Insurance Coverage

May 2010 Update

Below are brief outlines of insurance coverages available to volunteers and chartered organizations.

Comprehensive General Liability Insurance

This coverage provides primary general liability coverage for registered volunteer Scouters with respect to claims arising out of an official Scouting activity with the exception that the coverage is excess over any insurance that may be available to the volunteer for loss arising from the ownership, maintenance, or use of a motor vehicle or watercraft. This insurance is available only while the vehicle or watercraft is in the actual use of a Scouting unit and being used for a Scouting purpose. Coverage is more than $5 million for bodily injury and property damage.

The insurance provided to unregistered Scouting volunteers through the general liability insurance program is excess over any other insurance the volunteer might have to his or her benefit, usually a homeowners, personal liability, or auto liability policy.

The general liability policy does not provide indemnification or defense coverage to those individuals who commit intentional and/or criminal acts. The Boy Scouts of America does not have an insurance policy which provides defense for situations involving allegations of intentional and/or criminal acts.

Automobile Liability Insurance

All vehicles MUST be covered by a liability insurance policy. The amount of this coverage must meet or exceed the insurance requirement of the state in which the vehicle is licensed. (It is recommended, however, that coverage limits are at least $100,000 combined single limit.)  Any vehicle carrying 10 or more passengers is required to have limits of $500,000 single limit. In the case of rented vehicles, coverage limit requirements can be met by combining the limits of personal coverage carried by the driver with coverage carried by the owner of the rented vehicle. All vehicles used in travel outside the United States must carry a liability insurance policy that complies with or exceeds the requirements of that country.

Chartered Organizations for Scouting Units

The general liability policy provides primary liability insurance coverage for all chartered organizations on file with the BSA for liability arising out of their chartering a traditional Scouting unit. Automobile and maritime liability coverage is provided on a secondary or excess basis. All vehicles used in Scouting activities must be covered by automobile liability insurance with limits that meet or exceed the requirements of the state in which the vehicle is licensed. All boats/vessels used in Scouting must be insured by the owner for liability exposures. The amount of coverage is determined by the size and usage of the boat. $1 million is recommended.

Chartered organizations do not need a certificate of insurance. The chartered organization endorsement is a part of the insurance policy contract and is enforceable under the policy contract.

Accident and Sickness Coverage

Accident and sickness insurance (also known as accident and health insurance) coverage for Scouts and Scouters furnishes medical reimbursement in case of death, accident, or sickness within the policy amounts. Information regarding unit accident coverage is available through the local council.

Who is covered?

• All registered youth and seasonal staff.
• Registered leaders and volunteer leaders.

2011 Council Accident and Sickness Insurance - Update

Effective with the renewal of our Scouting Accident and Sickness Insurance policy February 1, 2011, the following changes will take place:

• ELIMINATION of the “1st $300.00 paid as Primary, the Excess” provision.
  Effective September 1, 2010, all plans will change to be FULL EXCESS INSURANCE PLANS from first dollar.
• ADDITION OF THE FOLLOWING TO THE Dismemberment schedule:
  • For Loss of Speech AND Hearing in Both Ears:
    The policy would pay 100% of the Principal Sum = $10,000.00
  • For Loss of Speech OR Hearing in Both Ears:
    The policy would pay 50% of the Principal Sum = $5,000.00
  • For Loss of Hearing in One Ear:
    The policy would pay 25% of the Principal Sum = $2,500.00

Benefits remain unchanged and include:

ALL PLANS	Accidental Death	$10,000
ALL PLANS	Accidental Dismemberment	20,000
ALL PLANS	Accident Medical	15,000
Council/Camping	Sickness	7,500
ALL PLANS	Dental Treatment	5,000

Unauthorized and Restricted Activities

The Boy Scouts of America general liability policy provides coverage for a bodily injury or property damage claim that is made and arises out of an Official Scouting Activity. The Guide to Safe Scouting contains a listing of Unauthorized and Restricted Activities. Unauthorized activities are not considered Official Scouting Activities. Volunteers (registered and unregistered), Units, Chartered Organizations and Local Councils are jeopardizing insurance coverage for themselves and their organization by engaging in unauthorized activities. PLEASE DO NOT PUT YOURSELF AT RISK.