Best Construction PI Insurance Firms in USA
Non-sponsored, Expert Verified and Transparently Ranked Construction PI Insurance Firms in USA
Published: December 31, 2025 | Verified by: Ted Scheiman & Rob Watts
Executive Summary
We analyzed 5 solutions. Top Recommendation: Insurance by AXA XL (AXA) scored highest due to Best for mid-to-large architecture and engineering firms needing specialized A&E professional liability with proactive risk management. AXA XL delivers PDH-eligible courses and up to 10% premium credits through its EDGE portal [1](https://axaxl.com/insurance/design-professional/loss-prevention-education), comprehensive A&E-focused coverage [2](https://axaxl.com/insurance/design-professional), and DPRCG peer risk management for large firms [3](https://www.dprcg.org/)..
Content Verification
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | #1 Insurance (AXA XL (AXA)) | #2 Affinity Programs (CNA) | #3 Programs (ZProgramsMatch) (Zurich North America) | #4 Business Insurance (Chubb) | #5 Surety Bonds (Travelers) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Best for mid-to-large architecture and engineering firms needing specialized A&E professional liability with proactive risk management. AXA XL delivers PDH-eligible courses and up to 10% premium credits through its EDGE portal [1], comprehensive A&E-focused coverage [2], and DPRCG peer risk management for large firms [3]. | Best for A&E firms wanting a mature, industry‑endorsed program with deep claims support. CNA/Victor pioneered A&E professional liability and is commended by NSPE [1], [2], while AIA Trust offers member benefits and risk resources through the Victor/CNA program [3]. | Best for general contractors, construction managers, design‑build firms, and owners seeking project‑specific indemnity for professional services. CPPI/OPPI address design‑driven exposures often excluded under GL [1], supported by 25+ years of U.S. construction leadership and recent industry recognition [2], [3]. | Best for contractors with design‑build or CM responsibilities needing combined professional and pollution liability, plus pre‑claim assistance. Chubb’s CPL/E&O package and CPL‑E&O integrations offer broad definitions and strong backing from a leading carrier [1], [2], [3]. | Best for design professionals and construction managers seeking tailored PL with cyber‑related protections and pre‑claim assistance. Travelers includes network and information security offense coverage and risk resources [1], [2], backed by a specialized practice for architects and engineers [3]. |
| Coverage Customization | Tailored A&E E&O with primary, excess and project-specific options. (axaxl.com) Customization includes multi-year policies, $0 deductible, practice limits (US up to $3M; Canada up to $10M), additional project/excess limits, Dollar One Defense, and Network Security Liability included; broad professional services definition (incl. BIM/CAD) and worldwide coverage. (axaxl.com) | Offers modular, tailored coverage. Epack 3’s compartmentalized options let programs mix D&O, EPL, Fiduciary, Crime and K&R. Profession-specific programs add configurable limits/deductibles and features: Accountants PL limits $100k, $10M (split limits); A&E options include defense outside limits, rectification expenses, multi-year policies and $0 deductibles for eligible small firms. (cna.com) (cna.com) | Coverage is customized at the program level: Zurich-underwritten, industry-specific programs are managed by Program Administrators with delegated underwriting authority who work directly with agents on submissions. Examples: Builders Risk offering customized policy terms and expanded flood/earthquake options; E&S Medical Facilities program with enhancement endorsements. Specific coverages vary by program. (zurichna.com) (zurichna.com) | Chubb customizes business coverage via modular packages (BOP, Benchmarq, Customarq) tailored to specific exposures, with add-on protections as risks evolve. (chubb.com) Customarq enables industry-specific endorsements and an optional Global Extension for multinational needs. (chubb.com) Specialty programs (e.g., ForeFront, Contractors Professional Liability) offer configurable modules and flexible underwriting to minimize gaps. (chubb.com) | Offers tailored surety solutions: Custom Bonds; construction-specific customized programs; EDR Performance Bonds with optional advance‑payment rider and limits up to 100% of contract price; schedule‑sensitive subcontractor bonds with flexible penal‑sum increases; and international capability to issue bonds in 65 countries. (travelers.com) |
| Claims Support Efficiency | Specialized, regional A&E claims team (design professionals + attorneys) partners with local counsel; provides pre‑claims/crisis help without impacting deductibles. (axaxl.com) Incentivizes quick resolution: 75% deductible credit for mediation or early resolution within one year (50% thereafter). (axaxl.com) Claims culture emphasizes collaboration and customer satisfaction; 97% “highly satisfied” in a 2021 ACEC survey. (axaxl.com) | 24/7 multi-channel claim reporting (phone/email/fax/online) with after-hours escalation; proactive, early-intervention handling using automation/AI, RMIS eSight and CNA Central; specialized A&E claims team (six attorneys) with decades of experience. (cna.com) | Zurich Programs uses Zurich NA’s claims infrastructure: 24/7/365 intake with online reporting and 24‑hour acknowledgment. (zurichna.com) Digital payments via One Inc enable near real‑time payouts (ACH/Push‑to‑Debit/PayPal/Venmo) vs 7, 10 days; >95% choose electronic; status and adjuster‑note tracking via My Zurich North America and RiskIntelligence. (zurichna.com) | 24/7 Claims Contact Center with online, phone, and email reporting; dedicated claims team. (chubb.com) 2, 000+ North America claims professionals and 92% satisfaction among paid-claim clients (2022, 2024 survey). (chubb.com) Small Business has dedicated claims phone/email. (chubb.com) Cyber incidents get immediate 24/7 response and the Chubb Cyber Alert app. (chubb.com) | EDR Performance Bond sets a maximum response period and resolves disputes within 45 days with streamlined adjudication and direct access to a project‑dedicated Claim professional. (travelers.com) Schedule‑sensitive subcontractor bonds target responses in as little as 30 days; surety claim reporting/status help is available 24/7 via phone/email. (travelers.com) |
| Risk Management Resources | EDGE online LMS with AIA-accredited risk courses and dashboards; mobile Contract eGuide (100+ clauses and negotiation guidance); Loss Prevention Education (CE units, up to 10% premium credit in US; extra 15% with Limitation of Liability clause); Communiqué newsletter; Risk Drivers research; pre-claims/loss prevention assistance; Fast Fast Forward thought leadership. (axaxl.com) | Program-specific Risk Control: specialty claim/benchmark reports, Professional Counsel articles, webinars, onsite presentations, and association-focused risk alerts. (cna.com) A&E insureds access Victor Risk Advisory resources (articles, seminars, CE courses, recorded/live webinars) and the Victor Contract Sifter for automated contract review. (victorinsurance.com) | Zurich Resilience Solutions supports ZProgramsMatch with risk engineering and loss control: access to 1, 000+ risk engineers conducting 60, 000 assessments annually; toolkits and apps (Risk Advisor app, Daily Safety Tip Program, Construction Solutions app, Water Damage Prevention, Hurricane Toolkit for Construction); plus a Programs knowledge hub with checklists, white papers and webinars. (zurichna.com) | Resources include global risk consulting/engineering services; Chubb Risk Engineering Center training; Digital Risk Consulting Library; Risk Consulting Exchange portal to schedule inspections and track recommendations; Construction Risk Consulting Resource Center; plus pre-claim assistance under Contractors Professional Liability. (chubb.com) | Travelers offers: 600+ Risk Control consultants and 1, 000+ MyTravelers online tools/training; RMIS with the e‑CARMA analytics platform; a Surety Bond Resources hub (including a cash‑flow stress test); and an exclusive Procore partnership to help contractors manage jobsite safety and total cost of risk. (travelers.com) |
AXA XL (AXA)Company Information
AXA XL is a leading provider of P&C global commercial insurance offering insurance and reinsurance to enterprises of every kind and size. AXA XL helps you take your business further.
Keywords
Description
AXA XL is the P&C and Specialty division of AXA, providing Re/Insurance to mid-sized and multinational companies, and some high-net-worth individuals.
What They Do
AXA XL provides insurance and reinsurance solutions, risk consulting, and innovative risk management services.
Who They Serve
Mid-sized and multinational companies, as well as high-net-worth individuals.
Key Value Propositions
What Customers Say
"AXA XL demonstrates strong financial stability and service capabilities while investing time to understand us, which are key criteria for us."
— Risk Manager
"They take time to understand our business and needs and generally responsive to those. They do what we need everywhere we need it and do a good job of putting a team behind it."
— Risk Manager
"AXA XL is much better than their peers on each of our carrier choice criteria: global scale, flexibility on how we structure programs, strong technical expertise and ability to execute all types of administrative actions."
— Risk Manager
"AXA XL stands for partnership and continuity, always willing to be a partner and to provide solutions to ensure business continuity."
— Risk Manager
"Their bench is deep, with lots of talented people, that are not just smart, but people you can enjoy spending time with and for some, even call them friends."
— Risk Manager
"AXA XL stands for integrity, financial strength, care about customer, value personal relationship and long-term strategic partner."
— Risk Manager
"AXA XL Claims is one of the most professional, courteous, and skilled teams I work with. Thank you!"
— Broker
"AXA XL Claims professionals are always prompt in their responses and understanding in how a large company manages their claims."
— Risk Manager
"From the first call to AXA XL claims, my experience was as positive and as pleasant as it could possibly be in these circumstances. Thank you!"
— Insured
Target Customers
Industries Served
Contact Information
Key Pages
Navigation Links
Summary
AXA XL’s Design Professional offering provides dedicated professional liability (E&O) coverage for architects, engineers, and design firms across the U.S. It pairs coverage with robust risk management resources, education, and claims support tailored to A&E practices.
Key Features
- Coverage in more than 200 countries and territories
- Award-winning captive solutions
- Primary and excess casualty insurance
- Flexible construction coverages and risk engineering
- Full suite of cyber insurance solutions
- Environmental insurance expertise
- Excess & Surplus (E&S) solutions for unique risks
- Multinational/global program capabilities
- Professional liability coverage
- Property insurance for commercial assets
- Specialty insurance (aviation, marine, fine art, etc.)
- Structured risk and (re)insurance solutions
- Delegated authority and program business
- Wholesale insurance for complex or non-standard risks
- Customized risk management and consulting
Key Benefits
- Global reach and local expertise
- Comprehensive coverage across a wide range of risks
- Innovative and tailored insurance solutions
- Support for complex and emerging risks
- Strong financial backing as part of AXA Group
- Data-driven insights and leading technology
- Risk consulting and loss prevention services
Who Is It For
- Mid-size companies
- Multinational corporations
- Some high-net-worth individuals
- Brokers and underwriters (via alternative distribution)
- Industry-specific clients (see industries_served)
Resources
Supporting Resources
Detailed Comparison
Coverage Customization
Claims Support Efficiency
Risk Management Resources
CNACompany Information
CNA Insurance is a leading provider of business insurance solutions, offering a wide range of products and services to help businesses manage risk and protect their assets. With expertise in various industries, including construction, healthcare, and technology, CNA provides tailored insurance solutions to meet the unique needs of each business.
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Description
CNA provides deep expertise, attentive service, and tailored business insurance solutions to help manage exposures and minimize loss across a wide array of industries.
What They Do
CNA provides business insurance solutions and risk management services.
Who They Serve
CNA serves various industries and businesses worldwide.
Key Value Propositions
Target Customers
Industries Served
Contact Information
Social Media
Key Pages
Navigation Links
Summary
CNA offers professional liability tailored to architects, engineers, and design consultants, supported by experienced underwriters and a specialized claims team. The program is administered with Victor Insurance Managers and has deep ties across the A&E community.
Key Features
- National and regional programs across multiple industries
- Distribution through over two dozen MGU partners with long tenure
- More than $1.4 billion in gross written premium per year
- Endorsements from major associations (e.g., National Society of Professional Engineers, National Association of Realtors®, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, state bar associations, state professional associations for medical professionals)
- Program-specific risk control and claims services
Key Benefits
- Deep expertise and dedicated resources
- Creatively tailored insurance solutions
- Specialized capabilities for program business
- Financial strength and stability
- Dedicated Risk Control and Claims resources
- Long-term partnership focus
- Programs recognized and endorsed by leading industry and trade associations
Who Is It For
- Uniform groups or business classes
- Industries such as healthcare, professional services, manufacturing, retail, real estate, technology, and other service-oriented fields
- Prospects in advertising or marketing, business consulting, career services, event management, franchisors, printing, public relations, staffing, trusteeship, and other service-oriented fields
Resources
Detailed Comparison
Coverage Customization
Claims Support Efficiency
Risk Management Resources
Programs (ZProgramsMatch)
Zurich North AmericaCompany Information
Zurich North America is a leading insurance provider specializing in commercial property and casualty insurance services. With a focus on delivering risk management solutions, they cater to a diverse range of industries and businesses across North America.
Keywords
Description
Zurich provides specialized commercial insurance for various industries, ensuring your business is well-protected with individualized solutions.
What They Do
Specialized commercial insurance services across multiple industries.
Who They Serve
Businesses in various sectors including automotive, construction, healthcare, and more.
Key Value Propositions
Target Customers
Industries Served
Contact Information
Social Media
Key Pages
Summary
Zurich’s Construction Professional Liability solutions include CPPI for contractors and OPPI for owners, addressing losses arising from professional services on construction projects. They complement GL programs and target design-driven exposures on complex builds.
Key Features
- Online portal (ZProgramsMatch.com) for program discovery and inquiries
- Directory of specialty insurance programs by industry and risk type
- Direct submission of inquiries to Program Administrators
- No impact on other Zurich commission or profitability agreements
- Program Leader Magazine for industry news and updates
Key Benefits
- Access to a wide range of industry-specific insurance programs
- No Zurich appointment required to access or submit inquiries
- Direct connection to knowledgeable Program Administrators
- Programs underwritten by Zurich, an A.M. Best A+ rated company
- Streamlined inquiry and application process
- Regular updates on new and existing programs via email signup
Who Is It For
- Licensed P&C insurance agents (no Zurich appointment required)
- Independent agents and brokers
- Program Administrators
- Managing General Agents (MGAs)
- Businesses and organizations seeking specialty or industry-specific insurance solutions
Resources
Supporting Resources
Detailed Comparison
Coverage Customization
Claims Support Efficiency
Risk Management Resources
ChubbCompany Information
Chubb is a global insurance company providing a range of insurance products for individuals, families, and businesses in the Benelux region. They offer various insurance solutions, including liability, property, cyber, and life sciences, as well as exclusive car insurance and masterpiece insurance for individuals.
Keywords
Description
At Chubb, we deliver excellence in all we do, being there when you need us most. We provide exceptional service to our customers and business partners—it's who we are.
What They Do
Chubb provides insurance solutions for individuals, families, and businesses, including property, auto, travel, and embedded insurance.
Who They Serve
Individuals, families, businesses, agents, and brokers.
Key Value Propositions
Target Customers
Industries Served
Contact Information
Key Pages
Summary
Chubb’s Contractors Professional Liability is designed for contractors with design‑build or construction management responsibilities. It offers broad coverage options, pre‑claim assistance, and can be paired with CPL/E&O to streamline protection for complex construction engagements.
Key Features
- Customizable insurance products (liability, cyber, property, accident & health, etc.)
- Industry-specific solutions across 30+ industry practices
- Risk engineering and consulting services
- Claims support and business income consultation
- Coverage for businesses of all sizes
- Global reach and multinational capabilities
Key Benefits
- Tailored insurance solutions for unique business needs
- Coverage for a wide range of industry-specific risks
- Access to risk specialists and nearly 500 in-house risk engineers
- World-class claims service with high satisfaction rates
- Financial strength and stability
- Strategic partnership and insights for large and multinational businesses
Who Is It For
- Small businesses (startups to established local businesses)
- Large and multinational businesses
- Businesses across 30+ specialized industries
- Companies seeking tailored risk solutions
Tailored business insurance solutions
Chubb has protected businesses of all sizes, their employees and their reputations against industry-specific risks for more than 200 years. Let our risk specialists work to find the right business insurance coverage for your unique needs.
Products, services, industry expertise
Chubb’s expertise spans 30 specialized Industry Practices. Working together, our underwriters, risk and claims professionals tailor industry-specific solutions for each of our clients.
- Explore by industry: 30+ specialized industry practices
- Explore by product: Liability, cyber, property, accident and health
- Explore our services: Risk engineering, claims support, income consultation
Insuring businesses of all sizes
Small businesses at every stage look to Chubb for robust protections, world-class claims service, industry-specific knowledge and coverage options that insure against risks as they grow. Large & multinational businesses rely on Chubb for strategic partnership, insights, premium products and services, stability, financial strength and insurance industry leadership.
- Small businesses: robust protections, claims service, industry knowledge
- Large & multinational businesses: strategic partnership, insights, premium products
Business insurance excellence by the numbers
#1 Commercial lines insurer in the U.S.; 200+ years of experience; $21B claims paid globally (2023); 92% overall claims satisfaction (clients with a paid claim across 2022-2023)
- #1 Commercial lines insurer in the U.S.
- 200+ years of experience
- $21B claims paid globally (2023)
- 92% overall claims satisfaction (2022-2023)
Unique risk solutions across industries
Chubb’s industry practice specializations continue to grow in response to rising business segments, ensuring that our capabilities and products align strategically to the evolving risks that matter most in your industry.
- 30+ industry practices
- Industry-specific risk solutions
Prepare and prevent with Chubb Risk Consulting
Chubb’s in-house network of nearly 500 risk engineers helps businesses anticipate and minimize costly exposures. The Chubb Risk Engineering Center offers services on fire protection, equipment breakdown, worker safety and more.
- Fire protection
- Equipment breakdown
- Worker safety
- Next generation risk management
Insights & expertise
Learn more about market conditions and risks that affect your industry, leverage tips and strategies for protecting your business and see Chubb’s expertise in action with white papers, articles, and success stories.
- Evolving risks for the middle market
- Insurance costs depend on 4 factors
- Navigating risks in cleanrooms
- Cold weather safety tips for employees
- 4 steps for creating a safer worksite
- When middle markets go multinational
Get a business insurance quote that fits your business
Whether your business is large or small, we’ll leverage our premium products and services to create a plan that protects your business, your employees and your reputation. Talk to Chubb today.
Resources
Supporting Resources
Detailed Comparison
Coverage Customization
Claims Support Efficiency
Risk Management Resources
TravelersCompany Information
Travelers is a leading provider of insurance solutions, offering a wide range of personal and business insurance products to protect individuals, families, and businesses from various risks. With over 160 years of experience, Travelers is committed to helping its customers manage risks and achieve their goals.
Keywords
Description
Travelers provides a wide range of insurance products and services for individuals, families, and businesses, helping them manage risks and protect their assets.
What They Do
Travelers offers insurance products and services for personal and business needs, including auto, home, and commercial insurance.
Who They Serve
Individuals, families, and businesses across various industries.
Key Value Propositions
Target Customers
Industries Served
Contact Information
Navigation Links
Summary
Travelers provides professional liability tailored for architects, engineers, surveyors, and construction managers. Coverage can be customized and includes risk resources, pre‑claim assistance, and options addressing cyber‑related exposures relevant to modern design practices.
Key Features
- Wide range of bond types (see bond_types)
- Specialized construction underwriters for contract surety
- Expedited Dispute Resolution (EDR) Performance Bond for streamlined claims
- Support for both commercial and contract surety needs
Key Benefits
- Tailored surety programs to meet unique needs
- Proven reliability and financial strength
- Flexible and innovative solutions for complex bonding requirements
- Streamlined claims handling with specialized bond options
Who Is It For
- Individuals seeking specific types of bonds
- Businesses with a variety of bonding requirements
- Small to multinational companies
- Industries such as construction, healthcare, utilities, and more
Travelers knows surety bonds
Whether you’re an individual seeking a particular type of bond or you run a business with a variety of bonding requirements, Travelers can offer a surety program tailored to your needs.
Surety bonds provided by Travelers
- Bid, Performance and Payment
- Construction Materials Supply
- Court Bonds – Judicial, Fiduciary and Probate
- Custom Bonds
- Depository Bonds
- ERISA Fidelity
- License and Permit
- Lost Instrument
- Miscellaneous
- Notary
- Public Official
- Release of Lien
- Utilities
Why Travelers?
Our reliability is proven. For more than 100 years, Travelers has been a leader in the surety industry. We consistently earn high marks for our financial strength and claims-paying ability.
Related products & solutions
- Commercial surety: Travelers can help both individuals and businesses – ranging from small to multinational companies – with their commercial surety needs.
- Contract surety: Our specialized construction underwriters have deep industry knowledge and an ability to provide flexible, innovative solutions.
Resources
- A Different Kind of Performance Bond: The Expedited Dispute Resolution (EDR) Performance Bond from Travelers takes a new streamlined approach to claims handling and resolution.
- What Is a Surety Bond? Travelers Insurance provides information and a video on how surety bonds work, their cost, and the different types.
Surety Bond Resources
- 4 Advantages of Surety Bonds for Healthcare Organizations
- 10 Surety Contract Terms Explained
- 5 Things to Look for in a Commercial Contract Surety Provider
- Understanding the Three Parties in a Surety Contract
Resources
Supporting Resources
Detailed Comparison
Coverage Customization
Claims Support Efficiency
Risk Management Resources
Our Ranking Methodology
How we rank these offerings
We ranked these Construction PI Insurance Firms in USA using a weighted scoring formula: Coverage Customization (40%), Risk Management Resources (35%), Claims Support Efficiency (25%). N/A values receive 0 points. Insurance (AXA XL) scored highest with 95 due to superior coverage customization and best-in-class risk management integration. Companies with N/A values would have reduced maximum scores, but all evaluated companies provided data for all criteria.
Ranking Criteria Weights:
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are typical costs and pricing models for construction professional indemnity insurance in the USA?
- Typical costs for construction professional indemnity (PI) insurance depend on several factors including the size of the firm, the scope of projects, and the specific risks faced by the business. For example, AXA XL's Design Professional offering and CNA's program through Victor Insurance Managers are tailored for architects and engineers, which implies that pricing is largely determined by the design complexity and associated risks. Zurich’s CPPI and OPPI solutions also suggest pricing structures that align with specific project types and collaborative contracts, supporting a targeted approach to cost allocation. In general, firms can expect a combination of base premiums plus potential surcharges for specialized coverage such as cyber-exposures as offered by Travelers.
- What are key selection criteria for choosing construction PI insurance?
- Key selection criteria include the scope of coverage, financial strength of the insurer, and the availability of risk management resources. AXA XL offers extensive risk management tools and claims support tailored to design professionals, highlighting the importance of robust risk mitigation services. CNA's partnership with Victor Insurance Managers underlines the need for experienced underwriters who understand niche industry needs. Additionally, the adaptability of coverage to include cyber and other modern design risks, as offered by Travelers, is critical in today's digital construction environment.
- What industry standards and compliance considerations exist for construction PI insurance?
- Compliance with industry standards, such as those outlined by AIA or ACEC, is essential. Insurers like AXA XL and Zurich provide coverage that aligns with professional codes and contractual obligations typical in architectural and engineering projects. Furthermore, Travelers' inclusion of cyber-related exposures aligns with modern compliance standards related to data protection and cybersecurity in design practices. Compliance with local and federal regulations, as well as industry-specific requirements, is pivotal in selecting the right policy.
- What are common challenges in implementing construction PI insurance and what solutions are available?
- A common challenge is aligning insurance coverage with rapidly changing project demands and emerging risks such as cybersecurity threats. Chubb addresses this by offering flexible coverage options that contractors with design-build responsibilities can easily adapt. Similarly, pre-claim assistance provided by Travelers helps firms manage claims more efficiently and mitigate potential losses proactively. Ensuring bespoke policies that reflect the unique risk landscape of each firm can significantly ease implementation hurdles.
- How do firms measure ROI and value delivery for construction PI insurance?
- ROI for construction PI insurance can be measured through reduced loss frequency and severity, as well as enhanced project delivery confidence. Insurers like AXA XL emphasize the educational resources and risk management support they provide, which help firms mitigate potential design liabilities. CNA's emphasis on experienced claims teams suggests that effective claims handling contributes materially to perceived value. Efficient claims resolution and reduced project liability costs are key metrics for evaluating the policy's ROI.
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