Pennsylvania is home to nearly 4,000 architects who have helped plan millions of square feet of new developments across the state in recent years. Philadelphia’s central business district has expanded tremendously with new construction.
New work opportunities are worth protecting with the right type of insurance for your architecture firm. Pennsylvania state law requires architects to carry workers’ compensation if they have employees, including part-time helpers and family members. Clients and business partners often require professional liability insurance before they will work with your firm. Commercial leases usually require general liability insurance to cover on-premises injuries. If you have a business-owned vehicle, you’re required to purchase commercial auto insurance to cover it.
Insureon makes shopping for insurance easy with industry-leading technology that gathers quotes from top U.S. carriers that fit your needs. Read on to learn more about the common types of architect insurance and their cost. Or you can simply start an application to get your free quotes today.
Find the right insurance policy for your architecture firm
The most common insurance policies for architects in Pennsylvania depend on a variety of factors, including number of employees, revenue, client contracts, and partnerships. The table below illustrates which policies might work best for your business size.
| Business type |
General liability / BOP |
Professional liability |
Workers' comp |
Commercial auto |
| Sole proprietor |
X |
X |
|
X |
| Partner |
X |
X |
|
X |
| Contractor / freelancer |
X |
X |
|
X |
| Employer |
X |
X |
X |
X |
General liability insurance: General liability insurance is the foundation of an architect’s business protection. Coverage extends to bodily injury, client property damage, advertising injury, and the cost of legal defense. Most commercial leases require you to have this coverage.
Professional liability insurance: Many clients require proof of professional liability insurance before entering 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 work or for a business discrepancy. If you work in a partnership with another architect or firm, make sure that your professional liability policy provides joint venture coverage. It can make sure each member is protected if the venture is sued.
Business owner's policy (BOP): Architects usually qualify for a business owner’s policy. This package helps your business save money by bundling commercial property insurance with general liability at an affordable rate.
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 your liability for the other person's bodily injuries and property damage. It can also pay to repair your car when it is damaged by theft, weather events, or vandalism.
Pennsylvania workers' compensation insurance: In Pennsylvania, all businesses must purchase workers’ compensation coverage for their employees, even if those workers are part-time or family members. This policy can help pay for medical expenses and lost wages associated with occupational injuries.
Architecture isn’t the riskiest profession, but accidents happen in every industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, architects in Pennsylvania most often suffer injuries from overexertion and falls, slips, and trips.
Business insurance costs for architects in Pennsylvania
An analysis of Insureon applications shows that the cost of architect insurance in Pennsylvania is comparable to the national median.
Pennsylvania architects may pay less than the national median for professional liability insurance: $2,465 a year (about $205 per month) compared to $3,205 (about $267 per month). However, those savings are balanced out by the price difference in workers’ comp and general liability insurance, which tend to cost more in Pennsylvania.
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 dozens of top U.S. carriers. Apply online and review quotes for the policies that best fit your business needs. Our insurance specialists are licensed in Pennsylvania and can answer your questions as you consider coverage.
To make the application go even quicker, have this information ready:
- Workforce details, such as the number and types of employees.
- Current and projected revenue.
- Business partnerships.
- Insurance history and prior claims.
- Commercial lease insurance requirements.
Apply for free architect insurance quotes today.