Design & Construct

At WK Professional Risks, we specialise in arranging insurance for Design & Construct (D&C) contractors — whether you’re delivering design in-house, subcontracting design to consultants, or taking responsibility under novated or collateral warranty terms.

We understand that D&C exposures go far beyond pure design liability. From fire safety and cladding disputes to duty to warn, fitness for purpose clauses, and employer-imposed contracts, our role is to secure coverage that’s proportionate, robust, and commercially viable — even on high-rise or complex residential builds.

What we offer

London Market Access

We work with Lloyd’s syndicates and specialist PI insurers who understand D&C risk — including projects involving residential, social housing, schools, commercial, and public-sector works.

Wording Reviews & Risk Advice

We review PI policies line-by-line — especially on limitations like fitness for purpose, duty to warn, series of claims clauses, or fire safety aggregate caps.

Contract Reviews

We assist you in identifying where your building contract or warranty obligations go beyond what your insurance will respond to — and help reduce uninsured exposures at pre-contract stage.

Fire Safety

We help contractors navigate exclusions, endorsements, and retroactive dates relating to cladding, fire stopping, and life safety systems — ensuring you know what’s covered and what isn’t.

Responsive Claims Support

Should a claim arise, our team ensures you’re represented clearly and accurately from first notification through to resolution.

Design Error in Structural or MEP Package

You subcontract structural or M&E design that later proves defective, and you’re held responsible under the building contract.

Duty to Warn / Failure to Flag Risks

You’re held liable for failing to raise concerns about an employer’s chosen specification or legacy design.

Collateral Warranty Claims

A third-party beneficiary (e.g. housing association or funder) brings a claim years later under a collateral warranty.

Fire Safety or Cladding Disputes

Your firm is brought into a claim regarding compartmentation, fire stopping, or external wall systems.

Fitness for Purpose Disputes

You’re pursued on the basis that the building or system didn’t perform to the required outcome — not just reasonable skill and care.