XL Catlin's Design Professional insurance business has enhanced its smartADVANTAGE professional liability insurance policy, providing increased limits of liability and improved policy terms for architectural and engineering firms in the US with annual fees of $2m or less.

According to Doug Strong, Chief Underwriting Officer of XL Catlin’s Design Professional group, "Firms in this segment face the same professional liability issues that mid-to-larger size A/E firms do.

We’ve enhanced our smartADVANTAGE policy to keep pace with firms’ risk management needs, keeping pace with litigation and claims trends we see affecting their operations and potentially their bottom line."

The smartADVANTAGE policy enhancements include:

One, two and now, three-year policy term

Limits up to $3 million, boosted from $2 million, which includes excess options for specific job, client or multiple projects

Deductibles of $0 to $35,000 depending on firm size

Dollar One Defense included — defense costs not subject to deductible

Full prior acts coverage beginning the third consecutive year of coverage

One Time Aggregate Deductible — at no additional cost.

"Specialist" premium credit for firms with 3 or less project types

The smartADVANTAGE policy is provided by XL Catlin insurance company, XL Specialty Insurance Company.

XL Catlin’s Design Professional business provides professional liability insurance for architects, engineers and design consultants. Coverage is available for firms of all sizes and disciplines.

XL Catlin’s design professional coverage is accompanied by a variety of loss prevention assistance and risk management assistance including continuing education courses and access to XL Catlin’s Contract eGuide to help firms incorporate strong contract language.

About XL Catlin Insurance Operations

The XL Catlin insurance companies offer property, casualty, professional, financial lines and specialty insurance products globally.

XL Catlin is the global brand used by XL Group plc’s (XL) insurance and reinsurance companies which provide property, casualty, professional and specialty products to industrial, commercial and professional firms, insurance companies and other enterprises throughout the world.