Architects & Engineers Insurance

Designed for Designers. Engineered for Risk.

Most design firms buy professional liability at renewal and hope for the best. PFTN understands A&E exposure from the inside out. We review your contracts, understand your project types, and build coverage programs that actually protect your practice.

$500M+
Design Professional Claims Managed
98%
Client Retention
200+
A&E Firms Advised
All 50
States Licensed & Active

Commodity vs. Strategy

❌ The Commodity Renewal

Your broker shops your professional liability every few years, presents two or three quotes, and picks the cheapest. Contract language goes unreviewed. When a claim hits, you discover the gaps in your coverage the hard way.

✓ The Strategic Build

PFTN audits your project mix, reviews your standard contracts and subconsultant agreements, and designs a professional liability program tailored to how your firm actually practices. We negotiate with specialty carriers, advocate during claims, and advise on risk management year-round.

Comprehensive Protection for Design Professionals

Professional Liability / E&O

The cornerstone of any A&E insurance program. Covers claims arising from errors, omissions, or negligent acts in the performance of professional design services, including defense costs, settlements, and judgments.

Project-Specific Professional Liability

Dedicated coverage limits for individual high-value or high-risk projects. Protects your practice policy from erosion and satisfies owner requirements on large-scale engagements.

Cyber Liability

Design firms hold sensitive project data, client information, and proprietary designs. Cyber coverage protects against data breaches, ransomware, business interruption, and regulatory fines.

Employment Practices Liability

Protects your firm against claims from employees alleging discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, or other employment-related issues. Critical as firms grow and manage diverse teams.

General Liability & Umbrella

Covers third-party bodily injury and property damage at your office, job sites, or client locations. Umbrella extends limits across your liability program for broader protection.

Contractual Risk Transfer

PFTN reviews your client contracts, subconsultant agreements, and indemnification clauses to identify uninsurable exposure before you sign. We recommend language that aligns with your coverage.

Architecture & Engineering Specialists

Architecture Firms

From boutique residential studios to large commercial practices, we understand the full spectrum of architectural exposures. Design liability, code compliance, project delays, and owner disputes are all part of the landscape we help you navigate.

Engineering Firms

Civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, environmental, and geotechnical engineering. Each discipline carries unique professional exposures. We build programs that reflect the specific risks of your engineering practice.

Multidisciplinary & Design-Build Firms

Firms that combine architecture, engineering, and construction management under one roof face compounded exposures. We structure programs that address the professional liability gap where design meets construction.

Four-Step Partnership

1. Practice Audit

We review your project mix, contract standards, claims history, and subconsultant management. No assumptions about your practice. We learn how your firm actually operates before recommending anything.

2. Program Design

Custom coverage architecture built around your specific practice areas, project types, and contractual obligations. We match carriers that specialize in A&E risk and negotiate terms that reflect your firm's quality.

3. Contract & Risk Advisory

Ongoing review of client contracts, subconsultant agreements, and indemnification clauses. We identify problematic language before you sign and help you negotiate terms that align with your coverage.

4. Ongoing Partnership

Year-round advisory, claims advocacy when you need it most, carrier negotiations, and proactive renewal strategy. We monitor your evolving project portfolio and adjust coverage accordingly.

The Risks That Keep Design Firms Up at Night

Most insurance brokers don't understand design professional exposure. PFTN does. We illuminate what others overlook and structure coverage that actually addresses what keeps your firm's principals up at night.

How We're Different

Most Brokers

Coverage Approach
Shopping professional liability on price alone. No review of contracts, project types, or claims-made nuances.
Claims Handling
You report it to the carrier and wait. Broker involvement is minimal until renewal.
Contract Review
Not offered. You sign whatever the client puts in front of you and hope coverage responds.

✓ PFTN

Coverage Approach
Custom program design based on practice audit, project mix analysis, and contract review with A&E specialty carriers.
Claims Handling
We advocate alongside you, manage carrier relationships, coordinate with defense counsel, and fight for fair outcomes.
Contract Review
Ongoing review of client and subconsultant contracts to identify uninsurable exposure before you sign.

Architect & Engineer Insurance FAQs

What is professional liability insurance for architects and engineers? +

Professional liability (E&O) insurance protects architects and engineers against claims arising from errors, omissions, or negligent acts in the performance of professional services. It covers defense costs, settlements, and judgments when a client alleges your design or advice caused them financial harm. Unlike general liability, which excludes professional services, this policy is specifically designed for the unique exposures of design professionals.

Why do architects and engineers need separate professional liability coverage? +

General liability insurance contains a "professional services" exclusion. If your design causes a structural failure, water intrusion, or cost overrun, your GL policy won't respond. Professional liability is claims-made coverage specifically designed to cover the unique exposures of design professionals, including design errors, code violations, and failure to meet the standard of care.

What is project-specific professional liability insurance? +

Project-specific professional liability (PSPL) provides dedicated limits for a single project, separate from your practice policy. This is common on large or high-risk projects where the owner wants assurance that dedicated coverage is available and won't be eroded by claims from your other work. PFTN helps determine when PSPL makes sense and negotiates terms with specialty carriers.

How long do I need to maintain professional liability coverage after project completion? +

Most states have statutes of repose ranging from 6 to 15 years for construction defect claims. Since professional liability is claims-made coverage, you need an active policy when the claim is filed, not just when the work was performed. If you're retiring or closing your firm, tail coverage (extended reporting period) allows you to report claims after the policy ends. PFTN helps you understand these nuances and plan accordingly.

What risks do design professionals face beyond professional liability? +

Design firms also face cyber liability exposure from client data and project files, employment practices claims as firms grow, property and business income risks, and contractual liability from indemnification clauses. PFTN builds a comprehensive program covering all of these exposures so your firm is protected across every front, not just the professional liability line.

How does PFTN help with contract review for design professionals? +

Many A&E contracts contain indemnification clauses, limitation of liability provisions, and insurance requirements that create uninsurable exposure. PFTN reviews your contracts before you sign to identify problematic language and recommend modifications that protect your firm and align with your coverage. This is an ongoing service, not a one-time review.

Your Practice Deserves Better

Tell us about your firm. We'll schedule a conversation about building the right program for your practice.