The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) has created a new insurance program that is designed for architects and will provide comprehensive professional liability coverage and other insurance at highly competitive rates.
The RAIC Insurance Program will be available starting October 1 as a benefit for RAIC members only.
“The RAIC is proud to support members with an insurance program that is cost-effective and provides extensive coverage and exceptional service,” says RAIC president Michael Cox, FRAIC. “It’s an example of the work we are doing to add value to membership.”
The RAIC has partnered with BMS Canada Risk Services Ltd. (BMS) to provide insurance options tailored to the needs of architects – whether purchasing a full package or a top-up to existing or mandatory coverage.
Members can get access to:
- Professional Liability/Errors & Omissions;
- Commercial General Liability;
- Business Insurance;
- Directors’ and Officers’ Liability;
- Cyber Security and Privacy Liability;
- Employment Practices Liability;
- And a variety of other insurance offerings.
“Among the challenges facing architects today are contracts that unreasonably transfer risk and liability to professionals,” noted Cox. “That’s why public-sector procurement reform is a crucial advocacy activity for the RAIC. In addition to advocating for change related to contracts, fees, and other procurement practices, we also want to protect our members, their businesses, families, and assets.”
Professional liability insurance is already required for architects in practice across much of Canada. The only provinces where professional liability insurance is not yet mandatory are British Columbia (BC) and Alberta; however, this change as soon as February 1, 2019, for architects in B.C. Mandatory professional liability insurance is also soon expected to be a requirement for Alberta registrants.
The program excludes Ontario and Quebec where insurance is provided through the provincial regulator.
The RAIC Insurance Program does not impact any current insurance policy or coverage that members have in place. However, members are encouraged to contact BMS at 1-844-294-2714 or raic.insurance@bmsgroup.com to obtain more information and a no-obligation quote. Members can purchase coverage starting October 1.
