Professional Liability Insurance for Architects

If you’re an architect, you already know how detailed your work has to be. One misplaced measurement or an overlooked zoning rule can cause a domino effect that ends with a lawsuit. That’s why Professional Liability Insurance for architects—also called errors and omissions insurance—isn't just a “nice-to-have.” It’s part of the blueprint for protecting your business. Architects deal with design, planning, and compliance. You’re balancing creativity with safety and regulations. If a client believes your plans caused financial loss, delays, or structural problems, they might sue—even if it wasn’t your fault.

General Liability

Workers Compensation

Property Coverage

Auto Insurance

Errors and Omissions

Professional Liability Insurance (PLI) for Architects

Professional Liability Insurance (PLI) is designed to protect professionals and businesses from claims of negligence, malpractice, and other risks tied to the services they provide. Whether you're offering advice, a service, or a product, PLI is essential to safeguarding your reputation and finances if things go sideways.

Example: An architect designs a modern office building. Months into construction, it’s discovered that a load-bearing wall was missed in the design. The developer sues for redesign costs and delays. PLI can cover the legal fees and settlement—saving the architect from paying out of pocket.

What Does Professional Liability Insurance Cover for Architects

PLI covers a wide range of potential risks. Here are a few key examples of what’s typically included:

Legal fees: If someone sues you, PLI can cover the cost of hiring an attorney.
Settlements and judgments: If a case is settled or results in a judgment, your policy can help pay those costs.
Claims like copyright infringement, negligence, and personal injury: It helps with financial protection against accusations that your service caused harm or loss to your clients.

Example: A firm claims your building plans look almost identical to theirs and files a copyright infringement lawsuit. PLI helps cover your legal defense.

Who Needs Professional Liability Insurance? Architects

Professional Liability Insurance isn’t limited to one industry. A wide variety of professionals and businesses can benefit from it, including:

Architects and engineers
Structural designers
Urban planners
Landscape architects
Interior designers
Project managers
CAD specialists

Example: An architect’s client alleges that poor traffic flow in a retail design led to lost revenue. An auto insurance claim also arises when a delivery truck crashes into a poorly planned turn radius. PLI and commercial auto insurance together manage the fallout.

Other Insurance for Architects

Besides PLI, architects should also consider:

General Liability Insurance: Covers third-party bodily injury and property damage.
Commercial Auto Insurance: For work-related travel and transport.
Business Owner’s Policy (BOP): Combines general liability and property insurance.
Cyber Liability Insurance: If you store client data or plans online.
Workers' Comp: If you have a team, it’s often required.

Custom Architect Insurance from USA Insurance

USA Insurance has over 19 years of experience helping architects and design professionals find the best rates for their insurance needs. Get a quote and lock in your coverage in less than 15 minutes.
With over 240 carriers to choose from, USA Insurance shops the market to get architects the most competitive rates on PLI and more. Start online and get your certificate fast.
Located in Burbank, CA, our USA-based customer support team is ready to help—real humans, no annoying bots. We’ve been doing this for 19+ years, and we know what architects need.