California Professional Liability Insurance for Architects

(For states other than California, please go back to our homepage.)

We provide professional liability insurance to architects in California, from solo practitioners to large architectural firms. We're insurance brokers and work with multiple 'A' rated insurance companies which offer professional liability insurance to all types of architects in California, including landscape architects and naval architects. Even if you had claims in the past five years and are having trouble finding coverage, we can help.

What type of work do California architects do?

Architects are licensed professionals who work on the design of various structures. The types of structures designed by architects in California include high rise buildings, houses, hospitals, shopping malls, schools, airports, factories, and large complexes.

At the beginning of a project, architects in California will discuss the type of building, requirements, aesthetics, location and budget with their client. Architects will then research the various building codes and regulations and prepare some preliminary drawings. Architects in California use software, including computer aided design, to create designs and drawings. The preliminary drawings are presented to the client and changes are made as needed. Once the final drawings are ready and accepted by the client, California architects may be involved in the construction. The level of involvement in the construction varies, but architects will at a minimum supervise the construction to ensure that the drawings and designs are accurately followed by the contractors.

In order to become an architect, students must complete education, experience, and examination requirements. The education requirement is satisfied by completing a degree in architecture from an accredited institution. The experience requirement consists of working as an intern for a number of years. Interns must then pass a series of examination before they can become licensed architects. The licensing of architects is handled on a state by state basis.

Why do California architects need professional liability insurance?

The work performed by architects in California is complex and requires a detailed knowledge of not only architecture and engineering principles, but also California building code, California zoning laws and various other regulations. Because of the complexity of their work, California architects have a high risk of making an error or omission while working on a project. In the event of a lawsuit, California architects will have to defend their work and could be liable for large damages if found to have been negligent. Architects working on large projects can also be included in a lawsuit, along with all other professionals involved in the project, even if no error or omission was made. Even if architects are found to have not been negligent, they still have to pay their defense costs which may be substantial.

It is therefore vital for architects in California to have the protection provided by professional liability insurance.

What protection does a professional liability insurance policy provide California architects?

Professional liability insurance provides California architects with protection against damages and legal fees. Professional liability insurance policies provide coverage for claims made against California architects by reason of a negligent act, error or omission in the performance of architectural services.