How to Insure Sports Leagues: 6 Easy Tips
Working for a sports league is rewarding work. However, a league is also a business, so the risk plan must cover both sports liabilities and the standard liabilities every business faces. As a result, sports leagues insurance starts with the basics and grows from there. Below, we share six easy tips for picking the right coverage. At Bene-Marc Youth Sports Insurance, we help leagues match plans to the way they actually run each season. Reviewing each layer with an agent keeps the plan matched to how the league really operates.
Start sports leagues insurance with accident coverage
First, injuries are part of sports. As a result, players and staff sometimes need medical care during games or practices. Health insurance helps, but outstanding bills can pile up fast. In that case, accident insurance pays for medical costs the family would otherwise carry. Moreover, this coverage keeps an unlucky play from turning into a financial setback. Quick payment also keeps a worried family from ever looking for a lawyer.
Add general liability for outside claims
Next, general liability protects the league when a mistake harms a third party. For example, a fan trips on a worn step and breaks a wrist. As a result, the family may sue the league for medical bills. General liability helps the league settle without draining the operating budget. In addition, most policies include personal and advertising injury coverage for claims like libel or slander. A single spectator claim can cost more than a full season of field rentals.
Protect gear with property and equipment insurance
Equipment is the heart of every league. However, fire, theft, vandalism, and weather can wipe out gear overnight. Property insurance covers the league office and shared spaces. In addition, equipment coverage pays for damaged or stolen gear like nets, balls, and uniforms. Of course, the league still has to maintain its property. Moreover, neglected gear that fails will fall outside the policy. Replacing a full set of uniforms or nets out of pocket can drain a season budget.
Build sports leagues insurance with workers compensation
Most states require workers compensation for any business with employees. As a result, sports leagues insurance plans should include it for paid staff. For example, an office worker slips while moving boxes. In that case, workers compensation pays a portion of lost wages and medical bills. Moreover, it shields the league from suits tied to on-the-job injuries. For details on state rules, see the U.S. Department of Labor.
Add commercial auto for league vehicles
Next, leagues that own vans or carry passengers need commercial auto insurance. Personal auto policies do not cover league business use. As a result, commercial auto fills the gap with liability, physical damage, and medical payments coverage. Moreover, a knowledgeable agent helps you match limits to state law. A personal auto policy can deny a claim the moment a van is used for league business.
Cover inside threats with crime insurance
Finally, even trusted volunteers can make poor choices. Crime insurance reimburses the league when an employee or volunteer steals money or property. In addition, crime coverage works alongside property insurance when an inside theft causes a property loss. Of course, leagues may also benefit from directors and officers, cyber, and liquor liability coverages. For a league that runs on volunteer treasurers, that safeguard is hard to overstate. Bundling these layers under one agent also keeps the coverages from overlapping or leaving gaps.
Every league is different, so the right sports leagues insurance plan fits your size, sports, and venues. Call Bene-Marc Youth Sports Insurance at 800-247-1734, or visit our quote page to start your review.
