Architects and engineers are integral in ensuring the successful design and implementation of all development projects, and, as a result, are exposed to considerable risks. ENCON’s professional liability insurance program for architects and engineers in small firms protects against claims and allegations of professional negligence on the part of the business owner or the firm’s employees.

Architectural or engineering firms providing professional services with annual fees of $500,000 or less may qualify for this insurance. Firms predominantly involved in the following disciplines are ineligible, however, may qualify under a practice policy:

• Geotechnical
• Design manufacturing/fabrication
• Environmental
• Nuclear

• Policy Form – The insurance is written on a claims-made basis with full coverage for prior acts
• Policy Period – Limits are purchased on an annual basis for the three-year policy term
• Capacity – Limits are available on a per claim and aggregate basis as follows:
• $250,000/$500,000
• $500,000/$1,000,000
• $1,000,000/$1,000,000
• Territory – Services rendered and claims made anywhere in the world

• Policy Features
• Guaranteed annual premiums for term
• Low minimum premiums
• First dollar defence coverage (deductible does not apply to defence costs)
• Full retroactive coverage
• Split damages deductible ($1,000)
• Broad definition of named insured (including contract employees and employees on loan from other firms)
• Broad definition of professional services
• Design-build coverage
• Equity interest coverage where the insured’s interest does not exceed 10%
• Joint ventures with other design professionals
• Disciplinary coverage ($15,000 sublimit)
• Pollution liability coverage
• Occupational Health and Safety Act defence coverage ($15,000 sublimit)
• Simplified application form
• Breach of confidentiality coverage
• Libel and slander coverage

• New! Security and Privacy Liability Coverage Endorsement
• Employment practices wrongful act liability coverage endorsement available for firms with less than 50 employees
• Retirement program for sole practitioners of design firms

• A completed ENCON Architects and Engineers in Small Firms application form (Form 3 or Form 4) *
• All applications must be submitted to ENCON through a licensed insurance broker

* Please note that there are separate application forms for quotes on new submissions and for renewals.

Professional Liability & Construction