Short answer
You can keep your BOP and professional liability with the same insurance company, but you are not required to. Some claims involve both policies, so how they coordinate matters more than who issues them. Keeping both with one insurer may simplify coordination, while separate insurers can offer a better fit for your work. Policy wording and the facts of the claim decide what applies.
Why BOP and professional liability cover different claims
Professional liability covers claims that your design or professional advice caused a financial loss. General liability covers claims of bodily injury or property damage from your operations, such as someone tripping over your equipment during a site visit.
Architects and engineers usually need both, and each policy answers a different question.
When a claim touches both policies
Some claims do not fit in one box. A lawsuit might allege a design error and also allege that someone was injured as a result. Depending on the allegations and the policy wording, one policy may respond to part of the claim and the other policy to a different part.
When that happens, the insurers need to coordinate on defense and on which policy applies to what.
Example: the site visit injury
An engineering firm reviews a retaining wall during a site visit. Later, a part of the wall fails and injures a worker. The injured worker’s lawsuit alleges that the engineer’s review was negligent and also seeks damages for the injury.
The firm reports the claim under both policies. The professional liability insurer looks at the negligence allegation, and the general liability insurer looks at the bodily injury allegation. Whether either policy responds, and how defense is shared, depends on the wording, exclusions and facts.
This example is hypothetical, and coverage depends on the policy terms and underwriting.
Why some firms keep both policies with one insurer
- One insurer reviewing the whole claim. Coordination may be simpler when both policies sit at one company.
- Fewer gaps between definitions. Policies from the same insurer may be designed to work alongside each other. Read both to confirm.
- One renewal conversation. Reviewing limits, contract requirements and exposures together can be easier.
Why some firms use separate insurers
- Specialist fit. A professional liability insurer that focuses on design work may suit your firm better than the company that writes your BOP.
- Price, limits or terms. Separate insurers may offer better terms for each line.
- Appetite. Some insurers write only one of the two lines for your type of firm.
Using the same insurer does not guarantee every claim is covered or that coverage questions never come up. Coverage always depends on the policies and the facts.
What to ask your agent
- If a claim alleges both a design error and an injury, how would my policies respond?
- Do my general liability and professional liability policies exclude each other’s claims in a way that leaves a gap?
- Would combining them change my coverage, my price or both?
Our article on [why an E&O policy may require you to maintain general liability insurance] explains one way the two policies connect.
Related questions
Is it required to have both with one insurer?
No. Many firms place them separately.
Will combining them always save money?
Not always. Some insurers offer package pricing and others do not, so compare the full terms and not only the price.
Does my BOP include professional liability?
Usually not. Professional liability is typically a separate policy.