General & Artisan Contractors

Availability: In all 50 states, D.C. and U.S. territories (U.S. Virgin Islands excluded)   

Target risks: General and design-build contractors, at-risk construction managers and agency construction managers

Minimum premium: $6,000 for professional liability 

Minimum self-insured retention: $10,000 for general contractors

Limits: up to $10 million

Policy features:

• Rectification coverage
• Claims-made policies
• In-house and subcontracted design services covered
• Agency and at-risk construction management covered
• Coverage for joint ventures with design firms
• Reimbursement for legal fees and expenses up to $25,000 per policy year for ADA, FHA and OSHA actions
• Defendant's reimbursement up to $10,000 per claim
• Definition of wrongful act does not include 'negligent'
• Coverage for ownership up to 49%
• Expanded definition of professional services including architect, engineer, interior designer, landscape architect, land surveyor, LEED consultant and construction manager

Download the General & Artisan Professional Liability coverage highlights sheet

You have the option not only to report a claim, but circumstances, (situations in which you are concerned that a claim may occur) as well.

Here's how to ensure the fastest possible response to your circumstance or claim:

1. When you're notified of a claim or become aware of a circumstance, email your claim information to designclaims.us@victorinsurance.com, or you can write the CNA Insurance Companies in care of Victor Insurance Managers LLC, 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 400, Bethesda, MD 20814.
   
   
2. With respect to claims, all principals and staff members involved in the claim should be prepared to document the circumstances surrounding the allegation. Your written report to CNA should include the following:
   
   - Your firm's name and address
   - Your policy number
   - Date, time and location of the situation
   - Brief narrative description of the allegation against you
   - Name of person or entity making the claim
   - Amount of demand, if known
   - Any lawsuit papers or legal proceedings
   - Client - architect/engineer agreement for the project
   - Any other pertinent documents or correspondence, including newspaper accounts
   
   
3. If the claim or circumstance involves a traumatic situation (collapse of a structure, serious bodily injury, etc.), take photographs of the site if possible. Amateur photos taken promptly are more valuable than professional photos taken at a later date.
   
   
4. Consult with your CNA claim specialist before you agree to attend any conferences arranged for the specific purpose of discussing the situation.
   
   
5. Do not sign or accept releases from any parties without first obtaining approval from your CNA claims specialist.
   
   
6. Keep all pertinent letters of agreement for services, correspondence and memoranda.
   
   
7. Accept all letters, memoranda, and suit papers without comment or argument. Do not admit liability, and do not attempt to place blame.

Experienced legal counsel
CNA uses highly experienced and successful legal defense firms that specialize in architects and engineers professional liability claims to help defend you. The attorney assigned to your case will consult with you and keep you informed about all important actions to be taken on your behalf. In addition, your CNA claims professional will help answer your questions and advise you of developments in your case. The legal defense of a lawsuit is often the most critical factor in handling a professional liability claim. Providing you with the experienced legal defense you need is just one more reason why CNA delivers the best claims services available in the industry.

Fast claims service
If you are faced with a claim or potential claim, you can be assured that CNA will provide fast, fair claims service. Applying our experience and expertise, we work with you to protect your firm's assets and reputation by handling your claim quickly and effectively. Specialists give you personal service. Our architect and engineer professional liability claim professionals are available from coast to coast. At Victor and CNA, we continually respond to the evolving needs of your practice. That is our commitment to you - a commitment we've been keeping for over 65 years.

After your insurance company is notified about your claim or incident, we will take the following steps:

1. An analyst will be assigned to review your case
2. The analyst will notify your claims specialist, who will contact you within 24 hours of being notified of your situation to begin the investigation.
3. As the investigation progresses, you and your claims specialist will work together to direct, monitor and assess your case.
4. If the situation requires legal counsel, an attorney specializing in the defense of architects and engineers claims will be retained to protect your interests.