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Volunteers of America Insurance Policy Information

Volunteers of America Insurance. Volunteers of America best describes its own goals in saying that the organization represents more than a non-profit organization - it is also a ministry; a calling.

With thousands of employees, volunteers, and donors, Volunteers of America is certainly a voice to be reckoned with. It is successful in helping many who most need hope in their lives, whether veterans, at-risk youth, homeless people, and vulnerable older adults and women.

Volunteers of America chapters provide counseling, food and shelter, transportation, and other forms of assistance such as job training to disadvantaged individuals. Advocacy for battered women, children, the homeless, individuals with disabilities, prisoners, seniors, and veterans is offered.

Facilities for offices, retail stores, and warehouses may be owned or leased from others. Volunteers of America is a faith-based, nonprofit organization funded primarily through donations, government grants, and fund-raising activities.

A large portion of labor is voluntary or supplied by clients. Volunteers may work with the clients to aid in their development. Chapters may partner with local businesses to develop opportunities for clients to improve their employment skills.

Although Volunteers of America is a nation-wide organization, it has its boots on the ground in countless local communities through venues such as local offices and thrift stores.

While their activities are charitable, these local entities have to be business-minded to ensure that they can continue to benefit those in need. Among many other things, that means taking a close looks at the hazards they may face, as well as steps to reduce their risk and shield them from financial consequences if they were to be affected by unforeseen circumstances.

What types of Volunteers of America insurance might local chapters need? To find out more, keep reading.

Volunteers of America insurance protects local chapters from lawsuits with rates as low as $77/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.

Below are some answers to commonly asked Volunteers of America insurance questions:

• How Much Does Volunteers of America Insurance Cost?
• Why Do Volunteers of America Chapters Need Insurance?
• What Type Of Insurance Do Volunteers of America Chapters Need?
• What Does Volunteers of America Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Why Do Volunteers of America Chapters Need Insurance?

The fact that Volunteers of America are engaged in philanthropic activities in no way shields them from the many risks that commercial ventures, governmental entities, and even private residences are also exposed to.

Any Volunteers of America office or thrift store could, for example, find themselves affected by natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, or serious floods.

A fire that starts in a neighboring building may spread to theirs, or ongoing construction work could cause structural damage to a building. Theft and vandalism, including, on the more extreme end of the scale, arson, are other universal threats.

Volunteers of America organizations further have to think about the liability-related costs associated with accidental events in which employees, one of their many volunteers, recipients of one of their programs, donors, or anyone else are injured on their premises. Your activities could also inadvertently damage property belonging to someone else.

The risks you may face are nearly as diverse as the ways in which Volunteers of America help the vulnerable. The one common factor is that all perils lead to costs - and sometimes expenses that are so overwhelming that they would stop you from carrying out your calling.

Alongside the appropriate insurance coverage, you will not have to pay for all peril-related costs on your own.

Investing in Volunteers of America insurance is, therefore, the closest you have to a guarantee that you will be able to continue your charitable work even if disaster were to strike.

Volunteers of America Chapter's Risks & Exposures

Premises liability exposure is moderate at donation locations, processing locations, warehouses, retail locations, offices, and residential facilities 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 stores have frequent visitors who can be injured by slips and falls. Aisles must be adequate and free of debris with flooring 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 them from falling on customers. Crowd control may be a concern if the store offers special cut-rate sales during peak seasons.

Residential facilities must be equipped with hard-wired smoke detectors in each unit. Safety and security of each client is critical. As with the retail operations, flooring must be in good condition, and sufficient exits provided with backup lighting in the case of emergency.

Parking lots and sidewalks need to be 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 the business is open after dark, lighting must be adequate.

If janitorial services or other operations are performed off-premises, property damage may result to customers' property. Personal injury exposures include violating the privacy of clients, libel, and slander, wrongful eviction, or invasion of the right of private occupancy of a living unit.

Abuse and molestation exposure is very high because at-risk individuals are being supervised who could be abused by or could abuse others. No coverage is available for the abuser. While there is some coverage in the standard market for the institution where the abuse takes place, it is very restricted

More complete coverage should be purchased for the institution through specialized markets. The institution must take all care possible to protect clients from predatory employees and volunteers through criminal background checks, training, monitoring, and supervision, and report all allegations of abuse to the proper authorities. Shelters must be monitored to prevent incidents of client-on-client abuse.

Directors' and officers' exposure can be substantial. There should be published policies and procedures that are consistently followed, especially as they relate to membership, membership revocation, the election of officers, and removal of officers.

Products exposure can be high if the organization restores and repairs donated items. Because 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 assistance to at-risk individuals may include evaluations by psychologists and psychiatrists. Physical and occupational therapists may be on staff to assist in the development of clients' job-related motor skills.

Workers compensation exposure includes clerical employees 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.

Because the primary goal of the organization is to help clients become self-sufficient, 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. Workers 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 may include offices, donation centers, processing centers, housing facilities, retail stores, and warehouses. Ignition sources include electrical wiring, heating, and air conditioning systems. Operations may be in older buildings. All heating and electrical wiring should be up to date and meet current codes for the occupancy.

Many provide housing for clients who are monitored and receive various forms of assistance. Rules and guidelines must be in place and enforced because many of the clients may not be accustomed to caring for themselves, personal property, or the property of others. All residential units should have hard-wired smoke detectors. Many chapters maintain storage areas for donated items that are restored and then sold

Warehouses should have proper shelving, wide aisle-ways and separation of flammables from combustibles are essential. Cleaning and mending clothing can produce dust which adds to fire loads. Restoration of furniture will include flammable liquids such as adhesives, paint, and varnish. Work on donated automobiles may involve the use of grinding, spray painting or welding. These must be conducted away from combustible materials.

If food services are provided, there should be automatic shut-off devices and temperature controls in place and maintained. 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 from cash drawers at 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 donor lists, work done for business partners, and government services provided, computers for office work and job training, and valuable papers and records for donors' records, employment records, and documentation for government and private grants.

All records must be duplicated and kept off site for easy restoration in the event of a loss. Goods in transit coverage will be needed if the organization transports donated goods to processing facilities and retail stores.

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 clients, including disabled persons, the exposure increases.

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

What Does Volunteers of America Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Volunteers of America (VOA) is a nonprofit organization that provides various services to vulnerable populations. Like any organization, it can face potential lawsuits for various reasons. It is essential for VOA to have appropriate insurance coverage to protect against these risks. Here are some reasons VOA could be sued and how insurance can help pay for the lawsuit:

Employment Practices Liability:
Reason for lawsuit: VOA could be sued by employees or former employees for alleged wrongful employment practices such as discrimination, harassment, or wrongful termination.
Insurance coverage: Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) can help cover the legal costs associated with defending against such claims and any settlements or judgments resulting from the lawsuit.

Professional Liability:
Reason for lawsuit: VOA could be sued for alleged errors, omissions, or negligence while providing professional services, leading to harm or damages to the people they serve.
Insurance coverage: Professional Liability Insurance (PLI), also known as Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance, can help cover legal expenses, settlements, and judgments associated with these lawsuits.

General Liability:
Reason for lawsuit: VOA could be sued for injuries or property damage that occurs on their premises or as a result of their operations. For example, if someone is injured at a VOA facility or an event they host.
Insurance coverage: General Liability Insurance can help cover the costs of legal defense, settlements, and judgments related to bodily injury, property damage, or personal and advertising injury claims.

Directors and Officers Liability:
Reason for lawsuit: VOA could be sued for alleged wrongful acts, mismanagement, or breach of fiduciary duty by its board of directors or officers.
Insurance coverage: Directors and Officers (D&O) Liability Insurance can help cover the legal costs, settlements, and judgments resulting from such lawsuits, protecting the personal assets of the organization's leadership.

Cyber Liability:
Reason for lawsuit: VOA could be sued if they experience a data breach or cyber-attack that results in the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive personal information belonging to their clients, employees, or donors.
Insurance coverage: Cyber Liability Insurance can help cover the costs associated with legal defense, settlements, judgments, and remediation efforts like identity theft protection services for affected individuals.

Volunteer Accident and Liability:
Reason for lawsuit: VOA could be sued if a volunteer is injured while performing their duties or if a volunteer causes harm to others or damages property during their service.
Insurance coverage: Volunteer Accident and Liability Insurance can help cover the costs of medical treatment for injured volunteers and legal expenses, settlements, and judgments related to lawsuits arising from volunteer activities.

In each of these cases, having appropriate insurance coverage helps protect VOA by providing financial support for legal defense costs, settlements, or judgments resulting from the lawsuit. It is crucial for VOA to maintain a comprehensive insurance program tailored to their specific needs and risks to minimize their exposure to potential lawsuits.

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, 624110 Child and Youth Services, 624120 Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities, 624190 Other Individual and Family Services, 624229 Other Community Housing Services
• Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 8864 Social Services Organization - All Employees & Salespersons, Drivers

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

Volunteers of America Insurance - The Bottom Line

To protect your chapter, your volunteers, employees and the people you serve, having the right Volunteers of America insurance coverage is very important. To learn what types of options are available to you, how much coverage you should invest in and the cost - speak to a reputable commercial insurance broker.

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.