Design & construct insurance for builders who design too

PI cover that recognises the hybrid nature of your role – for builders and contractors who both design and build. We compare the market so you don't have to.

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Design & construct professional indemnity, construction projects, public liability, tools, plant & machinery and workers compensation

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One call. Multiple quotes.

We go to market across 10+ insurers, so you can compare D&C PI cover and price side by side without ringing around.

Builder reviewing design plans on a construction site

How do you get started?

Three steps, and we do the legwork.

1

Start a quote.

Fill the quote form above, or call us on 1800 97 98 99.

2

We compare the market.

We go to 10+ insurers and come back with options that fit how you design and build. Same-day quotes available.

3

You're covered.

Pick the option that suits and we handle the paperwork.

Why choose Shielded

Named #1 Top Brokerage 2025, trusted by 30,000+ clients, and with you long after the policy is sold.

Construction-specific knowledge

Our team specialises in insurance for professionals who both build and design, so your cover reflects both sides of your business.

Award-winning & highly reviewed

Named #1 Top Brokerage 2025 and rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot and 4.7/5 on Google from over 12,000 reviews.

We handle renewals

We manage your renewals and help you understand where your PI cover starts, where public liability ends, and which gaps need attention.

In your corner at claim time

Notify a claim 24/7. From the initial dispute to final resolution, our team supports you throughout the claims process.

“The claims experience was made so easy.” – Scott B., Google review

What builders say about us

Real reviews from builders, developers and construction clients we've insured across Australia.

Cover Options

Build the cover your business needs. Mix and match on one quote.

D&C Professional Indemnity

Claims alleging faulty design, incorrect advice, document errors or consumer law breaches, plus legal defence costs.

Quote D&C PI

Construction Project

Contract works cover for an annual construction program or a single project.

Quote project cover

Public Liability

Cover if your work causes injury or property damage to someone else.

Quote liability

Tools

Protects the tools you rely on, on site and in transit.

Quote tools cover

Plant and Machinery

Cover for your plant, machinery and equipment.

Quote machinery cover

Workers Compensation

Required cover if you employ staff.

Quote workers comp

Design & construct insurance at a glance

Reviewed by Joshua Scutts, Shielded Insurance Brokers · Updated October 2026 · General information only

Who needs it
Builders and contractors who provide design input or professional advice as well as physical construction work.
What it covers
Claims of financial loss from design flaws, incorrect advice, consumer law breaches, document loss or errors and copyright or IP breach, plus legal defence costs.
What it is not
Public liability covers bodily injury and property damage. Disputes about the quality of your professional service are typically outside its scope – that is where D&C PI can respond.
How we help
We compare 10+ insurers, help you meet contract PI requirements and manage your renewals and claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common concerns for builders and contractors providing design input on construction projects.

What is Design & Construct professional indemnity insurance?

This type of policy is tailored for professionals who both build and provide design services. It may respond to claims of financial loss caused by poor design, inaccurate documentation or professional oversight.

Is this different from standard PI insurance?

Yes. Standard PI policies for architects or engineers often exclude claims arising from construction activities. D&C policies are designed to bridge that gap by covering integrated design-build exposures.

What can D&C PI insurance cover?

Typical cover areas may include design flaws (claims alleging inadequate or faulty design that led to financial loss), incorrect advice given during the build, consumer law breaches such as misleading conduct or unmet consumer guarantees under the ACL, loss of or errors in drawings, plans or reports, copyright or IP breach, and legal defence costs – even if a claim is later withdrawn or resolved. Cover varies between policies, so we'll walk you through what each option includes.

Can you give a real-world example of a claim?

One contractor was asked to provide a natural grey concrete floor. After installation, the client claimed the finish would reduce the home's value. While there was no physical damage, the client sought financial compensation. This type of dispute – about the quality of professional service, not bodily harm or property loss – is typically outside the scope of public liability, but could be covered under D&C PI insurance.

Does this insurance cover subcontracted design work?

If you're legally liable for design outcomes – even if the work was subcontracted – then your policy may respond. It's important to review how subconsultants are treated in your cover.

Are contracts starting to require PI cover?

Yes. Many commercial and government clients now include clauses requiring PI insurance for D&C work. Holding cover could also reduce disputes or delays in tender approvals.

Is PI insurance a legal requirement in NSW?

From 1 July 2025, holding professional indemnity insurance became a legal requirement for certain construction professionals in New South Wales. Not sure if the law applies to you? Speak to the Shielded team about how these changes may affect your compliance obligations.

Can I insure a single project or my whole year of work?

Yes. Tell us whether you need annual construction cover or cover for a single project when you request a quote, or let us know if you'd like advice on which suits your business.

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