If your organization provides services for youth, you're at risk for an abuse or molestation claim. Once a lawsuit is filed, you need to respond, even if you're innocent. Court cases are complicated and can take years to resolve. In the meantime, your organization could go bankrupt or have to cut back on essential services.
We want you to keep helping your community. That's why we're reaching out to help you. A good risk management plan considers all risks and insures against them.
General liability won't fully protect you
Your general liability policy can help with injury or damage claims, like a slip-and-fall or property damage that a volunteer accidentally causes during a donation pickup. But it expressly excludes claims of abuse and molestation. That means your nonprofit would need to pay out of pocket for your defense and legal fees. This could quickly destroy your entire operations budget.
Who's at risk for an abuse allegation?
Your nonprofit is at risk if you offer services that involve contact with youth populations. Such services include:
- Churches and religious organizations
- Schools
- Libraries
- Child care centers
- Camps
- Sitter services
- Art and cultural organizations
- Child and family services
- Counseling groups
- Sports and recreation clubs
- Organizations that serve people with disabilities
- Rehabilitation centers
- Youth organizations
Background checks aren't enough
It's great that you're doing everything you can to protect the people you serve. But don't assume you're in the clear because you ran all the proper checks on your employees and volunteers. Despite all of your efforts, a background check might not reveal everything.
Your nonprofit is a trusted organization with high standards of conduct. Because of this, you're responsible for the actions of employees, volunteers and subcontractors. You could even be liable for their failure to act, such as a failure to report suspected abuse.
Abuse and molestation insurance is part of responsible risk management
Seeking abuse and molestation insurance doesn't signal a problem with your organization. Rather, it signifies responsible risk mitigation planning. Some abuse and molestation policies include risk mitigation training resources and other value-added perks to boost your organization's awareness. Employee education enriches prevention and improves operations, but it also shows a commitment to safety.
Broad definitions for added protection
Abuse and molestation insurance can offer added protection and services, such as:
- Broad definition of abuse (physical and nonphysical acts)
- Broad definition of who's insured (volunteers, employees, board members, clergy, teachers and other subsidiaries)
- Legal defense for all insureds
- Occurrence or claims-made options (the specific period you're covered for)
- Coverage for settlements
- Extended reporting periods
- Flexible policy limits
- Excess coverage options
- Preventive education assistance
- Background check resources
Consider reviewing your directors and officers (D&O) insurance policy, too. If you face a lawsuit, your board members will be named. D&O coverage could offer added gap protection and help secure your policy limits.
Get a confidential quote with us
We know it might be hard to talk about, or even think about. But abuse and molestation claims are a risk for many nonprofits, churches and schools. You're our valued customer. We're here to help protect your operations and mitigate your risk exposure. Just reply to this email to get started.