Why Some Designers Face Ever-Higher Professional Liability Insurance Costs

Eight of 15 designer liability insurers reported in a recent survey that they started charging higher rates in 2025, but five insurers kept them the same and two were actually lowered. Of those that raised rates, most sought increases of 5% or lower. ENR has more

Work Zones Becoming More Dangerous

A new survey of construction firms published by the Associated General Contractors of America finds most firms believe work zone crash risks have increased over the past year.  Sixty percent of respondents reported vehicle crashes in their work zones with 27 percent reporting worker injuries as a result of those crashes. Drivers are bearing the brunt of fatalities at 22 percent compared to 7 percent worker fatalities. The full report can be found here.

Contractor Ordered to Pay $175 Million in Delayed Hotel Damages

Tutor Perini has been ordered to pay $175 million in damages over the delayed opening of a Philadelphia hotel. The order brings to end approximately 30 lawsuits targeting contractors, subcontractors, owners, the architect, and the engineer of record. ENR has more about this tangled web of liability.

ACEC Releases New Progressive Design-Build Recommendations

Progressive Design-Build is a growing project delivery method that brings owners, contractors and designers together earlier in the planning process reducing risk and delivery times. The American Council of Engineering Companies has released a new research report outlining best practices for the smoothest delivery. You can find more here.

AI Exposing Organizations to Professional Liability Risks

Risk and Insurance takes a look at two examples out of Australia of organizations that lacked proper AI oversight and incurred liability risks as a result. Traditional cyber liability policies may not cover AI related claims.

AI and the Future of Engineering Workforce

ACEC interviews Susanna Zammataro, CEO of FIDIC to discuss changes in the engineering industry including the impact of artificial intelligence and things to consider when working on international projects.

Economy and Workforce

Materials Prices Continue to Increase

Construction materials prices increased almost two percent in April in large part due to the ongoing war with Iran. Overall materials prices have grown by seven percent in the last year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index. ENR has details.

ACEC Q2 Economic Outlook Remains Positive

ACEC’s second quarter economic outlook shows that engineering firms still have a positive outlook on the industry economy. The outlook on the overall US economy however has weakened causing firms to plan for a more measured growth rate over the next year.

Investment Firm BlackRock Invests $100 Million to Train Next Generation

BlackRock is investing big into AI related infrastructure like datacenters and over the next five years is investing in training the next generation of skilled labor to build and maintain those facilities. Engineering News Record has more.

A&E Rate Hikes Expected This Year

A&E insuring firms expect to increase rates this year due to increased liability claims awards. Insurance Business Magazine takes a look at which sectors are increasing most.

Patchwork of Extreme Temperature Labor Regulations Going Into Effect

Several municipalities are implementing new policies surrounding working in extreme heat or cold. The regulations would require employers to take implement certain measures when temperatures reach a certain threshold. The City of Boston passed an ordinance in Aug. 2025 making this the first full summer that it is in effect. New York Mayor Zorhan Mamdani recently signed an executive order to the same effect. Illinois sought to become the first state to implement an extreme heat law but the bill failed when HB 3762 did not pass the house.

Infrastructure

Build America 250 Act Introduced in Congress

Law Firm Holland and Knight provides an analysis of HR 8870 the BUILD America 250 Act. The bill will provide surface transportation funding for FY2027 through FY2031 if passed. Click here for more information.

NACo Analysis of Build American 250 Act

The National Association of Counties also takes a look at the proposed Build America 250 Act and its impact on county governments.

Source: “Regulatory Round-Up”. Originally published by Professional Liability Agent’s Network. Adapted for distribution by Stuckey Insurance.

STUCKEY INSURANCE focuses on providing Professional Liability and Employee Benefits for Architects, Engineers, Accountants, and Attorneys in Arizona. Please call us if you would like to schedule a consultation for your other insurance needs.

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