Design‑build delivery has become standard on complex construction projects, but insurance coverage has struggled to keep pace with the blended responsibilities it creates. When claims arise, disputes frequently center on whether damages stem from construction means and methods or professional design services—often triggering coverage conflicts among multiple policies and carriers.
This session will examine how professional liability coverage intersects with commercial general liability, contractor professional, and project‑specific programs on design‑build projects. Panelists will walk through practical scenarios involving delegated design, redesign costs, rip‑and‑tear damage, delay impacts, and defense obligations where allegations span both design error and construction defect theories.
The discussion will focus on how insurers analyze mixed claims, how professional services exclusions are applied, and why coverage gaps commonly emerge even on well‑insured projects. The panel will also explore how contracts, wrap‑up structures, and project‑specific professional liability placements can either mitigate or exacerbate these disputes. Attendees will come away with a clearer understanding of how coverage lines are drawn in practice—and what project teams can do upfront to reduce uncertainty when design‑build claims arise.
