Design & Construct Professional Indemnity Insurance
Specialist D&C professional indemnity insurance for construction firms providing design and technical services
Dolmen Underwriting provides access to a specialist Design & Construct Professional Indemnity (D&C PI) insurance solution for brokers placing risks where contractors undertake design, specification, or technical supervision.
This product protects construction firms against claims arising from negligent design, advice, or professional services, including defence costs and associated expenses. It is particularly suited to contractors taking on combined construction and professional responsibilities within a single contract.
Who this product is designed for
The D&C PI scheme is suitable for brokers placing cover for firms involved in both construction and professional services.
Typical placements include:
- Building contractors undertaking design responsibility
- Interior fit-out and refurbishment contractors
- Electrical and mechanical contractors
- Heating and ventilation specialists
- Landscape contractors
- Contractors providing supervision or technical advice
The product is designed for businesses where professional exposure sits alongside physical construction work.
What the policy covers
The Design & Construct PI policy provides protection against civil liability arising from professional services.
Key cover includes:
- Negligent design, specification, or advice
- Civil liability arising from professional services
- Breach of professional duty or consumer legislation
- Intellectual property breaches
- Contractual liability exposures
- Fraudulent or dishonest acts (subject to terms)
- Loss of or damage to documents
- Defence costs and legal expenses
- Mitigation and inquiry costs
The policy operates on a claims-made basis, meaning claims must be notified during the policy period to trigger cover.
Why this cover is important
Construction firms increasingly take on design and advisory responsibilities, exposing them to professional indemnity risks traditionally associated with consultants.
Claims can arise from:
- Design defects or specification errors
- Incorrect technical advice
- Project delays linked to professional services
- Failure to supervise works properly
- Financial loss suffered by clients or third parties
Even where services are provided without a fee, liability can still arise.
Maintaining continuous cover is essential, as claims can emerge years after project completion, often requiring cover to remain in place for 6–12 years post works.
Underwriting appetite
Very keen on:
- Builders and general construction firms
- Interior fit-out and refurbishment works
- Heating, ventilation and electrical contractors
- Landscape contractors
- Manufacturers (limited exposure)
More restricted on:
- Bridges, tunnels, and major infrastructure
- Rail, mining, and heavy civil engineering
- Marine structures (piers, wharfs, jetties)
This allows brokers to quickly identify suitable risks for the scheme.
Limits and terms
- Limits of indemnity from €1m+
- Minimum premium from €5,000 + levy
- Commission: 10%
Terms are dependent on risk profile, scope of services, and project exposure.
Important Documents
The document below provides the full underwriting information required to obtain terms for the D&C PI product.
The Proposal Form captures the key business, financial, and professional service details required, helping brokers submit Design & Construct PI risks and obtain terms from underwriters.
Important underwriting considerations
When placing D&C PI risks, brokers should consider:
- Nature and scope of design responsibility
- Split between construction and professional services
- Types of projects undertaken (past and future)
- Use of subcontractors or external consultants
- Claims history and known circumstances
- Contract values and turnover split
Full disclosure of all material facts is essential when submitting a proposal.
Why brokers place business with Dolmen
Why brokers place business with Dolmen
Dolmen Underwriting provides brokers with access to a specialist D&C PI solution designed for modern construction risks with professional exposures.
Key benefits include:
- Cover tailored for design & build contractors
- Appetite for renovation, fit-out, and specialist trades
- Flexible underwriting approach
- Support from experienced underwriting team
- Access to specialist insurer capacity
- Ability to consider non-standard risks
This makes the scheme particularly valuable for brokers placing hybrid construction and professional risks.
Specialist Underwriting Support
Work directly with experienced underwriters who understand construction and professional liability exposures.
Flexible Product Solutions
Access specialist insurance products designed to help brokers place non-standard and evolving risks.
Trusted Industry Experience
Benefit from decades of underwriting knowledge and strong relationships across insurers and broker partners.
Affordable Home Insurance That Doesn’t Cut Corners
Choosing the cheapest policy isn’t always the best option. At Dolmen, we look beyond the premium to find you quality home insurance that actually works when you need it. Whether you’re insuring a family home, an apartment, or a property you rent out – we’re here to find the right protection for your lifestyle and budget.
We search the market, explain your options clearly, and help you save where it makes sense – all while ensuring you’re fully covered.
Why Choose Dolmen for Your Home Insurance?
- Decades of experience in the Irish insurance market
- Independent advice and access to top Irish and UK insurers
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- Excellent customer support throughout your policy
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Underwriting Solutions Brokers Can Trust
If you would like to arrange cover under the Design & Construct PI scheme, contact the Dolmen Underwriting team or submit details of the risk for review.
Our team can assist with underwriting guidance, eligibility checks, and placement options.