Insurance for architects in Pennsylvania

Learn about business insurance requirements and the most common policies for architects in Pennsylvania.

Which policies are required for architects in Pennsylvania?

If you have a commercial lease, your property manager may require you to purchase general liability insurance. Commonly purchased by architects in Pennsylvania, general liability insurance can protect your business from expenses associated with common mishaps, such as client property damage and injuries.

Your clients may require professional liability insurance in a contract. Also called errors and omissions insurance (E&O), professional liability insurance provides financial protection if a client files a lawsuit over late, erroneous, or incomplete work.

State law in Pennsylvania requires every small business with employees to provide workers’ compensation insurance, which covers medical bills for work injuries. Business-owned vehicles must be covered by commercial auto insurance. Personal vehicles used for business purposes should have commercial coverage, as well.

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What are the most common policies for Pennsylvania architects?

Architects in Pennsylvania most often need the following insurance policies. The specifics depend on client contracts, lease agreements, the number of employees, and other factors.

General liability insurance

General liability insurance is the foundation of an architect’s business protection, with coverage that extends to client injuries, client property damage, and advertising injuries. Most commercial leases require you to have this coverage.

Business owner's policy

Architects often qualify for a business owner’s policy (BOP). This package helps your business save money by bundling commercial property insurance with general liability insurance at an affordable rate.

Professional liability insurance

Many clients require proof of professional liability insurance before entering into contracts for professional services. This policy, also called errors and omissions insurance or architect liability insurance, can help cover legal expenses if you’re sued for unsatisfactory performance or a work mistake.

Workers' compensation insurance

In Pennsylvania, all businesses must purchase workers’ comp coverage for their employees, even if those workers are part-time employees or family members. This policy can help pay for medical expenses and lost wages associated with occupational injuries.

Architects who work independently can choose whether or not to purchase workers' compensation. Workers' comp is recommended even for sole proprietors and independent contractors, as health insurance companies can deny claims for injuries related to your job.

Cyber liability insurance

Architects who store sensitive customer information, such as email addresses or credit card numbers, should invest in cyber liability insurance. This policy helps businesses recover from cyberattacks and data breaches. For example, it would cover the cost of notifying affected customers and providing them with fraud monitoring services after a breach.

Commercial auto insurance

Commercial auto insurance can cover vehicles your business owns or uses for business purposes. If your vehicle is involved in an accident, this policy can cover expenses related to bodily injuries and property damage. It can also pay for vehicle theft, weather damage, and vandalism.

Pennsylvania requires the following minimum amounts for auto insurance:

Bodily injury liability: $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident
Property damage liability: $5,000 per accident
Medical benefits: $5,000

License and permit bonds

Architects might need a license or permit bond to obtain a license in their state or work on a project. These bonds are types of surety bonds that guarantee you will fulfill the terms of a contract and adhere to local regulations. The contract will usually specify the size of the bond that you need.

To get licensed in Pennsylvania, architects must earn a degree, pass an exam, pay a fee, and have three years of experience in the field.

What do Pennsylvania architects pay for insurance?

An analysis of Insureon applications shows that the cost of architect insurance in Pennsylvania differs significantly from the national median.

Pennsylvania architects can expect to pay less than the national median for professional liability insurance: $1,500 a year compared to $1,730 per year. However, those savings are balanced out by the price difference in workers’ comp and general liability insurance, which generally cost more in Pennsylvania.

Median insurance costs for Pennsylvania architects.

Save time and money with Insureon

Insureon’s industry-leading technology helps architects in Pennsylvania save time and money shopping for insurance by comparing policies from top U.S. carriers. Start a free online application to review quotes for the policies that best fit your business. Our insurance agents are licensed in Pennsylvania and can answer your questions as you consider coverage.

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