Around 63 million people volunteer annually at an hourly value of over $24. Your company may utilize some of these volunteers to assist in daily operations, run errands, or support special events. Protect your valuable volunteers by understanding how to cover injuries they suffer while helping you.
Clarify Your Options
- What are the state’s Workers’ Compensation regulations for volunteers?
- Are volunteers covered under your company’s Workers’ Compensation policy?
- Where does the policy specify coverage for volunteers?
- How much coverage is provided?
- What are your options if Workers’ Compensation does not cover volunteers?
Injured employees are covered under your company’s Workers’ Compensation policy. This policy typically isn’t designed for unpaid volunteers, so check the terms carefully before relying on it for volunteer incidents.
Consider policies designed for helpers, such as Volunteer insurance, to understand alternatives that specifically address volunteer risks.
Review General Liability
Standard general liability insurance policies generally cover injuries or property damage caused by volunteers as they perform their duties. Volunteers typically cannot use this policy to make a claim against your company for their own injuries, so verify the exact language and limits in your policy.
Understand Voluntary Compensation Endorsement
A voluntary compensation endorsement on a Workers’ Compensation policy is usually intended for paid partners or employees not covered by the regular policy, not for unpaid volunteers. Do not assume this endorsement protects unpaid helpers without confirmation from your insurer.
Purchase Volunteer Accident Medical Insurance
If your state does not cover volunteers under Workers’ Compensation, consider purchasing a volunteer accident medical insurance policy to pay medical bills and related costs for injured volunteers. For organizations serving the community, you can also review specialized coverage options like Community Service Organizations Workers Compensation.
Verify Private Insurance Coverage
Your company can require volunteers to use their own health or auto insurance to cover injuries that occur while they perform duties for you. If you take this approach, obtain insurance information before volunteers begin and explain your company’s coverage limitations clearly.
Sign a Waiver
Protect your company with a waiver and hold‑harmless agreement signed by all volunteers. This document can state that the company will not provide coverage for injuries and that volunteers assume certain risks while participating.
Volunteers provide invaluable services for your company. Ensure they are protected if they are injured and build strong volunteer relationships through clear policies and communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are volunteers automatically covered by my company’s Workers’ Compensation policy?
Not always; coverage for volunteers varies by state and by policy, so review your policy language and state rules.
What can I buy if Workers’ Compensation doesn’t cover volunteers?
You can purchase volunteer accident medical insurance or explore other specialty policies that cover volunteer activities.
Can volunteers use their own insurance for injuries while helping my company?
Yes; many organizations require volunteers to use personal health or auto insurance and collect that information in advance.
Should volunteers sign a waiver?
Yes; a waiver and hold‑harmless agreement helps clarify risk allocation but does not replace appropriate insurance coverage.