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.

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.

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 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

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.