YWCA Insurance Policy Information

YWCA Insurance. The Young Women's Christian Association - better known simply as the YWCA - is most famous for its hostels and gyms, similar to the YMCA. This worldwide non-profit organization is, however, more broadly committed to empowering girls and women.
Young Women's Christian Associations offer a wide range of facilities for individual and team physical 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 daycare, educational classes, hot tubs, saunas, and tanning beds. The center may provide 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 general public. Many YWCAs offer activities for youth and women, including both day and overnight camps.
YWCA operations are nonprofit organizations, with both paid employees and volunteers. Funding is through membership fees, fee-for-use, and donations.
Under this guise, it provides, among numerous other services, childcare facilities and services for women who have fallen victim to domestic violence.
The YWCA's local communities operate autonomously while belonging to their country's respective national organization. This means that each local YWCA community has to take proactive steps that protect their financial future.
Since the risk that a local YWCA encounters a major peril is always present, arming yourself with a comprehensive insurance plan is crucial. What types of YWCA insurance coverage might be required? Read more in this brief guide.
YWCA insurance protects your local organization from lawsuits with rates as low as $107/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.
- What Is YWCA Insurance?
- How Much Does YWCA Insurance Cost?
- Why Do YWCA Organizations Need Insurance?
- What Type Of Insurance Do YWCA Organizations Need?
- What Does YWCA Insurance Cover & Pay For?
What Is YWCA Insurance?
YWCA business insurance refers to insurance coverage specifically designed for businesses operated by the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA). This insurance provides financial protection for the YWCA against potential risks, losses, and liabilities associated with running their business operations.
This can include coverage for property damage, liability for injury or death to others, and loss of income due to unexpected events. The specific coverage and terms of YWCA business insurance vary based on the specific needs of the organization and the type of business operations it conducts.
How Much Does YWCA Insurance Cost?
The average price of a standard $1,000,000/$2,000,000 General Liability Insurance policy for YWCA chapters ranges from $107 to $139 per month based on location, membership size, services offered, claims history and more.
Why Do YWCA Organizations Need Insurance?

Depending on where a YWCA is based and what activities it engages in, some kinds of coverage will legally be mandated. Although many other types of insurance are optional, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages.
That is because while insurance is associated with ongoing costs, it can also save your local YWCA chapter if it is impacted by a financially-devastating event.
Local YWCA communities may be able to handle minor perils like broken windows or plumbing costs on their own - but they may not be prepared for catastrophic circumstances.
An act of nature, like an earthquake or hurricane, could render your building inoperable, and the same holds true for accidents such as fires. Theft and vandalism, too, could severely jeopardize your budget.
The possibility that someone could become injured on your premises also has to be taken into account. Whether this is an employee, member of the public, a child in a childcare program, or anyone else, costly litigation could result.
Scenarios in which a YWCA employee accidentally damages third party property, or in which a fire that started in your building spreads to a neighboring property, could lead to similar expenses.
When a YWCA organization has protected itself with business insurance coverage, it will not have to shoulder all these costs on its own - in turn making it much easier to overcome the challenges associated with mishaps and accidents.
That is why YWCA insurance is so important.
What Type Of Insurance Do YWCA Organizations Need?
The types of coverage that will best protect your interests are determined by the variables that make your individual YWCA chapter unique - such as its location, the scope and nature of its activities, and its number of employees.
Consulting an experienced insurance broker who specializes in the non-profit sector is vital, as they can assess the risks you face together with you, and ensure you get the best deal on your insurance. Having that in mind, must-have YWCA insurance types include:
- Commercial Property - This type of coverage protects your YWCA from the massive costs associated with property damage or loss caused by perils that include theft, vandalism, and acts of nature. It covers not only your physical building, but also its contents. Outdoor property can also fall under property insurance.
- General Liability - Another essential type of insurance, you can consider general liability insurance as a part of your legal defense strategy. It covers the legal and settlement costs a YWCA would be faced with in the event of third party property damage or physical injury claims if it did not have this YWCA insurance coverage. Note that venues at which sports take place additionally benefit from athletic participation coverage. For childcare venues, specialized childcare insurance exists.
- Workers' Compensation - Should an employee sustain a workplace injury, workers comp pays for their medical costs, while also covering any income they lose if they need to take time off to recover. Volunteers are not typically covered by these policies, however.
- Cyber Liability - It is likely that you store membership data electronically and host a website. Should cyber criminals compromise your digital assets, this kind of insurance helps you manage the financial consequences.
Local YWCA communities may have additional insurance needs - for instance, in the form of auto insurance and even business interruption insurance. The insurance broker you choose will be able to answer all your questions pertaining to your particular YWCA insurance needs.
YWCA Chapter's Risks & Exposures

Premises liability exposure is high due to the large numbers of visitors on premises and their participation in physical activities. 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.
Criminal background checks should be conducted for any employee supervising children or youth. Playground equipment must be properly maintained and documented. Workers should be trained in emergency management, particularly heart attacks and drownings.
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 center may present an attractive nuisance hazard after hours. There must be adequate security to prevent unauthorized entry. Some camps may 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 including children and other at-risk 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 may be very restricted.
More complete coverage should be purchased through specialized markets. The institution must take all possible care to protect children and at-risk individuals from predatory adults and older children through criminal background checks, training, monitoring and supervision, and reporting 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.
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 consists of the accounts receivable for dues and other fee services, computers for grant documentation and individual training programs, and valuable papers and records for charters, contracts, deeds 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.
Commercial 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.
There must be clear standards regarding who can drive the 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 YWCA Insurance Cover & Pay For?

YWCAs (Young Women's Christian Associations) are nonprofit organizations that provide various services and programs to empower women, support families, and advocate for social justice. Like any other organization, YWCAs can face legal challenges and may be sued for various reasons. Insurance can help protect YWCAs from financial losses and cover expenses associated with lawsuits. Here are some examples:
Employment practices liability: YWCAs can be sued for alleged employment-related issues, such as wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) can help cover the legal costs, settlements, and judgments arising from these claims, ensuring that the organization can continue its mission without suffering financial hardship.
General liability: YWCAs might be sued for incidents that occur on their premises, such as slip-and-fall accidents, resulting in personal injury or property damage. General Liability Insurance can help cover the legal fees, medical expenses, and any settlements or judgments related to these claims, protecting the organization from financial losses.
Professional liability: If a YWCA offers counseling, educational, or other professional services, they could be sued for negligence or errors and omissions in providing these services. Professional Liability Insurance (also known as Errors and Omissions Insurance) can help cover the costs of defending against such claims, as well as any resulting settlements or judgments.
Directors and officers liability: Board members and executives at a YWCA could be sued for alleged mismanagement, breach of fiduciary duty, or other wrongful acts. Directors and Officers (D&O) Liability Insurance can help cover the legal costs, settlements, and judgments arising from these claims, protecting both the individuals involved and the organization.
Cyber liability: In the event of a data breach or cyberattack, a YWCA might face legal claims from individuals whose personal information was compromised. Cyber Liability Insurance can help cover the costs of legal defense, settlements, and judgments, as well as expenses related to notifying affected parties and providing credit monitoring services.
Abuse and molestation liability: YWCAs that work with vulnerable populations, such as children or disabled individuals, could face allegations of abuse or molestation. Abuse and Molestation Liability Insurance can help cover the legal costs, settlements, and judgments arising from such claims, ensuring that the organization can continue its work without financial strain.
By having the appropriate insurance coverage in place, YWCAs can protect themselves from the financial impact of lawsuits and continue to focus on their mission to empower women and promote social justice.
Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification
- SIC CODE: 7997 Membership Sports And Recreation Clubs
- NAICS CODE: 713940 Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers
- Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 9015 Building or Property Management - All Other Employees, 9063 Health or Exercise Institute & Clerical
Description for 7997: Membership Sports And Recreation Clubs
Division I: Services | Major Group 79: Amusement And Recreation Services | Industry Group 799: Miscellaneous Amusement And Recreation
7997 Membership Sports And Recreation Clubs: Sports and recreation clubs which are restricted to use by members and their guests. Country, golf, tennis, yacht, and amateur sports and recreation clubs are included in this industry. Physical fitness facilities are classified in Industry 7991.
- Aviation clubs, membership
- Baseball clubs except professional and semiprofessional
- Bathing beaches, membership
- Beach clubs, membership
- Boating clubs, membership
- Bowling leagues or teams, except professional and semiprofessional
- Bridge clubs, membership
- Club, membership: sports and recreation, except physical fitness
- Country clubs, membership
- Flying fields maintained by aviation club
- Football club, except professional and semiprofessional
- Golf clubs, membership
- Gun clubs, membership
- Handball clubs, membership
- Hockey clubs, except professional and semiprofessional
- Hunt clubs, membership
- Racquetball clubs, membership
- Recreation and sports club, membership: except physical fitness
- Riding clubs, membership
- Shooting clubs, membership
- Soccer clubs, except professional and semiprofessional
- Sports and recreation clubs, membership: except physical fitness
- Swimming clubs, membership
- Tennis clubs, membership
- Yacht clubs, membership
YWCA Insurance - The Bottom Line
To get more information on the types of YWCA insurance policies needed, what coverages and exclusions are available, and the prices - consult with a reputable business 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.