Buy Youth Groups Insurance

Youth Groups Insurance Policy Information

Youth Groups Insurance. As the organizer and operator of a youth group, you provide an invaluable service to your community. Your group provides a safe space for children and teens to gather, socialize, and learn valuable skills.

Whether your youth group is faith-based, a scouting organization, athletics-related, focused on academics – or any other activity – you do your very best to offer high-quality programs and a safe environment.

Youth groups and associations offer a wide range of facilities for physical individual and team fitness activities, including cardiovascular equipment, dance and exercise classes, gyms, playgrounds, rock climbing walls, swimming pools, tennis courts, and weight rooms.

Other services offered may include educational classes and locker rooms for members and guests. Counseling services and board and room facilities may be available. Special events, such as birthday parties or youth "lock-ins", may be offered to the public. Many youth groups or associations offer activities, including both day and overnight camps.

Many groups or associations are nonprofit organizations. Labor may be voluntary or paid. Funding is through donations, fundraisers, membership fees and fee-for-use. Geographic exposure is usually local, but the youth group may be affiliated with a regional or nationwide parent organization.

While attending to the needs of the members of your group is a top priority, sometimes, there's always a chance that something unexpected will happen. In order to protect yourself, your organization, and the children, families, and volunteers or employees of your program, investing in the right type of youth groups insurance coverage is an absolute must.

Youth groups insurance protects your organization or program from lawsuits with rates as low as $29/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.

Below are some answers to commonly asked youth groups insurance questions:

• What Is Youth Groups Insurance?
• How Much Does Youth Groups Insurance Cost?
• Why Do Youth Groups Need Insurance?
• What Type Of Insurance Do Youth Groups Need?
• What Does Youth Groups Insurance Cover & Pay For?

What Type Of Insurance Do Youth Groups Need?

There are several different types of youth groups insurance coverage that may be needed. The specific policies depend on the specifics of your organization; the activities you offer, where your group is located, what it's associated with, etc.

For that reason, in order to determine exactly what type of coverage you'll need to carry, speaking with a reputable insurance agent is highly recommended.

However, to give you a basic idea of some of the different youth groups insurance policies that youth programs should have, here's a look at some of the common types of coverage you may need to carry:

• Commercial General Liability: This policy protects you from third-party personal injury and property damage claims. For instance, if your youth group is sports-based and a spectator where to sustain an injury and file lawsuit against you, citing that their injury was your fault, this policy would cover any related expenses, including legal fees and any damages that a court might find you liable for.
• Participant Liability: In order to protect those who participate in your youth group from any mishaps – as well as yourself – you'll need to carry participant liability insurance. It's similar to commercial general liability coverage, however, it covers the cost of any legal action that a participant or their family may take against you if a member of your group is injured or claims your organization damaged their property.
• Commercial Property: If your youth group is held in a building, you'll want to protect the facility with a commercial property insurance policy. This coverage protects the building and the contents within it from acts of nature, vandalism, and theft.
• Commercial Auto: If you use any vehicles to transport the members of your youth group, you'll need to have a commercial auto insurance policy. This insurance covers any damages to other property owners in the event that your vehicle is involved in and responsible for an accident.

The above-mentioned policies are just a few examples of the type of youth groups insurance coverage you should consider for your program.

Youth Organization's Risks & Exposures

Premises liability exposure is high due to the large numbers of visitors on premises and their participation in physical activity. Visitors may slip, trip, or fall, be injured while participating in athletic activities or while using athletic equipment, or drown in swimming pools. Public and life safety code compliance is very important.

Flooring should be well maintained with nonskid surfaces. Adequate lighting, marked exits, and egress are mandatory. Steps must have handrails, be well-lit, marked, and well maintained. Parking areas should be maintained free of snow and ice. All exercise equipment should be tested and maintained regularly with documentation. Training information must be clearly marked for all users.

Age restrictions should be posted and enforced. Swimming pools should be fenced, with a self-closing gate and depths clearly marked. Drains should be protected to prevent entrapment. Pool rules should be prominently displayed. A lifeguard should be on duty when the pool is open. Lifesaving equipment should be accessible at all times. Playground equipment must be properly maintained and documented.

Workers should be trained in emergency response, particularly in responding to heart attacks and drowning. There must be adequate security at the facility, including inside the building, corridors, and any owned parking area. Criminal background checks should be conducted for any employee supervising children or youth. Camps and overnights must be fully staffed and supervised.

The youth center may present an attractive nuisance hazard after hours. There must be adequate security to prevent unauthorized entry. Some youth groups use volunteers rather than employees in many positions. These volunteers should be subject to the same background checks as employees and receive similar training.

Volunteer injuries are often not covered under workers compensation, so accident and health policies may be appropriate. Personal injury exposures include allegations of assault or battery, discrimination, and invasion of privacy.

Abuse and molestation exposure is very high due to activities being focused on children. No coverage is available to the abuser. While there is some coverage available in the standard market for the youth group where the abuse takes place, it may be very restricted.

More complete coverage should be purchased through specialized markets. The youth group must take all possible care to protect children from predatory adults and older children through criminal background checks, training, monitoring, and supervision, and report all allegations of abuse to the proper authorities.

Directors and officers exposure is moderate. Policies and procedures should be published and consistently followed, especially as they relate to membership, membership revocation, the election of officers, and removal of officers.

Workers compensation exposure is moderate. Slips, trips, falls, and back injuries from lifting are common. Fitness trainers may be injured while participating in athletic activities or while using the equipment. Lifeguards may slip on wet surfaces, be injured by flailing swimmers, or drown.

If there is a concession stand, workers can experience cuts or burns. Custodians can develop respiratory ailments or contact dermatitis from working with chemicals to maintain the pool and the floors. Exposure to communicable disease can be high.

All employees should have up-to-date immunizations to prevent the spread of communicable disease. Campground and overnight activities may be conducted on uneven terrains, increasing the potential for slips, trips or falls, contact with insects or animals, or interventions with campers. Campground and overnight activities may be conducted on uneven terrains, increasing the potential for slips, trips or falls, contact with insects or animals, or interventions with campers.

Property exposure is moderate. Ignition sources include electrical wiring, heating, and air conditioning systems, and cooking equipment. Electrical wiring must be up to code for its current use. All exercise machines must be checked for wear and tear and maintained to prevent fires. If there is cooking, the kitchen must be set up with appropriate controls.

Smoking should not be permitted on premises. Fire extinguishers must be conveniently placed throughout the facility. Housekeeping must be excellent with regular trash pickup. Adult supervision is required for all activities for children and youth. Liquids used to maintain floors and chemicals used for the pool are flammable and should be stored safely away from combustibles.

The facility may be a target for vandalism and theft when not in use. If occupancy is seasonal, daily visits must be made to check on its condition. Business income may be high after a loss due to the unavailability of backup facilities.

Crime exposure comes from employee dishonesty and theft of money and securities. Coverage should be expanded to include faithful performance and volunteers and committee members. Background checks should be conducted on all employees or volunteers handling money. There should be a division of duties between persons handling money and reconciling bank statements.

Two employees or volunteers should verify cash collections as registrations for camps or classes and admissions to fund-raising events may result in a large buildup of cash. Money should be regularly collected and moved away from the collection area, preferably to a safe. Regular deposits must be made. No money should be kept on the premises overnight.

Inland marine exposure includes accounts receivable for dues and promised donations, computers for grant documentation and individual training programs, and valuable papers and records for bylaws, donation lists, and membership records. All papers, records, and electronic data should be duplicated and a copy stored off site for easy restoration in the event of a loss.

Bailees coverage should be considered for guests' clothing and items left in locker rooms or under the direct control of employees. Contractors' equipment may be used to maintain the premises. Property may be taken off premises and used for situations such as swim teams, gym teams, and off site fundraisers.

Business auto exposure may be limited to hired and non-owned for employees and volunteers running errands. If transportation is provided for sports teams or children attending camps, the exposure increases. All drivers must have the appropriate license for the vehicle being driven and acceptable MVRs.

Clear criteria should be established as to who can drive vehicles and under what circumstances. If children are being transported, an additional adult for supervision is helpful. Vehicles must be maintained with records kept in a central location.

What Does Youth Groups Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Youth groups can be sued for various reasons, including negligence, discrimination, injuries, and property damage, among others. Insurance can protect youth groups from the financial burden of these lawsuits by providing coverage for defense costs, settlements, and judgments. Here are some examples:

Negligence: A youth group may be sued if they fail to provide adequate supervision or safety measures, resulting in harm to a participant. Insurance can help by covering the costs of the lawsuit, including legal fees, settlements, or judgments.

Discrimination: If a youth group is sued for discrimination, such as denying a participant access based on race, religion, or other protected factors, insurance can cover the costs associated with defending the claim, as well as any financial penalties that may be imposed.

Injuries: Accidents can happen during youth group activities, and the organization may be held liable for any injuries that occur. Insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses, legal fees, and other costs related to the injury claim.

Property damage: If a youth group is responsible for damage to a facility or another person's property, they can be held liable. Insurance can help pay for the costs of repairing the damage, as well as any legal fees and settlements associated with the claim.

Sexual misconduct: In cases where a member of the youth group, such as a leader or volunteer, is accused of sexual misconduct or abuse, the organization can be held liable. Insurance can help cover the costs of defending the claim and any settlements or judgments that may be awarded.

Defamation: If a youth group is accused of defaming someone, either through spoken or written communication, they may face a lawsuit. Insurance can help cover the costs of defending the claim and any damages awarded to the plaintiff.

In all of these examples, insurance can play a crucial role in protecting youth groups from the financial burden of lawsuits. This protection typically comes in the form of general liability insurance, which covers bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury claims. However, specific additional coverage may be needed, such as sexual misconduct or abuse liability insurance, depending on the nature of the group's activities.

Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification

• SIC CODE: 8322 Individual and Family Social Services
• NAICS CODE: 624110 Child and Youth Services, 713940 Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers
• Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 9063 Health or Exercise Institute & Clerical, 9015 Building or Property Management - All Other Employees

Description for 8322: Individual and Family Social Services

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

8322 Individual and Family Social Services: 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

Youth Groups Insurance - The Bottom Line

To find out more about the specific types of youth groups insurance policies you'll need, how much coverage your organization should have - speak with an experienced 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.