Insurance

Insurance is a valuable tool in helping staff and volunteers manage risk while conducting 4-H programs and activities.  There are three basic types of insurance that are outlined in this policy including liability insurance, accident insurance and property insurance.

Liability Insurance

Liability insurance is an important part of a risk management plan and is designed to protect the insured party from the risk of liabilities from lawsuits and similar claims.

University of Wisconsin – Madison provides liability coverage to 4-H staff and 4-H volunteers that lead 4-H programs and activities.

To obtain a certificate of liability insurance, 4-H staff should submit a request to the University of Wisconsin – Madison Office of Risk Management. Please note that it could take up to three weeks to process the request.

Liability and Waivers

The University/State of Wisconsin will respond for 4-H staff and 4-H volunteers if acting within the scope of employment or position description. The State can:

  • Pay claims for injury or property damage to others based on the negligent acts of employees or agents, and
  • Defend employees or agents against allegations of negligence

4-H volunteers do not need personal representation unless advised by the University that they were operating outside the scope of the volunteer expectations or violating either the Wisconsin 4-H Policies or the Volunteer Behavior Expectations.

Volunteers are not immune from lawsuits.

  • Primary coverage is the volunteer’s homeowner/automobile insurance when having activities on their property or driving personal vehicles for 4-H approved purposes.
  • The State of Wisconsin requires personal auto insurance coverage.
  • Suggested minimum insurance is a minimum limit of $500,000 combined single limit, or limits of $100,000/$500,000/$100,000.

Liability Insurance Guidance for 4-H Leader Organizations

Leader Organizations (including Associations, Federations, Councils, etc.) and other chartered 4-H Clubs and 4-H Groups with significant assets should review this memo that clarifies the liability coverage provided by UW-Madison and provides additional Liability Insurance Guidance for 4-H Leader Organizations and similar 4-H Clubs and 4-H Groups.

Accident Insurance

Accident insurance helps pay for medical costs that the policy holder may incur after an accident or injury.

County-based 4-H programs where an Educator or a volunteer is in custodial care should purchase accident insurance for 4-H members and 4-H volunteers. Most counties use American Income Life.

  • Purchasing the $1.00 per year plan and $2.00 per year horse project member plan is recommended. The year-round accident policy does not cover injuries sustained while sledding, tobogganing, snowboarding, downhill skiing and other downhill winter sports. 4-H staff or 4-H volunteers should purchase one of three low cost Special Activities Coverage when sponsoring these activities.
  • Counties are encouraged to purchase Special Activities Coverage for non-members participating in 4-H programs, activities and high-risk events.
    Property Insurance

Property Insurance

Depending on the policy, property insurance provides protection against most risks to property, such as fire, theft and weather damage.

Chartered 4-H clubs and 4-H groups may purchase a property insurance policy to protect assets owned by the organization, but it is not a requirement.

This page is optimized for printing
Support Extension