Understanding Youth Baseball Insurance

Youth baseball brings fun and excitement to players, coaches, fans and communities. But leaders and directors should be aware of the risks associated with the sport. Having the right insurance can provide essential coverage for youth baseball organizations.  

The experienced team at Bene-Marc Inc. can work with you to find the best policy for your needs. Contact us today for more information. 

Why Is Insurance for Youth Baseball Necessary? 
As with any sport, there are risks associated with baseball. Participants or spectators may suffer injuries and organizations have exposures to property damage, crime and other liabilities. Having a comprehensive insurance plan can protect your organization, athletes, coaches, fans and other involved individuals.  

What Insurance Coverage for Youth Baseball Is Available? 
Each youth baseball organization’s needs are different. Available coverages may include: 

• General liability insurance. This may provide coverage if a youth baseball organization is held responsible for the property damage or bodily injuries of third parties (e.g., participants or spectators). It may compensate them for their losses (e.g., property replacement costs or medical expenses), and it may cover your organization’s legal expenses (e.g., attorney fees, settlements and judgments).
• Accident insurance. Accident insurance may help pay for medical bills for injured participants, regardless of which party was at fault. It typically functions as secondary insurance and provides compensation if the individual’s policy coverage limit is reached. 
• Property insurance. Your organization may be able to secure protection for various types of property. For example, buildings or structures can be damaged by storms or equipment may be stolen. Property insurance may help pay repair or replacement costs if you experience a property loss through a covered event. 
• Directors and officers (D&O) liability insurance. D&O liability insurance may provide coverage if directors or officers are sued for the decisions they made on behalf of their youth baseball organization. It may help pay for legal fees and insure against personal losses.
• Crime insurance. This may provide coverage in situations of employee embezzlement or theft. Entities may secure protection from volunteers’ dishonest acts as well.
• Commercial auto insurance. If your youth baseball organization utilizes vehicles, commercial auto insurance can provide coverage if an accident occurs. Policies may be available for owned, non-owned and hired vehicles. 
• Cyber risk insurance. Many youth baseball organizations use technology to process payments. Those systems are susceptible to cyber attacks and data breaches. Cyber risk insurance may help pay for expenses associated with these events, such as notification costs and penalties. 

Several other coverages may be available. It is crucial to discuss exclusions and limits with your agent to ensure you secure the insurance your organization needs. 

Other Risk Management Strategies 
Obtaining insurance is an essential aspect of risk management. It is also vital to incorporate other strategies to help keep everyone safe. Doing so may also reduce the number of claims you need to file. Some strategies include: 

• Ensuring the playing surface is maintained.
• Ensuring safety equipment is used correctly.
• Properly vetting and training coaches and volunteers who supervise baseball activities. 

Several other techniques may be utilized. Risk management is an ongoing process and policies and procedures need to be reviewed regularly. 

How Much Does Insurance for Youth Baseball Cost? 
The cost of a comprehensive insurance plan varies. Factors including the number and age of participants as well as the youth baseball organization’s size, location and history of claims can affect premiums. 

Contact Us Today 
At Bene-Marc, we specialize in sports and special event insurance. We’re here to assist youth baseball organizations secure the sports insurance coverage they need while working with their budgets. Give us a call today at 800-247-1734 or visit our website for additional information or a quote.