Buy Nonprofit Organization Insurance

Nonprofit Organization Insurance is a type of insurance designed specifically for non-profit organizations. It provides coverage for risks specific to non-profit organizations such as liability, property damage, and directors and officers insurance. This insurance can help protect a nonprofit organization's assets, employees, volunteers, and leadership from financial losses caused by accidents, lawsuits, or other unexpected events.

The average price of a standard $1,000,000/$2,000,000 General Liability Insurance policy for small Nonprofit organizations ranges from $27 to $59 per month based on location, size, payroll, sales and experience.

While many charity groups and non-profits are under the misconception that they are not at risk for liability and claims from others, the truth is that they are just as vulnerable.

The actions of representatives of the non-profit or charity, including its volunteers and its employees, are the responsibility of the non-profit.

As an organizer or founder or the non-profit, it's crucial that you take measures to mitigate any claims by having a good nonprofit organization insurance policy in place.

There are more than 1.5 million non-profit, tax-exempt organizations operating in the United States. Around two-thirds of them are public charities, while less than 100,000 are private foundations.

Civic leagues and fraternal organizations account for nearly a half-million of these NPOs, and non-profits pay around 10 percent of all salaries and wages in the country, making up around 5.5 percent of the gross domestic product.

Although they don't operate for profit, non-profit organizations must protect their assets and finances in much the same way as businesses do. Business insurance policies for these types of groups are specially designed for the individual coverage needs of each group.

Being fully covered against damage and loss is important to the health of the organization. Some of the different types of nonprofit organization insurance coverage for non-profits to think about include:

• Commercial liability insurance. General purpose insurance that protects the non-profit from liability claims is an important purchase. This covers accidents and injuries on the premises as well as damages caused by representatives of the non-profit elsewhere.
• Vehicle insurance. Obtaining vehicle insurance for commercial purposes is important for non-profits. Personal vehicles used in the course of commercial activity are typically not covered on a personal auto policy.
• Property insurance. Property insurance covers damage to your property, including your organization's building, equipment, and other items.
• Director's and officer's insurance. This type of insurance covers directors' and officers' liability insurance to cover specific liability incurred by these professionals.

Non-Profit Liability Coverage

In today's society, there are many litigious people, and even the most frivolous of claims can turn expensive for the non-profit agency. A good non-profit insurance policy has a sufficient level of liability coverage.

This type of coverage protects the non-profit from third-party claims for property damage or bodily injury. It can also cover court costs and fees for legal representation.

Some instances that necessitate a strong nonprofit organization insurance liability policy:

• Organizations that own the building housing their non-profit. This is particularly true if the NPO owns the building in which it conducts its business, since most mortgage brokers and lenders require that the NPO keep coverage as a condition of their loans. If running the NPO from home, a homeowner's policy may not be sufficient; check with an agent to find out if you should purchase a more extensive policy.
• The nonprofit rent the building where they conduct their operations. If an NPO rents the building in which it operates, then most rental companies require a business insurance be in place prior to commencement of operations, just as if the NPO were a traditional business entity.
• Charity owes a substantial amount of money to a lender. Even if the building in which the NPO operates is not financed, if the NPO owes a substantial amount for operational loans or other loans, then it makes sense from the lender's perspective to require business insurance. The lender wants to ensure that a claim against the NPO does not cause it to go bankrupt, which would cause a default on the loan.
• The nonprofit rents a venue to hold a fundraiser. When holding a gathering at a banquet hall, hotel, or other venue, the NPO must have a sufficient amount of insurance coverage to cover the people and the venue's property in the event of an accident or other occurrence.
• Injuries on the job for employees or volunteers. Bodily injury and worker's compensation are both essential for NPOs to cover injuries or illnesses related to the job or volunteer service.

Most insurance experts recommend that the basic NPO carries at least $1 million in nonprofit organization insurance general liability coverage. The more your organization can afford, the better.

Commercial Auto Insurance for Nonprofits

Another area to consider is commercial vehicle insurance. If the NPO owns a van, truck, or car that it uses for business operations, then it is important to carry commercial insurance.

Likewise, if the charity's members sometimes use their private cars while performing business for the organization, then a non-owned or vehicle-for-hire policy is a good investment, since it protects the organization from liability and claims involving those types of vehicles.

Non-profit organizations, like any other entities, can be sued for various reasons. Here are some common reasons and how insurance can help protect them:

Employment disputes: Non-profits can be sued for issues related to employee discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, or wage disputes. Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) can help cover the legal costs, settlements, or judgments that arise from such lawsuits.

Personal injury: If someone is injured on the non-profit's premises or during an event hosted by the organization, they might sue for damages. General Liability Insurance can help cover the legal costs and any settlements or judgments associated with personal injury claims.

Property damage: Non-profits may be held responsible for property damage caused by their activities or negligence. General Liability Insurance can also help cover the costs of these lawsuits, including legal fees, settlements, and judgments.

Professional negligence: Non-profits providing professional services or advice may be sued for errors, omissions, or negligence that result in financial loss or harm to their clients. Professional Liability Insurance (also known as Errors and Omissions Insurance) can help cover the legal costs, settlements, or judgments arising from such claims.

Directors and officers liability: Non-profit board members or executives can be sued for mismanagement, breach of fiduciary duty, or other actions that result in harm to the organization or its stakeholders. Directors and Officers Liability Insurance (D&O) can help cover the legal fees, settlements, or judgments associated with these claims.

Cyber liability: Non-profits that store sensitive data, such as donor information or employee records, can be sued if a data breach occurs. Cyber Liability Insurance can help cover the costs of legal fees, settlements, judgments, and other expenses related to a data breach.

Fundraising and event liability: Non-profits may face lawsuits related to fundraising events, such as injuries, property damage, or other issues. Special Event Insurance can help cover the costs associated with legal fees, settlements, or judgments related to these incidents.

By having appropriate insurance coverage in place, non-profit organizations can protect themselves from the financial impact of lawsuits and continue to focus on their mission and goals.