P.I. insurance for architectural technicians

Artekky

I was hoping somebody could recommend insurance companies that can provide professional indemnity insurance for architectural technicians, how much cover I should be carrying and a rough cost. I will be dealing mainly in residential design. Thanks

muffler

Im out of the game now but back when I had cover it was through Professional Insurance Agents Ltd in England. I found the cover to be much cheaper with companies in the UK compared to here. However with the raft of changes made to the Building Control regs back in 2014 it shot up. But Im sure it went up here also. At that time I had cover for €650k in any one claim and like yourself it was all residential developments I was involved in.

Google will throw up a lot of places here providing PI cover. There is also a company doing cover for technicians who are registered with their representative body. They may be worth a visit.

Artekky

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120004396#Comment_120004396

Thanks for that Muffler. I tried a couple of companies in England already but they both said that because of Brexit they don't cover Ireland anymore, without giving the reason why. I have just emailed 'Professional Insurance Agents' so I'll wait for their reply

muffler

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120004711#Comment_120004711

Good point about Brexit. I hadnt renewed from before Brexit so I have no idea who they cover now and where. But Im sure they will reply to your email.

muffler

Just an afterthought. Maybe @sydthebeat and / or @Poor Uncle Tom might be able to give a recommendation.

Poor Uncle Tom

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058275954/p-i-insurance-for-architectural-technicians

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120004865#Comment_120004865

I use a broker to source and provide the best cover and quotes. Some of the lower quotes have split percentages of indemnification from different underwriters. I wouldn't be able to source this myself at any rate. The technicalities are a step to far for my time management, so I just pay if it feels right.

Artekky

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120006895#Comment_120006895

Thanks guys. I have made enquiries to a few insurance companies and have also tried Quotedevil and Paddycompare so I'll wait to see what they come back with. I see what you're saying about the time management side Tom it really is a drain

sydthebeat

im only seeing this thread now

https://www.astonlark.ie/commercial-insurance/insurance-cover/professional-indemnity-insurance/

this is where i get mine

mickdw

I pay over 2k with Griffith and Armour for cover for 500k with small enough turnover as a sole trader.

who what when

Could someone tell me what having P.I. cover as an architectural technician actually allows you to sign off?

Or what does it cover you for?

I always thought a CCC can only be signed by a registered architect, engineer or building surveyor?

If there is a way for architectural technicians to sign off on small jobs and from reading this thread there is I would be very interested to know the process.

sydthebeat

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123683667#Comment_123683667

the ability to certify builds really depends on the solicitor who receives the certificate.

I sign off on certs of compliance / exemption on existing buildings / extensions etc. covering planning permission and building regulations.

i do not sign off new build one off houses by choice, even though I am insured to when i have been involved in the project from the start. Its not worth the hassle in my opinion.

In 5 years of self employment I have only ever had a certificate refused by a solicitor once (a cert of exemption for an existing extension to a house in Dublin). I am midlands based and have never had an issue with any midlands solicitor. In general once you have your PI insurance they are happy to receive the certs.

mickdw

You.basically need cover for complete rebuild cost of the entire build if you are certifying it.

I have cover for 635k. Seems to be minimum you can get away with. I deal with one off houses in West. No idea about providers of cover to technicians. I do know that insurers are getting very fussy re cladding, multi unit buildings, basements etc.

Mellor

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123686999#Comment_123686999

I was advised a long time ago that the cover (for both home insurance and PI) should be the cost to clear the site, and the cost to rebuild. On the basis that, the cost to rebuild a house that has burned down, is greater than the cost to build on a green field (reusing foundations aside)

mickdw

Rebuild cost for insurance generally does include demolition, clearance etc.

Mellor

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123719345#Comment_123719345

It should. but you'd be surprised how many people who have a 500k (to build) insure for 500k (to rebuild).