Coverage for Design-Build Operations
Structured around how design-build firms integrate design and construction under one contract, and how risk presents across that model.
Design-build firms combine design and construction responsibilities within a single contract. This approach can streamline delivery but also changes how risk is carried across a project.
Exposure is tied to both design decisions and construction execution. Design intent, coordination, subcontractor performance, and site activity are often connected rather than separate.
We review how your projects are structured before making any recommendation.
Where Exposure Tends to Arise
How Risk Typically Presents in Design-Build Work
Integrated Design & Construction
Design and construction decisions are closely linked. Issues may involve both how something was designed and how it was built.
Single Point of Responsibility
The design-build structure often places responsibility with one entity. This can affect how claims are directed and evaluated.
Subcontractor & Consultant Coordination
Design-build firms may manage both subcontractors and design consultants. Coordination across these groups can influence outcomes.
Project Delivery & Performance
Schedules, budgets, and final performance are often interconnected. Questions may arise around how decisions were made throughout the project.
What We Place
Coverage Typically Considered for Design-Build Firms
Coverage is considered based on how your firm operates, the types of projects you take on, and how your contracts are structured. All coverage is subject to the terms, conditions, and limitations of the policy as issued.
General & Property Liability (BOP)
Helps respond when someone claims your business caused bodily injury or property damage.
Commercial Auto
For vehicles owned, leased, or used by the business.
Workers' Compensation
For covered employee injuries tied to work. This can include office injuries, travel-related work injuries, or incidents during job site visits.
Umbrella Liability
Sits above multiple underlying policies and responds when primary limits are exhausted.
Excess Liability
Extends the limits of a single underlying policy without changing its terms.
Builders Risk
Responds to physical loss or damage during construction. Standard property policies typically exclude this phase.
Contractors Professional Liability
Helps address professional services exposure for contractors, including standalone consulting, construction management, design coordination, value engineering, and design-build work
Worth Reviewing
How the Design-Build Model Affects Risk Allocation
Design-build agreements consolidate responsibilities that would otherwise be divided between designer and contractor. This affects how liability is assigned when a dispute arises.
How in-house design versus outsourced consultants are structured may also influence how exposure is shared. Insurance requirements reflecting the combined nature of the work are worth reviewing against your actual policies.
The Process
How We Approach It
From initial conversation to structured recommendation, every step is deliberate.
Step 1
Understand Your Operations
We review how your projects are structured, including how design and construction responsibilities are handled.
Step 2
Review Existing Coverage
We look at current policies, including limits, exclusions, and structure, against how your firm operates.
Step 3
Align Coverage and Contracts
We consider how your coverage supports your contractual obligations and integrated project roles.
Common Gaps
Where Design and Construction Overlap
Challenges often arise where design and construction responsibilities intersect. A design decision that affects constructability, a field change that alters design intent, coordination between consultants and subcontractors that does not fully align.
Coverage that appears sufficient for one aspect of the work may not address the combined exposure.
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