Professional Indemnity Insurance for Architects in Ireland

Every architect in Ireland knows that reputation is everything. You spend years building trust with your clients, designing beautiful spaces, and delivering work that meets the highest standards. However, no matter how skilled or careful you are, mistakes can happen. A minor design error, a miscalculation, or even a simple misunderstanding can lead to costly legal disputes. In today’s competitive environment, especially for architects working on complex projects, one claim could put your business, your finances and your good name at risk. That’s why Professional Indemnity Insurance is so important. It gives you the peace of mind to do what you do best; planning and design, knowing that if something does go wrong, your business is protected. With the right cover in place, you can focus on your projects and your clients, not on fighting claims. That said many architects and office managers are still unsure of what it is, who needs it, what’s covered, and more, lets delve into some of the most recurring questions architects have.

1. What is Professional Indemnity Insurance?

Professional Indemnity insurance provides cover for claims arising from professional mistakes. If a client alleges your advice or designs caused them financial loss, this is where the policy steps in. It typically covers legal defence costs and any compensation payable. This protection ensures your business and your personal assets stay secure. It also supports your reputation when your integrity is challenged.

2. Who Needs It? Architects Definitely Do

Architects in Ireland often face complex client requirements and regulatory standards. Even minor errors in drawings or specifications might lead to costly reworks or legal disputes. Because of these risks, architects usually must maintain PI insurance by law or industry guidelines. This ensures you comply with professional bodies like RIAI and client contracts.

3. What Does It Cover?

A typical Professional Indemnity policy for architects can cover:

• Alleged negligent advice or design errors
• Breach of professional duty (e.g., confidentiality)
• Misrepresentation claims
• Loss, damage, or late delivery of documentation
• Copyright or intellectual property infringement
• Legal defence costs and awards
• Costs from disciplinary inquiries
• Public relations support for your reputation and more 

At Dolmen Insurance, we always recommend talking to one of our team and getting a tailored policy for your business.  These features ensure robust protection for architects working on residential, commercial or public projects.

4. What Isn’t Covered?

Not all, but some PI policies generally exclude:

• Intentional wrongdoing (fraud)
• Known claims before policy start
• Contractual disputes over fees
• Physical damage or personal injury (public liability handles this) 

Understanding exclusions helps avoid unwelcome surprises in a claim. A good broker will always take the time to carefully advise you, so you fully understand what is and is not protected. 

5. Why It Matters for City Architects

Irish architects working in any of the large cities like Dublin, Cork, Galway, dynamic environments often encounter multiple stakeholders, tight budgets, and modern building codes. A minor oversight, even a missed deadline, could result in significant financial losses. Imagine a planning error forcing costly redesign or legal action. PI insurance not only provides cover, but also access to legal defence specialists. This lets you focus on creating better spaces without risk. 

6. This Is a “Claims-Made” Policy

PI insurance in Ireland operates on a “claims-made” basis. This means the policy must be active both when the alleged incident occurs and when the claim is filed. If your policy expires before the claim is made, in certain circumstances there’s no cover. Likewise, cover usually starts from the policy’s retroactive date, not just the purchase date. Continuous cover is vital. Always avoid gaps in your insurance history.

7. Cost Factors for Architects

Premiums for architects can vary depending on:

• Business turnover
• Limit of Indemnity required
• Type of projects handled
• Team size
• Your claims history

High-profile or large-scale architectural projects often demand higher coverage levels. That means higher premiums. Treat PI insurance as an investment in your peace of mind.

8. Avoiding Gaps in Cover

If you cancel or switch insurers, any gap may leave past work exposed. A client could file a claim months later. Without continuous cover, you risk personal and business loss. When transitioning, ensure you have “run-off cover” for past projects. That protects you long after work finishes.

9. How to Choose the Right Policy

For Irish architects, consider:

• Your required indemnity limit (often €1M+ per claim)
• Retroactive date matching your earliest work
• Coverage for subcontractors and design consultants
• Claims-handling support
• Public relations support during disputes

Comparing policies is crucial, since coverage terms and wordings can vary widely—even between insurers that look similar.

10. Why Use an Independent Irish Broker

As an Irish-owned broker, Dolmen Insurance understands the nuances of architecture in Ireland. We are independent and not tied to one insurer. Therefore, we can find the right balance of protection and cost for Irish and northern Irish architects. We will ensure tailored cover, clear policy wording, and continuous protection. Furthermore, we can arrange additional extensions, such as run-off cover.

What to remember:

1. Mistakes happen, even to great architects.
2. PI insurance protects against financial and reputational harm.
3. Claims-made cover needs continuous renewal and retroactive protection.
4. Coverage terms vary, so scrutinise policy documents closely.
5. Switching insurers? Avoid coverage gaps.
6. Work with an Irish independent broker for tailored advice.

If you’re an architect, don’t leave your professional practice exposed. Speak with our team at Dolmen Insurance. We’ll guide you to the right PI insurance solution, designed for architects, by an expert Professional indemnity broker.

Let us help you design with confidence.

Call our team in Dublin today and let us review of your current cover, and get a free, no-obligation quote. Protect your people, premises, and your future.

Whether it's Commercial Insurance, Mortgage Protection to Life Insurance , home insurance or car insurance we have you covered.

Contact Us Today.

Disclaimer:
 The information provided in this blog is for general guidance and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, Dolmen Insurance Brokers Ltd accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or changes in legislation. Insurance policies and cover requirements may vary based on individual business needs and circumstances. This blog does not constitute legal, financial, or insurance advice. Readers should consult a qualified insurance broker or advisor to obtain advice specific to their situation. Dolmen Insurance Brokers Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.