Colonial General Insurance Agency, Inc. offers an Architects and Engineers Insurance program designed for architectural, engineering and design firms that need a focused professional liability solution. Our program combines access to admitted and surplus (E&S) markets with targeted underwriting expertise so you can place accounts with unusual exposures, mixed-discipline teams, or project-specific limits. Colonial General guarantees responsive service, technical support, and placement options across a range of carriers — coverage and premium will vary by market.
Overview of the Program from Colonial General
Our Architects and Engineers Insurance program provides professional liability (errors & omissions) coverage tailored to firms providing design, consulting, and engineering services. As a Managing General Agency and E&S broker, Colonial General works with multiple carriers to offer flexible limits, deductible options, and policy features suited to small design offices up to mid-sized multi-discipline firms.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
- Small to mid-size architectural or engineering firms (sole practitioners to firms with several dozen professionals).
- Disciplines we regularly place include: architectural, structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, landscape architecture, environmental consulting, and interior design.
- Project types: commercial tenant improvements, low- to mid-rise residential, municipal site design, utilities, and small industrial projects.
- We can consider mixed-discipline firms and firms with limited construction contract administration, provided risk management practices are in place.
Generally not a fit: firms with large-scale construction management exposure, heavy-risk design-build projects without strong risk-transfer, or high-volatility operations without loss control.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
- Professional liability (E&O) coverage with multiple limits and deductible options.
- Access to admitted markets where available and excess & surplus options for harder-to-place risks (admitted status varies by state and carrier).
- Focus on practical underwriting and swift responsiveness to submissions and renewals.
- Value-added service: help with submission packaging, clarification of exposures, and placement strategy to secure favorable terms where possible.
Underwriting Notes and Submission Requirements
Underwriting decisions depend on firm size, revenue, project types, claims history, and risk management practices. Typical submission items we request include:
- Completed A&E application or firm résumé
- Five years of professional liability loss history (if applicable)
- Revenue by discipline and project examples
- Copies of standard client contracts and risk-transfer arrangements (if available)
Minimum premiums, specific policy forms, and available endorsements vary by carrier. Please submit primary information so our team can identify the best market fit and advise on minimums or alternate placement strategies.
Territories and Availability
Available in: AZ, CA, CO, ID, NV, NM, UT, WY. Because Colonial General places business in both admitted and surplus markets, availability and policy form will depend on the state and carrier appetite — some markets may only be available on a non-admitted basis.
Why Work with Colonial General
- Specialized A&E focus: underwriting and placement experience specific to architects, engineers and design professionals.
- Multiple market access: ability to place accounts in admitted markets where available and E&S when needed.
- Hands-on support: guidance on submission preparation, coverage options, and renewal strategy to help retain clients.
Example scenarios
- You have a five-person architectural firm with mixed residential and tenant improvement work and a clean loss history — we can pursue admitted carriers for competitive pricing and standard forms.
- You represent an engineering consultant that occasionally takes on municipal utility projects and has a prior claim — we can present to E&S appetite with tailored terms to address the exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of A&E accounts are the best fit for Colonial General’s program?
Small to mid-size architectural and engineering firms with typical commercial, residential, municipal, and site development projects are the best fit. We also consider mixed-discipline firms and consultancies with established risk management practices. Extremely large design-build contractors or firms with high-risk operation profiles may require specialized markets.
Do you place accounts on admitted policies or only E&S?
We place business in both admitted and excess & surplus markets depending on the state and carrier appetite. Some risks will qualify for admitted placements; others are better suited to E&S. We’ll advise on the available options when we review the submission.
What submission materials should I include to get a quick response?
Provide a completed A&E application or firm résumé, revenue by discipline, descriptions of typical projects, and five years of loss history if available. Copies of client contracts or standard terms also help speed underwriting.
How does Colonial General handle prior claims or loss history?
We evaluate claims on a case-by-case basis. A clear narrative of the circumstances, corrective actions taken, and current risk controls improves placement chances. We have carrier relationships that consider prior claims where appropriate terms and pricing are offered.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.