Comparing the RIBA-endorsed route with the open-market specialist route

RIBA endorses one PI broker as its recommended route for members. Not every RIBA member fits that route — firms outside the scheme's underwriting mandate, firms wanting an independent broker, firms with claims history or higher-risk-building work, firms whose renewal quote comes back materially higher than peer expectation. This page sets out how the endorsed route and the open-market specialist route compare, so architects can make an informed choice.

How the endorsed-broker route works

1. Single insurer relationship. The endorsed broker operates under a defined underwriting mandate with a specific insurer or panel. This gives volume-based pricing benefits for members whose profile fits the mandate.
2. Membership-linked service. The endorsed broker markets through RIBA channels — a defined customer acquisition route that benefits both sides.
3. Scheme-specific benefits. Volume-driven pricing, streamlined process for standard placements, member-only extras.
4. Scheme-specific constraints. Firms outside the underwriting mandate cannot be placed. Firms with claims history, specialist practices, higher-risk-building exposure, or non-standard profiles typically fall outside.

How the open-market specialist route works

1. Multiple insurer relationships. Independent broker places with any authorised insurer including specialist Lloyd's markets via wholesale. Different insurers write different risks best.
2. Named-broker service model. Same broker from first quote through renewals and any claim. Not a scheme call-centre.
3. Wider market access for difficult cases. Prior claims, adverse history, higher-risk-building exposure, non-standard practice mix — specialist market continues to write.
4. Independent advice. Not tied to any specific insurer's underwriting mandate. Advice reflects the whole market, not the scheme's book position.

When the endorsed route typically fits well

1. Standard residential-only practice, clean history, straightforward profile.
2. Small firm valuing streamlined process over broker choice.
3. Firms already in the scheme who see stable premium trajectory year on year.
4. Firms who value the RIBA channel benefits and member marketing.

When the open-market route typically fits better

1. Higher-risk-building work under BSA 2022. 15-30 year tail exposure requires specialist market appetite that endorsed schemes may not offer.
2. Prior claims or adverse history. Specialist broker with wholesale market access materially widens options.
3. Non-scheme profile. Firms whose practice mix falls outside the endorsed scheme's underwriting mandate.
4. Sharp renewal premium increase without stated reason. Signal to remarket via open route.
5. Firms wanting independent advice not filtered through a single insurer's book position.
6. Firms doing D&B novation, sub-consultant work, or unusual project structures.
7. Firms with material Principal Designer role exposure under BSA 2022.

What Apex offers as an alternative

1. Directly authorised by the FCA — FRN 724952. Not an appointed representative operating under another firm's authorisation.
2. Independent from any professional body scheme. Advice reflects the whole market.
3. 17 years placing PI across 18 regulated professions including all architectural sub-disciplines.
4. Wholesale Lloyd's market access including for BSA-touching and difficult-risk work.
5. Named-broker model — same person from first quote through renewals.
6. Director-level attention on claim notifications and complex placements.
7. 95% client retention.

How to test whether the endorsed route is right for you

1. Ask your endorsed-scheme broker how many insurers they can place you with. If the answer is one, that's a scheme constraint.
2. Ask what happens to your renewal if the scheme insurer's appetite for your profile changes. If the answer is limited, that's a scheme constraint.
3. Ask what happens if you have a claim. Named broker or call centre? Director-level handling or ticket queue?
4. Ask for the specific reason for any renewal premium change. If the answer is generic, remarket.
5. Request an open-market comparison quote. Costs nothing, tells you where the endorsed scheme sits vs the wider market.

How Apex handles a comparison request

1. Full presentation preparation with your existing insurer's claims record and cover history.
2. Market run: 6-8 specialist insurers direct plus Lloyd's via wholesale.
3. Structural options tested: excess, aggregation, cover-limit, BSA tail configuration.
4. Written comparison of price, structure and wording versus your current placement.
5. Bind decision with insurer consent via broker-of-record letter if you decide to switch.

Frequently asked

Related reading

• Architects sector pillar
• Architects annual PI renewal
• Non-RIBA architects route-selector
• BSA 2022 s.135 principal designer / RBCA deep-dive