Janardhan NDo you know architects can get sued when the mistake isn’t theirs?
You might know your work inside out. Your plans are detailed, your drawings are accurate, and your approvals are rock solid. But that’s not always enough.
Professional indemnity insurance isn’t just for mistakes you make. It’s for the problems someone else blames you for.
Approximately 40% of claims against architects involve third-party issues, rather than direct errors.
Today, many commercial and public sector clients won’t sign a contract without proof of cover. And they’re not wrong to ask. Architects accounted for over a third of all PI insurance claims in 2020. And it’s 2025 now, the number has only gone up.
In this blog, we’ll look at why professional indemnity insurance matters more than ever for architects, what risks you actually face, and how the right cover can protect your practice from the unexpected.
Mitigata – Best PI Insurance Partner for Architects
If you’re an architect, you already know how quickly things can shift on a project. You’re balancing design intent, client expectations, site realities, and contractor decisions – all under tight deadlines.
At Mitigata, we work with architects like you every day. We don’t expect you to know every insurance term or chase five different providers for quotes. You tell us how you work, what type of projects you take on, and the risks you want to avoid. We handle the rest.
Here’s what you get with us:
- Competitive pricing without any hidden costs
- Access to India’s most trusted insurers
- End-to-end support, from quotes to paperwork
- Instant expert help when things go wrong
Most architects we work with say the same thing:
- “You explained things clearly. You stayed in touch. You handled the claim like it was your own.”
- That’s what we do. No confusion and no last-minute surprises.
- If you’re serious about protecting your work and your name, let’s get your PI insurance sorted.
Get ₹5CR of Professional Indemnity at ₹75,000/Year*
Professional indemnity cover at ₹75,000 per year saves you money while keeping your practice safe.
What Is Professional Indemnity Insurance?
Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance, also known as Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance, is specifically designed for professionals like architects who provide specialised services and advice.
Think of it this way: when you design a building, you’re making hundreds of decisions – from foundation depth to window placement to fire exit routes. PI insurance protects you when clients claim these professional decisions caused them financial loss.
Here’s what PI insurance covers for architects:
- Professional Negligence Claims
When a client says you didn’t meet the standard expected from a qualified architect.
Example: You designed a flat roof that develops leakage issues, and the client claims you should have known better, given the local rainfall patterns.
- Errors and Omissions
Mistakes in your drawings, calculations, or failure to include required elements.
Example: You forgot to include disabled access ramps in your commercial building design, forcing the client to redesign and rebuild – costing them ₹15 lakhs extra.
- Legal Defense Costs
Even if you’re not at fault, defending yourself in court is expensive. PI insurance covers your lawyer fees, court costs, and expert witness fees.
Example: A structural engineer blames your design for foundation issues, but you need to hire technical experts to prove your calculations were correct.
- Claims of Misrepresentation
When clients say you gave them wrong information or made promises you couldn’t keep.
Example: You assured a client that their design would receive environmental clearance within 3 months, but regulatory changes caused an 8-month delay.
- Breach of Contract
When you can’t fulfil your contractual commitments due to circumstances beyond your control.
Example: You were unable to complete construction supervision due to a family emergency, and the project incurred delays that resulted in financial losses for the client.
Also Read
Want to understand how professional indemnity insurance premiums work? Check out our expertly curated guide on it.
Why Architects Need PI Insurance Now More Than Ever
The risks architects face today are bigger and more complex than ever before.
Think about it this way: if you’re an architect designing a shopping mall, you’re not just responsible for making it look good. You need to ensure it’s structurally sound, meets environmental regulations, stays within budget, and gets completed on time. If any of these go wrong, you could face a lawsuit that costs lakhs or even crores.
The numbers tell a concerning story. In 2024, India saw a 27% jump in professional negligence cases against architects. These weren’t just minor disputes – they involved serious issues like:
- Building collapses or structural failures (imagine a balcony giving way during a housewarming party)
- Massive cost overruns (a ₹50 lakh project suddenly costing ₹75 lakhs due to design errors)
- Missed deadlines (delaying a mall opening by six months, causing huge revenue losses)
- Green building compliance failures (missing environmental certifications that are now mandatory)
Also Read
If you’re looking for a comparison guide, do check out this expertly curated list of top PI companies in India.
2025 has made things even tougher. Here’s what’s happening:
Clients are getting smarter and more demanding. Before signing any contract, especially for offices, hospitals, or government buildings, they ask: “Do you have professional indemnity insurance?” No insurance often means no project.
The legal system is moving faster. Previously, if there was a problem with your design, it might take years before anyone took legal action. Now, the moment there’s a delay or defect, lawyers get involved quickly.
Projects are more complicated. Today’s buildings must be earthquake-resistant, energy-efficient, digitally connected, and compliant with numerous regulations. More complexity means more things can go wrong.
Professional Indemnity insurance isn’t just another business expense anymore – it’s your financial lifeline.
Pay ₹75,000/Year* and Get ₹5 Cr* Professional Indemnity Cover
Join hundreds of doctors already protected by Mitigata with tailored indemnity cover and reliable claims support.
Real Risks Architects Face Without PI Insurance
When searching for PI insurance, it’s always beneficial to understand what’s truly at stake. So, you should be ready to make the right decision. Here are the risks you should be prepared for:
Paying Legal Costs on Your Own
Architectural disputes often lead to formal claims or lawsuits. You may be accused of a design flaw, a delay, or providing incorrect advice. Whether the claim is valid or not, defending yourself costs money. Lawyers, expert reports, and court appearances don’t come cheap. Without PI insurance, you’re covering it all on your own.
Paying for damages yourself
If a court determines that you are liable for a design fault or oversight, you may be required to pay for repairs, replacements, or delays. Imagine if you’re being asked to pay for the replacement of an entire building façade, the repair of a drainage system, or the compensation of a client for lost revenue.
Risk of going bankrupt
For independent architects or small firms, one major claim can be the end of the road. If you don’t have insurance, a large payout or legal bill could force you to shut down operations.
Long-Term Reputation Damage
One large claim can wipe out a company’s reputation. Even if the case is resolved in your favour, being involved in a public or well-known claim can affect how future clients see you. You may lose referrals or be passed over for high-value projects.
Loss of professional credibility
Many clients, especially in commercial or government projects, expect architects to carry PI insurance. If you don’t, it may be seen as a red flag. It can raise doubts about whether you’re serious about your work or ready to take responsibility for it. This perception can hurt your ability to win new contracts or maintain strong client relationships.
Keep building dreams, not court cases
Affordable PI insurance that lets architects focus on vision, while we handle risks and claims.
Conclusion
By now, you have a good idea of the level of risk you face whenever you sign a design or approve construction plans.
A slight miscalculation, an omission, or even a client’s excessive expectations could result in a lawsuit that threatens all you’ve accomplished.
Professional Indemnity insurance changes the equation. Instead of risking your profession, you get a shield to protect your company, finances, and reputation. It allows you to embark on ambitious initiatives without always worrying about “what if something goes wrong?”
Join 500+ architects who rely on us for quality services from start to end. We’ll help you choose the right policy, handle the paperwork, and be available for you when you need us.
Contact Mitigata today and protect your practice before a claim hits your career.
