association for Design Professionals. Continuing Education – Most associations offer continuing education credits at…

Living in, and owning, a condo much not seem much different than living in a stand alone home. But to the insurance company, there are several differences in coverage. Even though you own your condo, do you know how much…

Social Hosting Liability Spring is the time of year to host a party to celebrate the accomplishments of our children graduating school!  This is a very special and exciting time for your family.  Your to-do list is long; full of just…

Who is an insured on a Professional Liability policy?  This list can be fairly long depending on the size of your firm but the most important factor to remember is that an ‘insured person’ will be acting on behalf of…

Is a limitation of liability clause in a Design Professionals contract beneficial?  Most claims representatives and attorneys say yes!  Mostly because the limit of liability doesn’t put your firm out for liability beyond your scope of services within the contract. …

Document Retention We are often approached by our clients asking how long is the appropriate length of time to retain certain documents. One of the most common questions is: “How long should we keep our emails?” The best practice is…

Does a Design Professionals need General Liability?  There are several reasons and scenarios that a Design Professional would need a General Liability policy. First and foremost, is if there is a contract requirement your firm to carry General Liability policy…

Motorcycle Insurance – On the road again… The Insurance Institute of America issued tips for the cost-conscious rider, like finding the right insurance for you and your bike. Click here for full article. Choosing the right insurance is like choosing the right…

What is a claims made policy?  A claims made policy provides coverage for claims made during the policy period for covered acts occurring after the policy retroactive date shown in the policy and before the end of the policy period. …

Advantages of an Agency Over Online Insurance We are inundated with commercials claiming you can save on your insurance costs by entering some information into a website. Some online carriers may be providing coverage at lower premium costs, but are you really…

What are Design Professionals duties in the event of a claim? -First and most important – notify your carrier and/or agent.  Report the claim/circumstance as soon as you become aware of the situation.  With this the carrier will have claims…

Limitation of Liability Limitation of Liability is a contractual provision that caps the amount of liability one party to the contract may have to the other party. Frequently used to equalize the imbalance between the potentially enormous risks assumed in performing…

A/E ProNet is a group of brokers committed to the insurance needs of Design Professionals.  Professional Underwriter’s three offices are members of this prestigious group.  What does this mean for your Design Professional firm? -A/E ProNet has members across the…

Malpractice or Negligence by Design Professionals? What Constitutes “Malpractice or Negligence” by the Design Professional? Unless there is a specific modification in the contract, a Design Professional is required to perform in accordance with the “Standard of Care”. The Design…

Cyber/Data Breach Insurance provides coverage to help pay the costs of notification. Michigan and 46 other states have ‘Notification Laws‘ in the event of a breach. Rectification of a breach is going to cost you money. Data information covered by the law:…

It is important that Design Professionals have a good contract before design begins.  There are several ways that this can be accomplished. Learning contract language and making sure your firm understand the risks that may be associated with the contract.  …

POLICY DISCOUNTS – Have you received yours? It seems like Home Owner and Personal Auto insurance policy premiums keep increasing each year. Knowing what discounts are available to you can generate savings to help with those increasing costs. Are you…

Seminar 2016 Professional Liability Last week at our seminars in Grand Rapids, MI and Troy, MI we had an ASTOUNDING 70 firms join us!!  Every year we are completely amazed and humbled by the incredible turnout.   Our knowledgeable speakers…

Below is a list of some exclusions on Professional Liability policies for Design Professionals  Claims by an insured against another insured:  The bottom line of this exclusion is that a claim would not be covered if you sued your firm….

Cyber Liability Frequently asked questions How is my company at risk? Hackers can gain access to your system through compromised wifi networks or lost/stolen laptops and cell phones. Phishing or social engineering attacks, via email, that direct you to a…

Below is a list of tips and suggestions to complete your Professional Liability renewal application:  Company name: Verify that your firm name is spelled correct and that if your firm is a LLC or Inc it is included.  This may…

Drones – Should Architects/Engineers Use Them? Aren’t drones just a toy? Not anymore, they are no longer toys—they are true drone aircraft in the FAA’s eyes and cannot be flown without a certificate of authorization or special airworthiness certificate. Until now,…

Cyber Liability: Will my insurance pay the ransom?  Does your business insurance provide coverage if your system is kidnapped and your digital information is held hostage? Will your business insurance provide coverage if a former employee decides to take revenge by…

Types of Insurance to consider for your Architecture and/or Engineering firm: Professional Liability – protects against negligent acts, errors or omissions in the performance of professional services.  Also know as errors and omissions insurance. Business Owner Policy – combines both…

Under Gov. Rick Snyder’s 2017 budget, the cost to look up someone’s driving record is going up 38%. The change being applied in the 2017 budget, the cost of a driver record look-up will increase to $11 from $8 on October 1st….

Below is a checklist of items to look out for when obtaining Workers Compensation quotes for your firm. Employer’s limits of liability – what are your current limits of liability and are the quotes you are getting the same. Named…

Continuing Education Credits can be earned at our upcoming seminar – Professional Liability for Design Professionals.  This seminar is registered with AIA/CES! Click HERE to REGISTER TODAY! GRAND RAPIDS, MI – March 16th TROY, MI – March 17th Mark your…

Below is a check list of items to look out for when obtaining Business Owner Policy quotes for your firm. Limits of liability – what are your current limits of liability and are the quotes you are getting the same….

The Use of a Well-Written Contract as an Important Risk Management Tool BY, ANDREW J. CARLOWICZ, JR.  Travelers *   Is a claim being asserted against you and your firm? Are you a defendant in a malpractice case? Are you…

Below is a check list of items to look out for when obtaining Professional Liability quotes for your firm. Limits of liability – What are your current limits of liability and are the quotes you are getting the same.  Also…

What is pre-claims assistance on Professional Liability? Several carriers offer free pre-claims assistance on your Professional Liability policy.  Pre-claims assistance is if you have not received a ‘notice of claim’ from your client but you feel there may be issues…

INSURANCE CLAIMS OR INCIDENTS – Ensure the fastest possible response to your insurance claim or incident Reporting insurance claims or an incident (a situation that very well could turn into an insurance claim) as soon as reasonably possible is of…

Your firm may get requests from your clients to list or name an additional insured on your Professional Liability policy.  The additional insured language is not available on your Professional Liability policy and there are a few reasons why: Some…

With the temperature fluctuations we experience throughout our unpredictable seasons, ice dams are causing frustration and financial burdens to home owners. Although the damage caused by ice dams will more than likely be covered by your Home Insurance policy, the…

With the current trend of condos being more and more difficult to build due to litigation and claims, developers/owners are looking to build apartments instead.  The issue, for architects and engineers, that has come up lately is; will the apartment…

There will be times that as an Architect or Engineer you will have contract requirements for limits of liability that are higher than the current limits carried on your Professional Liability policy.  The scenario; your client is requiring $2,000,000 per…

Do you operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs/Drones in business? If the answer is yes you made need to purchase a separate liability policy.  Your business owners or general liability policy that you have may have an exclusion for aircraft.  If…

What is a retroactive date? It is the date set in a policy that shows when you started a policy with a carrier and have continuous Professional Liability policies.  It eliminates coverage for claims produced by wrongful acts that took…

How Effective is Your Risk Management Program? Many design firms attend risk management training sessions and implement certain practices based on an industry trend or project claim. Other firms may only concentrate on contracts and insurance coverage’s as a risk…

Many Architects and Engineers have been carrying Professional Liability Limits of $1,000,000 each claim with  a $2,000,000 annual aggregate for a number of years; but we are seeing an increasing demand for limits of $2,000,000, $3,000,000 or $5,000,000 (and even…

Hosting a company holiday party? Here are some tips to reduce your liability from the Society for Human Resource Management: 1) Have an alcohol policy – and enforce it! 2) Hire a professional server if serving alcohol – they will…

In exchange for payment of a claim under a policy of insurance, the policyholder surrenders to the Insurer the right to recover the monies paid to settle the claim from any parties that may have been responsible for the damages…

DOLLAR ONE DEFENSE Dollar One Defense is a unique deductible option for certain insureds. Dollar One Defense or “First Dollar Defense” simply means that if a claim is made against you, your insurance carrier will pay your defense costs beginning with…

Other Colorado cities have made some changes to construction defect, will Denver, CO make changes also?  Click here to see the news story.

Generally, the biggest risk to the firm is not its professional liability exposure to the owner, the “team” or third-parties but its ability to manage its cash flow.  IPD forces design firms to risk their profit and while the constructors…

If a Professional Liability policy is cancelled or not renewed many carriers provide automatic Extended Reporting Periods (ERP or ‘tail’).  Typically this automatic ERP period is 60 days and is free of charge.  Most carriers will also offer an optional…

CLAIMS How to Report a Claim:  Immediately call or email your agent to discuss the claim or circumstance.  With your agent you will determine, based on your policy requirements, if it does fall under the definition of a claim or…