It's that time of the year again, time for kids to head back to school. Time for sports and activities to get started, and time for your booster club to ramp up its fund-raising activities. If you take part in a booster club, parent association or any other non-profit who uses volunteers to accomplish their goals, then it is a good idea to take a look at the risks and see if you have any gaps in coverage.
The biggest and scariest risk for these groups is the possibility of an injury or a lawsuit. Just because you are a volunteer does not mean you are immune to being named in a lawsuit. The Good Samaritan laws only do so much, and you can't assume that you will be covered by a policy for the school district or church group you are affiliated with.
That is your first step, have the school district take a look at their policy. Make sure that it includes booster clubs and their activities. If it doesn't, or if it excludes events you will want to get a general liability policy elsewhere. Also, you should consider getting a policy that will cover directors and officer's liability to protect your leaders from law suits. The last thing you want is for someone to get injured at your car wash, and sue your booster club. Protect yourselves, and protect the community around you.
One of the risks that you should think about is auto liability. Are you asking your parents/volunteers to drive people, things or run errands for your organization? If so, then you need to make sure you policy covers non-owned liability coverage. This covers just what it sounds like, cars that aren't owned by the organization, while they are being used for the organization.
As always, protect yourself. Make sure any drivers are licensed and have valid insurance. Make sure they are trained and know the policy of the organization. Make sure you know who is driving for your organization and why.
By keeping tabs on the risks that your organization may run you can make sure that you are insured properly, protecting your organization and everyone who comes in contact with it.
Have a question about your insurance? Give us a call at 800-843-2430 or check us out at dwferguson.com