How to Pick PTA Insurance: 6 Easy Tips

PTA insurance protects volunteer leaders, parents, and students when something goes wrong during a school event. Parent Teacher Associations bring families together and raise money for great causes. However, every gathering carries some risk. As a result, the right coverage keeps your group focused on the students. A single injury at a fundraiser can turn a fun night into a stressful claim.

At Bene-Marc Youth Sports Insurance, we have worked with parent groups and youth organizations for more than 53 years. In addition, our agents help PTA boards understand how each coverage fits together. Because of this, volunteers can serve with confidence.

Why PTA insurance matters

First, many PTAs assume the school district covers them. However, schools do not always extend coverage to PTAs. As a result, your group is often responsible for its own protection. Moreover, even small events like bake sales and fall festivals can lead to injuries or property damage. Getting written confirmation from the district prevents an awkward surprise after an incident.

Common PTA insurance coverages

Next, most PTAs build a policy around several core coverages. In fact, the right mix depends on the events your group hosts each year.

• General liability: Responds to bodily injury or property damage claims.
• Medical payments: Helps cover small medical bills regardless of fault.
• Excess accident: Adds limits for medical bills from participant injuries.
• Directors and officers liability: Protects volunteer leaders from personal claims.
• Crime insurance: Helps recover funds if money is stolen from the PTA.
• Property insurance: Protects PTA owned items at events and in storage.

PTA vs PTO: what is the difference

In addition, parents often ask how a PTA differs from a PTO. By contrast, the main difference is dues. PTAs pay state and national dues for a wider voice, while PTOs operate more independently. Moreover, both groups face similar risks and need similar coverage. As a result, this guide applies to both. Because both face the same risks, the right coverage looks nearly identical.

Other coverages to consider

However, PTA insurance can go further when events get larger. For example, the following coverages often help:

• Rented premises liability: Covers damage to a venue your PTA rents.
• Non owned auto liability: Protects the PTA when volunteers drive for the group.
• Personal injury: Responds to claims of libel, slander, or advertising injury.
• Sexual misconduct: Important for any group with young participants.

How to pick PTA insurance: 6 easy tips

Finally, use this short checklist when you review your PTA insurance. In fact, most boards can run through it in one meeting.

• List every event your PTA hosts in a normal school year.
• Confirm general liability limits meet your venue and school requirements.
• Add directors and officers coverage to protect volunteer leaders.
• Add crime insurance if your PTA handles fundraising dollars.
• Add rented premises liability when you host off campus events.
• Review the program with a Bene-Marc Youth Sports Insurance agent every year.

For more on the value of parent involvement, the U.S. Department of Education shares useful family engagement resources. Furthermore, you can compare related coverages on our leagues and tournaments page and our sports camps and clinics page.

Talk with a Bene-Marc Youth Sports Insurance agent

To wrap up, the simplest way to lock in the right PTA insurance is a quick call with an agent who works with parent groups every day. Call Bene-Marc Youth Sports Insurance at 800-247-1734 or visit bene-marc.com for a quote. As a result, your next event can stay fun, safe, and well covered. A quick call with a specialist settles the whole plan in one conversation. Most boards run through the whole plan in a single meeting.