Volunteer Liability Insurance: A Must-Have for Every Non-Profit

Volunteers are the heartbeat of any non-profit. Whether they’re organizing events, mentoring youth, or delivering meals, volunteers help mission-driven organizations do more with limited resources. But while their passion fuels your cause, it also introduces risk exposures — something many non-profits overlook until it’s too late. 

Volunteer-related risks will interact with several policy types within your insurance program. There is not just one non-profit liability insurance policy. If your organization does not have a properly constructed insurance portfolio, gaps in coverage could leave both your organization and your volunteers exposed.

Volunteers Bring Both Passion & Risk

It’s easy to assume that good intentions equal protection, but legally, that’s not the case. Even unpaid volunteers can trigger liability claims or suffer injuries that result in costly litigation. 

Consider these potential scenarios:

• A volunteer gets into an accident while driving a personal vehicle for your organization. Even if the task seemed routine — for example, picking up donated goods — your non-profit could be named in a resulting lawsuit.
• Someone trips over equipment a volunteer left unattended during an event. In the eyes of the injured party, both the individual and your organization may be held responsible.
• A volunteer board member offering strategic guidance unintentionally causes harm — such as giving advice that results in financial loss or reputational damage. As the National Council of Nonprofits notes, board members are fiduciaries responsible for providing governance, conducting financial oversight, and setting strategic direction — each of which carries risk if things go wrong.

Without the right coverage and types of policies in place, your non-profit may be financially and legally responsible for injuries, property damage, or costly claims — regardless of a volunteer’s role or good intentions.

Does Non-Profit Liability Insurance Cover Volunteers?

Yes, but only if your policies are structured correctly. Liability comes in various forms and can trigger various types of policies.  

Be sure your organization reviews the following types of liability policies that could pertain to volunteers:

• Directors & Officers Liability
• Employment Practices Liability
• General Liability
• Professional Liability
• Workers Compensation (Yes, in some cases volunteers can be covered)
• Umbrella or Excess Liability

Volunteer-related risks aren’t always included in standard non-profit liability insurance policies, and gaps in coverage could leave both your organization and your volunteers exposed. 

At its core, non-profit liability insurance helps protect your organization from third-party claims involving bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury. But coverage for volunteers varies.

Some policies automatically extend liability protection to volunteers; others require you to name them as additional insureds. Without clear language in your policy, you could be assuming there’s coverage that doesn’t exist.

General liability alone may not be enough. Many non-profits add umbrella liability insurance to increase their protection limits. Some explore volunteer accident insurance to help cover out-of-pocket medical expenses for injured volunteers. Moody Insurance Worldwide helps you evaluate your options and tailor coverage to your operations.

What To Look for in a Volunteer Coverage Policy

Not all non-profit insurance policies treat volunteers the same way. Before you assume you’re covered, take time to confirm:

• Are volunteers explicitly included in your liability policy?
• Can you provide proof of coverage if a grantmaker or event venue requires it?
• Do you maintain documentation on volunteer roles, duties, and training?

Volunteers may not be employees under labor law, but when it comes to liability, they can expose your organization to many of the same risks. That’s why it’s essential to treat them with the same level of planning and protection.

Protect Your People & Purpose

Insurance plays a critical role in keeping your mission on track. It protects your volunteers, reduces legal and financial risk, and supports your organization’s ability to operate safely and responsibly.

Moody Insurance Worldwide works with non-profit organizations of all sizes to build insurance  programs that reflect the realities of service and the passion behind it. Whether you’re launching a new initiative or revisiting your existing policies, our team can help you close gaps before they become claims.

Let us help you protect the people who protect your purpose. Contact Moody Insurance Worldwide to review your non-profit liability insurance today.

About Moody Insurance Worldwide

We are a specialized, independent insurance agency that provides broad insurance portfolio options for the non-profit sector. In addition to essential Property, Liability, and Benefits insurance, we have expertise in Professional Liability, Product Liability, Director & Officer Liability, and International insurance coverage.