BCIN Designer Insurance

What is BCIN Designer Insurance?

In 2006, Bill 124 was passed in Ontario by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to introduce a new designation for designers in the construction industry called Building Code Identification Number (BCIN). 

BCIN is a special ID number that professionals in the Ontario construction industry must have to prove they’re responsible for their work. This new designation for designers was part of an overarching effort to standardize and professionalize the field. 

These professionals must meet specific standards and pass building code examinations related to the Ontario Building Code Act requirements. Institutions such as George Brown College and Humber College Institute stepped up, offering building code courses to prepare individuals for these code examinations.

As the years have progressed, there’s been an increasing awareness of the differences between BCIN professionals, BCIN firms, architects, chief building officials, registered code agencies, and architectural firms. It’s essential for a BCIN-certified designer and BCIN firm to recognize these differences, especially when it comes to securing designer liability insurance.

What is BCIN Insurance?

BCIN insurance is a form of professional liability insurance designed to protect architects, engineers, and design professionals involved in construction and design activities within Ontario, Canada. 

This insurance covers financial losses and legal defence costs arising from claims of negligence, errors, or omissions during the design and construction process. It ensures professionals can confidently conduct their work, knowing they are protected against potential legal liabilities and financial burdens that could arise from their professional activities.

For example, if a licensed structural engineer designs a building that later experiences foundational issues due to a design oversight, their BCIN insurance would cover legal defence costs and any damages awarded. When a licensed professional has BCIN insurance, it prevents financial loss and protects their professional reputation.

Who Needs BCIN Insurance?

BCIN insurance is important for a wide range of construction and design professionals, especially those required to comply with the Ontario Building Code. The following are a few building practitioners who may require BCIN insurance:

• Architects
• Structural engineers
• Mechanical engineers
• Electrical engineers
• Civil engineers
• Building designers
• Fire protection inspectors
• Plumbing designers
• Construction managers
• Interior designers
• Landscape architects

If you’re unsure if you require BCIN insurance, please contact us, and we’ll ensure you have the right insurance coverage for your business. 

Key Components of BCIN Insurance

ALIGNED Insurance is committed to offering dedicated professional liability insurance products for any registered BCIN designer or design firm. With the right information, securing the best BCIN insurance becomes a streamlined process. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Documentation and Background Details

• A fully completed application form
• Updated resumes for all BCIN designers involved
• Your specific BCIN number
• A comprehensive list of professional association memberships

2. Delve into the Scope of Work

Understanding the specific type of BCIN work you engage in is pivotal. This includes:

• Building design
• Landscape Architect
• Interior Designer
• Any other specific design work undertaken

3. Financial Insights

Insurers often require a snapshot of the finances related to your design work. This helps in assessing the scale and potential risks:

• Design fees for the past 12 months and projections for the next 12 months
• Construction values attributable to design work done in the previous 12 months and projections for the forthcoming 12 months

4. Track Record: Insurance Claims

Details related to any insurance claims, especially those in the past five years, provide insurers with a clearer picture of the risks involved:

• Specifics of any insurance claims in the previous five years

Meeting BCIN Insurance Requirements

BCIN designers must align their insurance coverage with the actual risks they face. Having the right information at hand accelerates the process of obtaining a BCIN certificate of insurance that truly protects. Always remember, when it comes to designer liability insurance, precision in details and transparency are crucial.

ALIGNED Insurance has many BCIN clients, extensive expertise and experience working with BCIN professionals and design firms. We have also developed a customized process, application and product specifically designed to meet the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing requirements and once coverage is bound we will provide a certificate of insurance which can be easily uploaded to the Qualification and Registration Tracking System (QuARTS).

As you are likely already aware the Ministry requires specific limits based on annual design revenue/fees billed.  For further convenience we’ve summarized those below so you can easily select the amount needed:

What’s typically included in Bill 124 Designers Insurance?

While each Bill 124 designer insurance policy is different, the typical policy includes some or all of the following coverages/extensions:

• Allegations of negligence associated with services 
• Bodily injury
• Property damage
• Financial loss
• Loss of documents
• Loss mitigation sub–limits
• Occupational Health & Safety
• Libel & Slander
• Regulatory proceeding expense reimbursement
• Bill 124 Compliant Certificate of Insurance
• Compliance with ministry’s 5% maximum deductible requirement
• Other

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to reassess your current insurance, understanding these requirements can pave the way for a smoother, more beneficial insurance experience.

Get Aligned With Proper BCIN Insurance From ALIGNED Insurance

For BCIN-designated individuals and firms, selecting a business insurance brokerage with a comprehensive understanding of BCIN-specific nuances is essential. Recognizing the intricacies of BCIN insurance requirements can significantly impact your coverage effectiveness.

ALIGNED Insurance is a leading brokerage in Canada dedicated to helping BCIN designers, design firms, and related professionals receive appropriate insurance coverage. 

With a team rich in knowledge about BCIN designer insurance, ALIGNED ensures that its clients adhere to BCIN insurance standards and receive coverage tailored to their specific needs.

Get a BCIN insurance quote today, or contact us to learn more!

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