Design-Build Liability Insurance for professional contractors

If you're the design-build contractor responsible for the project, your policy covers your exposure when a subcontractor's design error leads to a claim against you. Subcontractors should carry their own professional liability as additional protection.

In traditional (design-bid-build) delivery, the owner holds separate contracts with the designer and the builder — they each carry their own liability. In design-build, you hold both contracts and carry the combined liability. Your insurance program must reflect that structure.

Yes. The construction side of the program covers physical property damage and bodily injury from construction operations, including construction defects — while the professional side covers the design errors that may have caused them.

EPC (engineering, procurement, construction) contracts carry additional procurement and equipment liability. We structure programs to address the full scope of EPC exposure, including equipment procurement, commissioning, and performance guarantees.

Cost is driven by services performed, annual revenue, contract types, and professional liability claims history. We quote your actual firm in about 15 minutes — never a ballpark from a generic business form.

Yes. Contractors Choice Agency is licensed in all 50 states and writes professional contractor programs nationwide — Arizona, Texas, California, the Northeast, Pacific Northwest, and everywhere contractors operate.

Typically 15 minutes on a call. Larger or more complex programs may take a day or two to place with the right markets, but we move fast and set expectations up front.

Often yes. We have admitted and E&S markets for professional contractors declined over prior claims, loss runs, or complex project types. Bring us your situation and we'll find a market.

Usually yes. A coordinated program closes gaps between policies and is typically cheaper than separate policies from separate carriers — and far easier to manage at claim time.

A.M. Best ratings reflect a carrier's financial strength and ability to pay claims. We place coverage with A-rated (and A+ where possible) carriers so the coverage is there when a professional liability claim, contract dispute, or construction defect suit hits.

Yes. Design-build firms carry both professional and trade liability; project managers carry significant professional services exposure; specialty contractors have unique E&O profiles. We tailor each program to the specific services your firm provides.

Claims are evaluated based on the alleged harm — cost overruns tied to professional errors, project delays, design defect remediation costs, and client financial losses. We work with carriers that handle contractor professional liability claims efficiently and fairly.

Services performed, annual revenue, contract types (fixed-price, cost-plus, design-build), largest single project, professional liability history, current coverage, and loss history. More detail means a more accurate quote.

If you're the responsible contractor and a subcontractor's error leads to a professional liability claim against you, your policy covers your exposure as the directing or coordinating party — including defense costs and resulting liability.

Yes. Project-based contractors can obtain project-specific professional liability policies for individual large contracts, while ongoing firms carry annual programs. We match the program structure to how your firm actually operates.

That's a professional liability (E&O) claim. Your policy covers your defense costs, legal fees, and any resulting judgment or settlement — up to your policy limits. Without E&O coverage, you'd pay out of pocket.

Yes. If you operate through multiple entities, joint ventures, or have separate design and construction arms, we build one coordinated program covering all entities with no gaps between them.

Yes. Contractors who provide consulting, inspection, commissioning, or advisory services carry professional liability exposure beyond their construction activities. We add professional liability tailored to those services.