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Goodwill Industries Insurance Policy Information

Goodwill Industries Insurance. Goodwill Industries is a non-profit organization famous for its network of thrift stores, the proceeds of which go on to benefit people in need of education or training so that they can find employment.

Goodwill chapters provide vocational training, employment placement services, and other assistance to jobless individuals. Many employees are disabled, disadvantaged, or undereducated. Some are veterans transitioning back into civilian life.

Marketable work skills are developed through training and on-the-job experience to receive, clean, repair, and sell donated items in Goodwill stores or on internet auctions. Volunteers may work with the employees to aid in their development. Goodwill chapters may partner with local businesses to develop opportunities for workers to improve their employment skills.

Some Goodwill chapters offer additional assistance to employees such as literacy improvement, high school diploma or GED classes, English as a second language (ESL) courses, child care, after-school programs, or referral services to other social agencies for such needs as food, clothing, housing or overcoming substance abuse.

Facilities for offices, retail stores, and warehouses may be owned or leased from others. Goodwill chapters are nonprofit and funded primarily through retail thrift stores, donations, and fundraising activities. Although there is a national organization, local groups are independent and develop their own programs within the national framework.

Many people are not aware of the fact that each Goodwill store is run independently, as a local non-profit. While Goodwill stores play an especially important role in individual communities because of this, it also means that each board of directors will need to assess the risks their stores face carefully.

The process of obtaining the right insurance coverage can be daunting and complex, but to make sure that a Goodwill store has the chance to thrive - so that it can achieve the goals it has set out to - it is crucial to carefully evaluate your insurance needs.

What types of Goodwill Industries insurance coverage might Goodwill chapters require? Discover more here.

Goodwill Industries insurance protects Goodwill chapters from lawsuits with rates as low as $57/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.

Below are some answers to commonly asked Goodwill chapters and stores insurance questions:

• What Is Goodwill Industries Insurance?
• How Much Does Goodwill Industries Chapter Insurance Cost?
• Why Do Goodwill Industries Chapters Need Insurance?
• What Type Of Insurance Do Goodwill Industries Chapters Need?
• What Does Goodwill Industries Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Why Do Goodwill Industries Chapters Need Insurance?

Goodwill stores face a myriad of risks - much like any business, charitable organization, government entity, or even private residence does. Although many of those risks can be minimized by, for instance, investing in quality security systems and adhering to health and safety protocols, the potential for catastrophic events always remains.

A Goodwill store could, for instance, be hit by an act of nature such as a serious storm of earthquake, causing significant damage to the building alongside inventory loss. Burglars or robbers may target the store, or it may fall victim to an act of vandalism.

Digital records could be hacked, employees could suffer a workplace injury, or a product you sell could turn out to be dangerous and hurt somebody. The list of possible perils goes on - but that does not mean you have to be paralyzed with worry.

Equipped with solid Goodwill Industries insurance, many of the costs that result from major perils will be covered, allowing the store to continue its important work without massive financial burdens.

By planning for the worst, a Goodwill store can more realistically hope for the best, even in the face of challenges.

Goodwill Industries' Risks & Exposures

Premises liability exposure is moderate at donation locations, processing locations, warehouses, retail locations, and the office due to the number of visitors. Donation locations must be easily accessible for convenient drop-off, with security to prevent unauthorized access while the premises is closed.

Offices, processing, and warehouse operations have limited premises exposure due to lack of public access. Retail operations have frequent visitors who can be injured by slips and falls. Aisles must be adequate and free of debris. Floor coverings must be in good condition, no frayed or worn spots on carpet, and no cracks or holes in flooring. Steps and uneven floor surfaces should be prominently marked. Sufficient exits must be provided and be well marked with backup lighting systems in case of power failure.

Heavier items such as appliances should be kept on easily-reached shelves to prevent falling on customers. Crowd control may be a concern if the store offers special cut-rate sales during peak seasons. Parking lots and sidewalks need to be adequately lighted, in good repair with snow and ice removed, and generally level and free of exposure to slips and falls.

There should be appropriate security for the area. If janitorial services or other operations are performed off-premises, property damage may result to customers' property. Personal injury exposures are from dressing rooms, which must be well maintained with privacy carefully guarded, and from apprehending and detaining shoplifters. Shoplifting procedures must be fully understood and utilized by all employees.

Abuse and molestation exposure is very high due to the supervision of disabled individuals. No coverage is available for the abuser. While there is some coverage available in the standard market for the institution where the abuse takes place, it is very restricted.

More complete coverage should be purchased through specialized markets. The institution must take all care possible to protect at-risk employees from predatory employees and volunteers through criminal background checks, training, monitoring and supervision, and reporting all allegations of abuse to the proper authorities.

Products exposure can be high if the institution restores and repairs donated items. Since extensive modification may take place, the organization could be considered the manufacturer of an item that causes damage.

Professional liability exposure could be extensive depending on services provided. The job training aspects may include evaluation by psychologists and psychiatrists. Physical and occupational therapists may assist in the development of employees' job-related motor skills.

Workers compensation exposure includes clerical workers who may develop repetitive motion injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, warehouse and retail store workers who can slip and fall or incur back injuries from lifting, and custodians who can develop respiratory ailments or contact dermatitis from working with chemicals to maintain the premises. Since the primary goal of the organization is to provide training, all such training must be well documented.

There is a special concern with working with the disabled because of the potential for making an already difficult physical situation worse. The employees must be supplied with appropriate safety gear and be adequately supervised based on the type of job and the level of disability.

Instruction in proper lifting techniques must be provided, along with appropriate equipment for the situation. Handling donations may include exposure to hazardous substances, insects or vermin, or communicable diseases.

Equipment used for repair operations should be appropriately maintained to prevent injury. In any retail business, hold-ups may occur. Employees should be trained to respond in a prescribed manner.

Property exposures include office, retail store, and warehouse locations. Ignition sources include electrical wiring, heating, and air conditioning systems. Operations may be in older buildings. All heating systems and electrical wiring should be up to date and meet current codes for the occupancy. Warehouse storage should have proper shelving and wide aisles, with separation of flammables from combustibles.

Cleaning and mending clothing can produce dust which adds to fire loads. Restoration of furniture includes the use of flammable liquids such as adhesives, paint, and varnish. These must be stored away from combustible materials.

Valuation of the donated items at the time of loss could be a concern and should be considered when coverage is written. Donation centers may be targets for thieves or vandals. Adequate security should be in place after hours to deter pilferage or dumping.

Crime exposures come from employee dishonesty and theft of money and securities, particularly from cash drawers in retail stores. Background checks should be conducted on all employees and volunteers handling money. Employee dishonesty coverage should be expanded to include volunteers as employees. Money should be regularly collected and moved away from the collection area, preferably to a safe on premises.

Bank drops should be made throughout the day to prevent a buildup of cash on premises. There must be a separation of duties between persons handling deposits and disbursements and handling bank statements. Audits should be periodically conducted, preferably by an outside firm.

Inland marine exposures include accounts receivable for the work done for business partners and for the government services provided, computers for office work and job training, goods in transit from merchandise being taken to and from warehouses to stores, and valuable papers and records for donors' records, employment records, and documentation for government and private grants.

All records must be duplicated and stored at an off-site location for easy restoration in the event of a loss. While fine arts, collectibles, and other high-valued items are occasionally donated to Goodwill, possession is temporary until sold at auction. Valuation can be a concern.

Commercial auto exposure is moderate due to the transportation of donated goods from collection centers to processing centers to warehouses to retail stores. If the organization transports employees, including disabled persons, the exposure increases.

All drivers must have an appropriate license for the vehicle being driven and acceptable MVRs. Owned vehicles must be maintained, with records maintained at a central location.

What Does Goodwill Industries Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Goodwill Industries, like any other organization, can face a variety of lawsuits. While insurance policies cannot prevent these lawsuits from occurring, they can help mitigate the financial impact. Some reasons Goodwill might be sued include:

Employment Practices Liability (EPL) issues: Goodwill could face lawsuits related to wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) can help protect the organization by covering defense costs, settlements, and judgments in such cases. This insurance can be especially helpful if the organization is found to be liable for any employment-related issues.

Premises Liability: Goodwill operates numerous retail stores, where customers might slip and fall or suffer other injuries due to unsafe conditions. General Liability Insurance can help cover costs associated with these types of lawsuits, including legal fees, medical expenses, and settlements or judgments.

Product Liability: Goodwill sells donated items, some of which may be defective or cause harm to customers. Product Liability Insurance can help cover the costs of lawsuits related to product defects, including legal fees, medical expenses, and settlements or judgments.

Auto Accidents: Goodwill's fleet of trucks and vehicles used for donation pick-ups and transportation could be involved in accidents, potentially leading to property damage or personal injury claims. Commercial Auto Insurance can help cover the costs associated with auto-related lawsuits, including legal fees, medical expenses, and settlements or judgments.

Cyber Liability: Goodwill collects personal information from donors, customers, and employees, which makes them susceptible to cyber attacks and data breaches. Cyber Liability Insurance can help cover the costs associated with data breach response and recovery, including notification, credit monitoring, and legal fees.

Directors and Officers (D&O) Liability: Goodwill's board members and executive officers could be sued for alleged mismanagement, breach of fiduciary duty, or other related claims. Directors and Officers Liability Insurance can help protect the organization and its leaders by covering defense costs, settlements, and judgments in these types of cases.

In each of these examples, the insurance policies can help pay for the costs associated with a lawsuit, such as legal fees, settlements, and judgments, which can potentially save Goodwill from significant financial loss. It's important for Goodwill to work with an experienced insurance broker to ensure that they have the right coverage in place to protect against these and other potential risks.

Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification

• SIC CODE: 8322 Individual And Family Services, 8331 Job Training And Vocational Rehabilitation Services
• NAICS CODE: 624310 Vocational Rehabilitation Services, 624190 Other Individual and Family Services
• Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 8864 Social Services Organization - All Employees & Salespersons, Drivers, 8017 Store - Retail NOC, 8868 School - Professional Employees & Clerical

Description for 8322: Individual And Family Service

Division I: Services | Major Group 83: Social Services | Industry Group 832: Individual And Family Social Services

8322 Individual And Family Service: Establishments primarily engaged in providing one or more of a wide variety of individual and family social, counseling, welfare, or referral services, including refugee, disaster, and temporary relief services. This industry includes offices of specialists providing counseling, referral, and other social services. Government offices directly concerned with the delivery of social services to individuals and families, such as issuing of welfare aid, rent supplements, food stamps, and eligibility casework, are included here, but central office administration of these programs is classified in Public Administration, Industry 9441. Social Security offices are also classified in Public Administration, Industry 9441. Establishments primarily engaged in providing vocational rehabilitation or counseling are classified in Industry 8331; and fraternal, civic, and social associations are classified in Industry 8641.

• Activity centers, elderly or handicapped
• Adoption services
• Adult day care centers
• Aid to families with dependent children(AFDC)
• Alcoholism counseling, nonresidential:except medical treatment
• Centers for senior citizens
• Child guidance agencies
• Community centers
• Counseling centers
• Crisis centers
• Crisis intervention centers
• Day care centers, adult and handicapped
• Disaster services
• Emergency shelters
• Family counseling services
• Family location services
• Family service agencies
• Helping hand services
• Homemaker's service, primarily nonmedical
• Hotlines
• Marriage counseling services
• Meal delivery programs
• Multiservice centers, neighborhood
• Neighborhood centers
• Offender rehabilitation agencies
• Offender self-help agencies
• Old age assistance
• Outreach programs
• Parole offices
• Probation offices
• Public welfare centers, offices of
• Referral services for personal and social problems
• Refugee services
• Relief services, temporary
• Self-help organizations for alcoholics and gamblers
• Senior citizens associations
• Service leagues
• Settlement houses
• Social service centers
• Telephone counseling service
• Traveler's aid centers
• Youth centers
• Youth self-help organizations

Description for 8331: Job Training And Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Division I: Services | Major Group 83: Social Services | Industry Group 833: Job Training And Vocational Rehabilitation

8331 Job Training And Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Establishments primarily engaged in providing manpower training and vocational rehabilitation and habilitation services for the unemployed, the underemployed, the handicapped, and to persons who have a job market disadvantage because of lack of education, job skill or experience. Included are upgrading and job development services, skill training, world-of-work orientation, and vocational rehabilitation counseling. This industry includes offices of specialists providing rehabilitation and job counseling. Also included are establishments primarily engaged in providing work experience for rehabilitees.

• Community service employment training programs
• Job counseling
• Job training
• Manpower training
• Rehabilitation counseling and training, vocational
• Sheltered workshops
• Skill training centers
• Vocational rehabilitation agencies
• Vocational rehabilitation counseling
• Vocational training agencies, except schools
• Work experience centers

Goodwill Industries Insurance - The Bottom Line

Having the right goodwill industries insurance coverage is essential for Goodwill chapters. To discover what types of options are available to you and how much your coverage will cost, speak to a reputable commercial insurance agent.

Additional Resources For Non-Profit Insurance

Find useful articles on business insurance for non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations, charities and associations.

• Animal Shelter & Pet Rescue
• Charity
• Church
• Classic & Collector Car Clubs
• Fraternal Organization
• Goodwill Insustries
• Labor Union
• Libraries
• Nonprofit
• Parent Teacher Organization
• Public Administration
• Red Cross Chapters
• Salvation Army
• Social Work Services
• Veterans Groups
• Volunteers of America
• YMCA
• Youth Groups
• YWCA
• Specialty Community Service Organizations
• Specialty Nonprofit Agencies

The non-profit industry is an essential sector of society that plays a crucial role in addressing social issues, providing vital services, and promoting community development. Non-profits rely on donations, grants, and volunteer work to fund their operations, and any financial loss or liability can significantly impact their ability to serve their mission.

Insurance can protect non-profits from unexpected financial losses, accidents, and legal liabilities that can arise from their operations. For example, a non-profit organization may need insurance to cover damages to their property, injuries to volunteers or employees, or legal costs associated with lawsuits.

Non-profits also face unique risks such as loss of donations, damage to reputation, and loss of funding. Business insurance can help mitigate these risks by providing coverage for financial losses, reputational damage, and other non-tangible losses.

In addition, non-profits often work with vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities. Insurance can protect non-profits from liabilities arising from the care and services they provide to these populations.

Overall, commercial insurance is an essential component of risk management for non-profit organizations. It helps protect the organization's financial stability, reputation, and ability to fulfill its mission and serve its community.

Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Building, Business Personal Property, Business Income and Extra Expense, Employee Dishonesty, Money and Securities, Computers, Valuable Papers and Records, General Liability, Directors and Officers Liability, Employee Benefits, Professional, Umbrella, Hired and Non-owned Auto & Workers Compensation.

Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Earthquake, Equipment Breakdown, Flood, Computer Fraud, Forgery, Fine Arts, Musical Instruments, Commercial Articles Floater, Computers, Cyber Liability, Employment-related Practices, Business Auto Liability and Physical Damage and Stop Gap Liability.