Who/What is A&E Advantage?
Is the coverage available in my state?
What's involved in your "coverage audit"?
How can I be sure you're guiding me to the right Professional Liablility insurance recommendations for my business?
What are the factors considered in determining coverage and premium payment?
Which carriers do you work with?
Is there a difference between Professional Liability / Errors and Omissions?
What kind of architectural / engineering firms are eligible?
What is the difference between admitted and surplus lines?
What do some of the other insurance terms you use mean?


Q. Who/What is A&E Advantage?

A. The A&E Advantage Professional Liability Insurance Program for architects, engineers and design firms is brought to you by Aon’s Affinity Insurance Services, Inc. – a leading broker of professional liability insurance to service firms.

Aon’s Affinity Insurance Services specializes in professional liability insurance, with over 1 million policyholders in a broad range of industries.

Q. Is coverage available in my state?

A. Coverage is available nationally both on an admitted and surplus lines basis through the A&E Advantage Program. Please contact us for additional details.

Q. What's involved in your "coverage audit"? Is there a charge for this?

A. Through the coverage audit, we will assess your existing insurance coverage (if you already have a policy), the type and level of professional liability risks your business faces, and the coverage options available to protect your firm. This allows us to present you with insurance recommendations appropriate to your needs. This service is complimentary.

Q. How can I be sure you're guiding me to the right professional liability insurance recommendations for my business?

A. We will answer your questions, respond to your concerns, and guide you through the options so you can feel confident in your decision. The success of our business depends on customer loyalty and customer retention. It's in our best interests to make sure you're satisfied.

Insurance is a long-term purchase for you. Customer satisfaction is a long-term investment for us.

Q.What factors are considered in determining coverage and rate quotation?

A. Six key factors are considered when carriers make coverage and rate determinations: qualifications and experience, administrative controls, contractual liability, project size, services performed, and design discipline.

Q. Which carriers does A&E Advantage work with?

A. We have relationships with all major A&E professional liability insurance carriers.  Our evaluation of carriers is based on their financial ratings, coverage options offered, claims support, and premium before we recommend their policies to our customers.

Q. Is there a difference between "Professional Liability Insurance (PLI)" and "Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance" for architects and engineers?

A. Generally, they are simply two different names for the same type of product. (Any PL or E&O policy may vary from another based on the types of coverage an underwriter decides to offer, regardless of which of these names they choose for their product.)

Q. What kinds of architectural and engineering firms are eligible?

A. Most of them are listed on our "Eligible Industries" page. But if you don't see your discipline listed there, please contact us - we may still be able to help.

Q. What is the difference between admitted and surplus lines insurance policies, and why does it matter?

A. An admitted policy covers a set of defined liabilities at policy rates and forms regulated by state Departments of Insurance. Surplus lines policies offer coverage for risks that admitted products won't cover - generally risks that are considered too extreme or unusual to be insured at the rates set by the states. Some states require that a risk be declined by a number of admitted companies before a surplus lines broker is permitted to place the risk with a surplus lines company.

Admitted policies have an extra level of protection: if the insurance carrier becomes insolvent, the state can provide coverage for eligible claims and for eligible claimants through state guaranty funds.

Some architectural and engineering professional risks may only be insurable through the surplus lines market. If your professional risks require surplus lines coverage, we will help you find the available solutions for your needs.

Q. Can you explain the other insurance terms on your Liability Products page?

A. Here's a quick overview. We'll be happy to explain any of these coverages in more detail.

• Broad professional service definition: A narrow professional services definition would mean that only those specific professional services named in the policy would be covered by the policy; a broad definition extends to cover a wide range of services you might perform in your work.
• Legal defense costs: Some policies include special coverage options specifically for legal expenses in the unfortunate event that you are sued in the course of your professional work.
• Innocent Principal coverage: most insurance policies exclude from coverage acts that are intentional, criminal or fraudulent. This coverage option means the exclusion does not apply if you (i.e. the insured) are innocent of a wrongful act for which your firm incurs liability.
• Prior Acts coverage: covers claims arising from acts that took place before your current policy period. (This is important if you were previously uninsured or cancelled your previous policy.)
• Extended Claims Reporting Period options: a designated additional period of time after the policy expires during which valid claims will be paid.
• Mediation credits: credits applied against your insurance deductible when a claim is settled via mediation/ arbitration rather than litigation.
• Contractors Pollution Liability: provides protection for cleanup costs or injuries incurred as a result of pollution/environmental damage.
• 1st Dollar Defense: legal defense costs are covered from the first dollar spent, with no application of a deductible.

This information should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion on any factual situation. This summary is for illustrative purposes and is not a contract. It is intended to provide a general overview, at the time first posted, of the topics described. Only the insurance policy can give actual terms, conditions and exclusions.