As an engineer or architect, you work in a highly skilled, detail-oriented industry and are expected to provide quality design services that are free of errors or omissions. Despite your expertise, knowledge and best intentions, the reality is that not all projects are error-free, and eventually a mistake or misjudgment is bound to occur. Even the smallest error can have serious consequences.
If a client believes damages are due to a mistake on your part, he or she can sue your company. It is important to protect yourself against this potentially devastating liability. The cost of defending yourself in court can be huge, not to mention the restitution costs if you’re found at fault. A professional liability policy will cover these costs in the event of such a claim, which may otherwise financially cripple your business.
How Does the Policy Work?
A professional liability policy will cover the cost of defending you or your company in court, along with any monetary damages awarded to the claimant due to an error or omission on your part (up to the policy coverage limit). These policies are known as “claims-made” policies. This means that coverage is triggered when a claim is filed and you report it to the insurance company, since it is often hard to identify when the alleged error or omission originally occurred. Your work will be covered dating back to the earliest date of your continuous professional liability coverage. Policies typically have a one-year term, with an annual premium and deductibles on a per-claim basis.
What to Look for in a Policy
Though you may specialize in certain areas, you likely handle a variety of projects and services, and you’ll want your policy to reflect that. Depending on your needs, you may want to consider these components when choosing a policy:
- Pollution liability that covers sudden, accidental and gradual pollution
- Specific coverage for breach of a client contract
- Full civil liability coverage (not just negligence)
- Specific coverage for breach of intellectual property rights
- Reimbursement of costs incurred to help reduce or avoid a claim
- Punitive and exemplary damages coverage
- Virus and hacking liability coverage
What is Not Covered
The following items are generally excluded from a professional liability policy:
- Unfair trade practices (you hire a competitor’s employee and subsequently take one of the competitor’s clients)
- Failure to pay a fee or invoice
- Willful or dishonest acts
Contact Axis Insurance Group today to learn more about protecting yourself with a comprehensive professional liability policy.
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