How to Pick Booster Club Insurance: 7 Easy Tips
Booster club insurance protects the volunteers who keep school sports and arts programs alive. First, the right coverage shields fundraisers, board members, and events when something goes wrong. As a result, the booster club can focus on supporting kids, not worrying about lawsuits. Bene-Marc Youth Sports Insurance has helped clubs across all 50 states. Call 800-247-1734 to learn more.
Why booster club insurance matters
Most booster clubs operate as their own nonprofit, not as part of the school. Moreover, the school district’s policy usually does not extend to club events. In fact, the IRS treats most boosters as separate 501(c)(3) organizations. As a result, the club must arrange its own protection.
1. General liability for boosters
First, general liability may respond if a third party is hurt at a club event. For example, a guest could fall during a tailgate or banquet. The policy can also help with legal fees, settlements, and court costs. Of course, it usually excludes injuries to athletes during play, so ask about endorsements. A clear endorsement spells out exactly which events and guests are covered, so there are no surprises after a claim.
2. Property and equipment coverage
Next, property coverage may help replace items the club owns after a covered fire, storm, or theft. In addition, separate coverage may apply to rented gear or a participant’s property. As a result, the club is not stuck buying everything twice when something goes wrong.
3. Excess accident medical coverage
Excess accident medical may pay medical bills if a participant is hurt at a covered booster event. Moreover, it typically pays after a family’s primary health plan. For example, copays and deductibles may be covered, which keeps families happy and reduces lawsuit risk. Paying a small bill quickly often keeps a worried parent from ever calling a lawyer.
4. Directors and officers liability
Board members make budget, fundraising, and personnel calls. As a result, those decisions can lead to lawsuits, even when made in good faith. D&O coverage may protect board members personally if a covered claim is filed. In short, it makes recruiting new volunteers much easier.
5. Cyber risk in booster club insurance
Today’s booster clubs sell tickets online, take card payments, and collect parent emails. Cyber coverage may help pay for breach notifications, recovery, and legal costs after a cyberattack. For example, if your registration site is hacked, the policy may step in to manage the response. Even a small club that stores parent data online can face notification costs after a breach.
6. Hired and non-owned auto coverage
Volunteers often drive personal vehicles for club errands, like food runs or supply pickups. Hired and non-owned auto coverage may help if a covered accident happens during club business. Moreover, it can fill gaps that a personal auto policy may not cover.
7. Fidelity bonds for booster clubs
Finally, fidelity bonds may respond if a volunteer or officer commits theft or fraud. In short, this coverage protects the treasury, which is the lifeblood of any booster club. As a result, the board can sleep a little easier between meetings. For a club that runs on donations, protecting the treasury is hard to overstate.
Get help with booster club insurance
Bene-Marc Youth Sports Insurance specializes in booster, PTA, and youth sports coverage. For more reading, see our posts on why booster clubs need sports insurance and insurance for booster fundraisers. Then call 800-247-1734 or use our contact form for a friendly quote.
This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.
