Professional Indemnity Insurance for Design & Construct Contractors
Design and construct contractors carry significant professional liability exposure. When you accept design responsibility under a D&B contract, your standard contractors' all risks policy will not respond to claims arising from negligent design. You need specialist Professional Indemnity cover.
Risk Exposure
Why Design & Construct Contractors Need Professional Indemnity Insurance
When a contractor takes on design responsibility — whether through a JCT Design & Build Contract, an NEC Option X15, or a bespoke arrangement — they assume a duty of care that extends well beyond traditional building works.
If a design element fails, the contractor may face claims for the cost of rectification, consequential losses, and delay damages. These claims can be substantial and are specifically excluded from public liability and contractors' all risks policies.
Professional Indemnity Insurance provides the financial protection needed when allegations of negligent design, specification errors, or failure to exercise reasonable skill and care arise from construction projects.
Scope of Cover
Typical Activities Covered
Illustrative Claims Scenarios
Typical Claims Scenarios
The following scenarios are illustrative examples only and are intended to demonstrate the types of claims Professional Indemnity Insurance is designed to respond to.
Specification of Unsuitable Cladding System
A design and build contractor specifies an external cladding system that fails to achieve the required fire performance rating. The building requires complete recladding at substantial cost, and a Professional Indemnity claim is pursued against the contractor.
Inadequate Waterproofing Design
Basement waterproofing design proves inadequate for the actual ground conditions encountered. Water ingress causes significant damage to completed internal fit-out works, resulting in a Professional Indemnity claim for remediation costs.
Structural Design Coordination Failure
Failure to coordinate structural steelwork design with M&E services routing leads to extensive on-site modifications and project delays. The employer pursues a Professional Indemnity claim for the additional costs incurred.
Proposal Information
What Underwriters Usually Ask
When we approach the market on your behalf, underwriters will typically require the following information. We guide you through this process.
Why Choose PLB
Specialist Design & Construct Contractors PI Brokers
Sector Expertise
We understand the specific professional risks facing design & construct contractors and arrange cover that responds to your actual exposures.
Market Access
Access to specialist Professional Indemnity underwriters and markets with experience in this sector.
Personal Service
Deal directly with experienced PI specialists who know your sector — not a call centre or an algorithm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Design & Construct Contractors — Common Questions
Get Started
Request a Quotation
Complete the form and a specialist Professional Indemnity broker will review your Design & Construct Contractors activities and contact you within one working day.