Liablity Insurance Question

[Greg Needel]

Back when I was on 2775, we had a similar issue and investigated 4H for the same reasons. Unfortunately for us 4H is very much run state to state, so the policies will differ depending on where you are. The team ended up becoming a boyscout adventure troop for insurance reasons, and it worked out for us.

Just be sure that when becoming affiliated with another organization like 4H or the boyscouts that you understand what that means in regards to how your organization must function and what things you have to do to stay in good standing. Don't just use an organization just for their insurance....

[Carol]

Many independent teams have gotten their own policies. MOE 365 is covered under a policy that at first was just for the team, but now covers two FTC teams. (It used to cover the local FLL and FTC events, but there is a new AP in DE handling them that is affiliated with a college. It's complicated).

Anyway, I was involved in the initial process to get the insurance. We talked to a local independent insurance agency who handles a variety of policies with different companies. It's important to go to this type of agency; an agency that is affiliated with only one company (such as State Farm, GEICO) may not be able to write the policy you need. Talk to more than one and get quotes; it can differ. Our policy is through a local agency (New Castle Insurance Ltd.) but is written through a company called Great American Insurance who specializes in business policies.

Make sure your policy covers not just medical accidents to team members, equipment damage, but mentor liability too. Also coverage for auto for transporting team members to events.

It's not as complicated as it sounds. Talk to a professional and he/she can help.

[HighlandersFRC]

My team runs under our own non-profit and we just purchased liability insurance. Since our team does not run under a school, we also have our own waiver that we have each team member and parent sign. If you have any more questions please feel free to contact me at Debbie@highlandersfrc.com.

[jonboy]

Thank you all for your advice. CD is a great resource.

The tip about 4H capabilities was very enlightening. We are following up with our 4H state representative.

The another iron we have in the fire is to continue to follow up with our local independent insurance agent. There are more than 30 endorsements/exclusions to plow through ie fine print.

The final iron is to review and revise as necessary our current waiver form.

Thanks again for all the good comments.

[Foster]

I talked to a local independent insurance agency who handles a variety of policies with different companies when I did our policies.

Dependent items are:
- access by the general public
- are you holding events?
-- if not in your space then the people that own the space will tell you want they must have
- are you working in your own space? If not the building owners will tell you what you need
- use of power tools - You can mitigate the cost some by having formal training programs for the use of power tools and limit the people that can use them
- replacement of tools - current value vs replacement value
- parts and supplies - current value vs replacement value
- liability coverage amounts
- coverage at your home shop
- coverage on the road at events
- transportation of roboteers / mentors to from events
- transportation of roboteers by mentors to and from build sessions

You agent should be able to walk you through these and other items. Plan on it taking time and your head exploding on some of the coverages (ie replacement vs current value vs agreed value for tools)