Definition of professional services in an architects/engineer’s professional liability policy-
It is important to know what the definition of professional services because if your firm is providing services outside of the definition it may not be covered.
There are some insurance policies that list very specific professional services, such as this policy:
Professional Services means only services in any of the following capacities:
- Architect.
- Engineer.
- Land surveyor.
- Landscape architect.
- Construction manager.
- Scientist.
- Technical consultant.
There are other policies that have more of a broad definition of professional services, such as:
“Professional Services” means services the Insured performs for others in the practice of an architect, engineer, land surveyor, landscape architect, construction manager, planner, interior designer, scientist, technical consultant, forensic engineer, expert witness or as defined by endorsement to the Policy.
With this specific definition the policy may also be endorsed to add a professional service that may not be listed. If your firm does have a service that is outside of the definition let the insurance company know of those services so the insurance company can determine if the policy can be endorsed.
Other insurance companies may add the following to the professional services definition:
Professional Services also includes information technology services provided for others in the rendering of the Professional Services described above. Information technology services include software consultation, interoperability analysis, programming, hosting, and design support and maintenance of websites, software or databases.
This definition does not apply to services to computer or telecommunications hardware or the supplying of electronic products or software,
As always, read your firms professional liability policy to have a full understanding of the professional services that are covered under the policy. If your firm has a service outside of the professional services definition, please call or email your Professional Underwriters agent for assistance.