The recent announcement that the Wren Insurance Association will undertake a solvent exit marks a significant shift in the professional indemnity insurance landscape for architects across the UK.
As a long-established mutual insurer known for its rigorous underwriting stance, and at times demanding requirements, Wren has played a central role in shaping how architectural appointments are negotiated and insured.
For years, Wren maintained a position in the market that few others were prepared to adopt. After the Grenfell tragedy in 2017, many PI insurers withdrew or restricted cover for cladding and fire safety related claims. Wren stood out by continuing to offer cladding cover up to 2025, even as the volume of claims escalated. Inevitably, the cumulative effect of cladding related notifications, primarily arising from pre-2019 work, has placed increasing pressure on the mutual. This led to raised calls on its members and, notably, the supplementary call issued in March 2025.
The consequence has been a wave of departures from the membership. Faced with reduced scale and an inability to offer competitive renewal terms, the Wren has made the decision to cease providing cover beyond 1 July 2026. The solvent exit process will now begin, with further details to follow.
For architects, this move creates immediate uncertainty. Firms that have relied on the Wren will be entering a market that remains shaped by cautious underwriting, exclusions, and narrower protections, particularly around fire safety. Many will be encountering insurer-imposed terms for the first time, instead of the bespoke, member driven structure Wren offered.
For clients appointing architects, there will be knock on implications as well. Architects who move to new insurers may face changes in policy wording, additional exclusions or limitations on cover for higher risk work. In the context of appointments generally requiring professional indemnity insurance to be maintained on no less onerous terms for 12+ years, there are necessarily steps that need to be taken. None of this detracts from the fact that appointments will continue to necessitate careful negotiation to ensure appropriate risk allocation and adequate insurance backing.
The Trowers construction team have negotiated countless appointments involving Wren insured architects over the years. We have a clear understanding of the complexities that came with Wren’s requirements, and the practical realities of balancing insurer constraints with commercially workable contracts that are not protracted by months (or even years) of negotiation. We've been in contact with leading construction insurance brokerages since the news was announced and are working with them to ensure our clients receive clear and practical guidance during this period of change.
As the market adjusts to Wren’s withdrawal, both consultants and clients are likely to need support in navigating new policy wording, renegotiating appointment terms, or addressing the impact on ongoing projects.
If you or your organisation are affected, whether you are a consultant facing a change in cover or a client seeking to ensure your professional team remains appropriately insured, we are well placed to help. This is a significant moment for the construction and design sectors, and early advice can make all the difference in managing risk and maintaining confidence in your projects.
