Hosting a summer camp can be a rewarding experience for everyone involved. However, you also need to ensure that youโre protected in the event of an injury or major accident. When children are involved, thereโs usually a risk of something bad happening. Summer camp insurance offers the protection and peace of mind that you need.
So, what type of insurance do you need? Hereโs your ultimate guide to summer camp insurance:
What Is Summer Camp Insurance?
Summer camp insurance is a form of insurance designed to provide coverage for a variety of activities and scenarios that may occur at a summer camp.
The specific types of coverage included with a summer camp insurance policy vary depending on the insurance company and its offerings. However, most policies include general liability coverage and property insurance.
Why Do You Need Summer Camp Insurance?
Getting summer camp insurance is often necessary for a variety of reasons. Obtaining insurance may be a requirement in some areas. It also offers financial protection should an accident occur.
A wide range of potentially hazardous activities typically take place at summer camps. Sports, outdoor adventures, and swimming activities carry their own sets of risks.
If someone is injured at your campground, you could be responsible for their medical expenses and other costs related to the injury. Your insurance helps protect you in these situations. The coverage limit can cover the cost of lawsuits that arise from injuries, accidents, and other incidents involving campers, staff, or visitors.
Your insurance can also protect your campโs physical assets. If a fire or storm damages the roof of your property, your insurance can help cover the cost of repairs or replacement.
What Does Summer Camp Insurance Cover?
Summer camp insurance generally covers accidents and damage to your property. These events are covered by your general liability coverage and property insurance. However, there are many other forms of coverage available.
Common coverage options for summer camp insurance include:
- General liability
- Property insurance
- Accident medical insurance
- Workersโ compensation
- Professional liability
- Business interruption
- Commercial auto insurance
Choosing the right summer camp insurance requires understanding the specific risks associated with your campโs activities. You also need to consider your location and the age group of your campers. Older campers may be more prone to accidents, as theyโre often more rambunctious and have a greater potential to create hazards.
Hereโs a closer look at the coverage options typically available for summer camp insurance policies.
General Liability Coverage
General liability policies cover claims of bodily injury and property damage that occur at your camp. This is the main type of coverage included with most summer camp insurance policies.
Depending on the insurance company, you may receive a limit of $500,000 to $2,000,000 in general liability coverage per incident. This means that if someone suffers an injury, your general liability coverage will cover costs up to the limit of your policy.
Property Insurance
Property insurance protects your property, such as the buildings and equipment, from damage or loss due to fires, storms, or theft. Along with general liability insurance, this is one of the most essential types of coverage to get with your summer camp insurance.
Most property insurance policies cover damage due to unpreventable issues, including natural disasters. You often need to pay a deductible. However, the insurance company covers costs beyond your deductible.
Accident Medical Insurance
Accident medical insurance is a type of insurance that provides additional coverage for medical expenses if a camper is injured. It covers accidents that occur during camp activities. It also helps cover costs not covered by personal insurance. You may also find that this insurance covers accidents not covered by your general liability coverage.
Workersโ Compensation Insurance
Workersโ compensation insurance is a necessary form of coverage for summer camps with employed staff. If a staff member becomes injured, your workersโ compensation policy can help pay their medical bills.
Professional Liability Insurance
Professional liability insurance is used to cover claims related to professional misconduct or failure to perform professional duties. For example, if a parent were to file a lawsuit claiming that your camp failed to provide the experience promised, your professional liability insurance can offer protection.
Abuse and Molestation Coverage
Abuse and molestation coverage protects the camp in cases where a staff member is accused of abuse. Itโs critical coverage due to the sensitive nature of working with children. Abuse is also unlikely to be covered by your general liability insurance.
Business Interruption Insurance
If your camp must close due to a covered loss, this type of insurance can help cover lost income and expenses. You can receive payment to help cover your costs during the closure, which may include paying your staff, covering utility bills, and other payments.
Commercial Auto Insurance
If your summer camp owns or operates vehicles for transporting campers or large equipment, you may need separate commercial auto insurance. Commercial auto insurance covers damages and injuries that occur when operating a commercial vehicle, such as a commercial van.
Where to Get Summer Camp Insurance
Obtaining summer camp insurance requires you to contact insurance companies or insurance brokers with commercial offerings. These companies may specialize in commercial insurance, including insurance solutions for camps and recreational organizations.
Here are three of the top companies that offer summer camp insurance:
Great American Insurance Group
The Great American Insurance Group has insurance policies designed specifically for businesses that offer youth programs and summer camps. The available policies include an inclusive package policy with property, general liability, professional liability, abuse or molestation, third-party crime, and other forms of coverage.
The Great American Insurance Group operates around the globe but is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. The company has many years of experience serving businesses of all sizes.
Chalmers Camp Insurance
Chalmers Camp Insurance is another specialty insurance option with comprehensive coverage intended specifically for summer camps. Beyond basic coverage, the company offers income protection, employee benefits, voluntary benefits, staff training, and more.
Chalmers Insurance was founded over 165 years ago in Bridgton, Maine. The company now serves customers throughout the Northeast and beyond, with eight locations throughout Maine and New Hampshire.
Frazier Insurance
Frazier Insurance has over three decades of experience offering sports insurance and specialty insurance. They have worked with many camps and recreational organizations, which means that they understand the types of risks that you face.
Founded in 1990, Frazier Insurance is a trusted choice for your camp insurance needs. You can receive tailored coverage solutions at a price that you can afford.
Conclusion
If you run a summer camp, youโre going to need summer camp insurance. Your insurance protects you in the event that an accident happens at your campground. You can get coverage for injuries and damage to your property.
When selecting an insurance provider, itโs important to ensure that they have experience with summer camps or similar recreational organizations. You should also review the specifics of their coverage options. Make sure that their offerings match the needs of your camp.
Compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the best coverage at a reasonable price. Check the insurerโs financial stability and customer service reputation to ensure they can provide reliable support and payout claims.
Keep these details in mind as you compare coverage options, get quotes, and choose a policy for your summer camp.