Professional indemnity insurance for architects covers claims that a design, document or site advice caused a client or owner a loss. Most state boards expect registered architects to hold it.
Source: https://piinsurance.com.au/architects/, fetched from the preview https://pi-react-4ee768.pages.dev/architects/ on 10 Nov 2026; site dated 3 Nov 2026. Preview wording, not yet broker-reviewed. General information, not advice.
Site label: Most state boards expect it.
Why you need it: your state board
Architects are registered by state boards, and most boards expect registered architects to hold PI. Victoria sets a minimum by ministerial order and NSW requires appropriate cover under its code of professional conduct. Check with your state board for the current amount.
Typical limits
$1m to $2m for residential practices. $5m to $10m for commercial and government work, often with run-off.
What can go wrong
Illustrative scenarios, not real claims.
A home that breached the setback
A house you designed is found to sit inside the boundary setback. The owner claims the cost of changing it and the delay.
Waterproofing detail that failed
A balcony detail leaks into the unit below. The owners corporation claims repairs from the builder and the builder joins you.
Common exclusions to watch
- Cladding and combustible materials
- Project management you did not declare
- Cost estimates given as guarantees
- Work before the retroactive date
Wording differs between policies. Read the policy wording, or ask us to point out what it says.
Types of architects
Residential architects
Owner-builders and small builders are the usual clients. Insurers ask about apartment work.
Commercial architects
Larger projects bring larger limits and contract run-off terms.
Landscape architects
Often rated with designers rather than architects.
Common questions
Do architects need professional indemnity insurance?
Architects are registered by state boards, and most boards expect registered architects to hold PI. Victoria sets a minimum by ministerial order and NSW requires appropriate cover under its code of professional conduct. Check with your state board for the current amount.
How much PI cover do architects need?
$1m to $2m for residential practices. $5m to $10m for commercial and government work, often with run-off.