Professional liability insurance rates for architects and engineers expected to be stable in 2017

Insurance premiums for architects and engineers professional liability stabilized in 2015 after three straight years of moderate increases.

Insurers also plan to hold the line on rates this year, according to new survey by insurance broker Ames & Gough. The survey of 14 insurance companies that write more than 75% of the architects and engineers liability (A&E) policies in the U.S. found that rates had been kept fairly stable in 2016 partially due to healthy competition.

A few insurers reported that they will seek to raise rates this year. Most of these carriers plan to target increases to specific disciplines, such as structural engineering and geotechnical engineering, or specific project types--namely residential construction and schools, which have incurred increased claim activity recently.

“While the insurance market is competitive, the buyers benefitting the most will be those that maintain high standards for managing risk, including evaluating the risk-reward potential of new projects and knowing how a change in project mix might affect their risk profile and insurance program,” said Joan DeLorey, senior vice president and partner, Ames & Gough.