How to Choose Youth Camp Insurance: 6 Easy Tips
Running a youth camp can be one of the most rewarding seasons of the year. However, working with active kids also brings real risk. For example, outdoor games lead to sprains, breaks, and the odd trip to urgent care. As a result, the right youth camp insurance plan keeps everyone protected. Below, we share six easy tips for picking strong coverage. At Bene-Marc Youth Sports Insurance, we help camps match coverage to real day-to-day activities. A plan built around real activities is much easier to use when a claim happens.
Start youth camp insurance with general liability
First, general liability acts as the base layer of youth camp insurance. It covers third-party bodily injury and property damage that happens on camp property. For example, a parent slips at pickup and breaks a wrist. In that case, general liability helps with the medical bills and any legal fees that follow. Moreover, lenders and venues often ask to see this coverage before you can use a field. A single pickup-line injury can cost more than a full season of fees.
Add accident insurance for active programs
Next, accident insurance steps in when a participant gets hurt while playing. It pays for medical bills, ambulance rides, and emergency care. However, every policy has limits. For example, gymnastics often falls outside basic accident plans. Still, common sports like baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey, softball, martial arts, volleyball, and tennis stay covered. As a result, always ask your agent which activities are excluded. Knowing the exclusions up front prevents a denied claim after an injury.
Cover the board with directors and officers
Many youth camps run under a board of volunteers or officers. However, those board members face real liability when they make decisions. Directors and officers insurance protects them from suits tied to their board duties. For example, a vendor might claim a board member breached a contract. In addition, this coverage often pairs with employment practices liability for staff claims. That protection makes it far easier to recruit volunteers to serve.
Plan youth camp insurance for misconduct claims
Parents trust camps with the kids they love most. However, the sad truth is that misconduct claims often name a coach or volunteer. As a result, youth camp insurance should include sexual misconduct coverage. Of course, screening and training come first. Still, the right policy gives the camp a backup if an allegation arises. For background reading, see the U.S. Center for SafeSport.
Carry crime insurance for inside threats
Even the most trusted staff can make poor choices. Crime insurance covers the camp if an employee or volunteer steals funds. In addition, it pays for losses tied to embezzlement and fraud. Moreover, many camps pair this with directors and officers coverage to round out the financial side of risk. For a camp that handles registration money, that safeguard is well worth it.
Round out the plan with equipment and auto coverage
Finally, do not forget the trucks, vans, and gear that keep camp running. Hired and non-owned auto insurance covers borrowed or rented vehicles, including buses. As a result, you avoid gaps when a volunteer drives personal wheels for camp errands. In addition, equipment coverage pays for damage to bats, balls, nets, and uniforms from fire, wind, hail, theft, or vandalism. Replacing gear and covering a borrowed van keeps one bad day from sinking the budget.
Every camp is different, so the right mix of youth camp insurance fits your activities and your team. Call Bene-Marc Youth Sports Insurance at 800-247-1734 for a friendly review, or visit our quote page to get started today.
