Coverage Comparisons for Design Firms
Written and reviewed by Michael LaBarbera, licensed insurance agent
These comparisons explain policy differences that affect design firms, including defense costs, prior acts and project coverage. Use them to prepare questions about actual offers; named-carrier comparisons remain unavailable until their features are verified.
Professional vs General Liability for Design Firms
Professional liability addresses qualifying allegations about professional services; general liability addresses different premises, operations and product exposures subject to its form
Defense Inside vs Outside Policy Limits
Inside-limit defense can reduce the amount remaining for damages, while outside-limit defense may be subject to a separate cap and conditions
Deductible vs Self-Insured Retention
A deductible and a self-insured retention both involve the insured’s cost-sharing, but their claims-handling and payment obligations depend on policy wording
Continuous Coverage vs Tail for Design Firms
Continuous professional liability keeps a policy active, while tail extends reporting for qualifying earlier work under specific terms
Practice vs Project Professional Liability
A practice policy addresses the firm’s insured professional services across its practice; a project policy is arranged around a specified project and insured parties
Claims-Made vs Occurrence for Design Professionals
Claims-made coverage turns on claim timing and reporting requirements; occurrence coverage turns on the policy-defined event timing
The Hartford vs Hiscox for design professionals
Side-by-side verified policy features for The Hartford and Hiscox, quoted through our agency.
Great American vs GUARD for design professionals
Side-by-side verified policy features for Great American and GUARD, quoted through our agency.
Architects and Engineers Insurance Companies
Verified carrier-feature comparison for architects and engineers.
The Hartford vs Travelers for design professionals
Side-by-side verified policy features for The Hartford and Travelers, quoted through our agency.
Hanover vs Travelers for design professionals
Side-by-side verified policy features for Hanover and Travelers, quoted through our agency.
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