Key Takeaways

  • General liability insurance protects against third-party claims of injury or property damage
  • Professional liability covers lawsuits over errors and omissions in service delivery
  • D&O insurance protects leaders from personal liability in lawsuits against the non-profit
  • Cyber liability protects sensitive data and reimburses costs of breaches
  • Property insurance covers physical assets and generates income if locations close for repairs
  • Workers compensation covers medical costs and lost wages if employees are hurt on the job
  • Umbrella increases liability limits above underlying policies at a lower overall cost

Introduction

Non-profit social advocacy organizations play a vital role in empowering communities and advancing social causes. However, their missions also expose them to certain legal and financial risks that standard business insurances help mitigate. This guide outlines the top insurance options these non-profits should consider to protect their operations, employees, leaders, budgets and ability to fulfill their missions.

General Liability Insurance

General liability insurance is an important coverage for social advocacy organizations. It protects the organization from risks and claims that could negatively impact their financial stability or ability to carry out their mission. General liability insurance provides coverage in key areas that social advocacy organizations may face, such as injuries during events or programs, slip and fall accidents, and lawsuits over advice or counsel provided. The estimated annual cost of $1,000 also provides an affordable way to gain this important protection.

Category List
Benefits
  • Protects your business from claims of bodily injury and property damage
  • Covers legal costs if you are sued
  • Protects your assets like equipment and property
  • Helps maintain positive cash flow if you have to pay for claims or legal costs
  • Covers legal defense if a claim goes to court
  • Protects directors and officers from lawsuits
  • Covers legal defense if a claim goes to court
Use Cases
  • Bodily injury or property damage claims from clients, volunteers or event attendees
  • Lawsuits from issues like defamation, discrimination or privacy violations
  • Accidents during community outreach events or programs
  • Errors and omissions claims related to advice or counseling provided
  • Injuries from slip and falls at your offices or facilities

Based on research of insurance rates for nonprofit organizations categorized under NAICS code 8133 (Social Advocacy Organizations), the average estimated annual pricing for general liability insurance would be around $1,000. This price is calculated based on organizations having 1-5 employees and minimum policy limits of $1M per occurrence/$2M aggregate. Larger organizations or those requiring higher policy limits may see higher quoted pricing.

Estimated Pricing: $1,000

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, protects social advocacy organizations from risks inherent in their line of work. It covers costs associated with losses from negligent acts, errors and omissions, as well as defense expenses if sued. This type of insurance is especially important for non-profits in the social advocacy industry due to the nature of their work advocating for clients and providing social services. Common risks covered include claims of misrepresentation, data breaches, discrimination and wrongful termination lawsuits. Coverage amounts typically range from $2,500-5,000 annually depending on organization size and risk factors.

Category List
Benefits
  • Protects against claims of negligence
  • Covers legal fees if sued for errors and omissions
  • Reimburses defense costs for allegations of wrongdoing
  • Covers damages if found liable for mistakes or oversights
  • Provides access to risk management and loss prevention resources
  • Maintains reputation and integrity in the community
  • Attracts donors and funders who require insured non-profits
  • Peace of mind knowing the organization is protected
Use Cases
  • Errors & Omissions coverage for organizational missteps like providing inaccurate information to clients or failure to properly represent clients
  • Legal defense coverage for lawsuits alleging discrimination, wrongful termination, sexual harassment or other claims from employees, volunteers or the public
  • Coverage for costs associated with a data breach exposing private client information

Based on industry data, the average annual pricing for professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions insurance, for social advocacy organizations with NAICS code 8133 is around $2,500. This price was derived by looking at insurance rates for non-profits of similar sizes and operations. Larger organizations or those dealing with high-risk clients/issues may see higher rates upwards of $5,000.

Estimated Pricing: $2,500

Directors And Officers Liability Insurance

Directors and officers liability insurance, also known as D&O insurance, is an essential risk management tool for non-profit organizations in the social advocacy sector. It provides protection for the personal assets of directors and officers from lawsuits related to their roles in the organization.

Category List
Benefits
  • Protects the personal assets of directors and officers from lawsuits
  • Covers defense costs if the organization is sued
  • Covers legal fees and settlement costs if a claim is successful
  • Helps attract and retain qualified directors and officers
  • Provides reassurance to directors and officers that they have liability protection
  • Indicates to donors, members and the public that the organization carries proper insurance to mitigate risks
  • Covers claims brought by employees, volunteers, clients or other third parties
  • Protects the organization from financial losses in the event of a lawsuit or legal action against the board or leadership
Use Cases
  • Protection against claims of wrongful acts such as mismanagement, breach of duty, or error
  • Protection against costly defense fees for allegations even if they are groundless
  • Coverage for legal defense costs arising from shareholder lawsuits
  • Coverage for damages arising from discrimination, workplace harassment, data privacy breaches
  • Coverage for crisis management costs in case of reputational events like protests

Based on market research and analytics of insurance pricing for social advocacy organizations with NAICS Code 8133, the average estimated pricing for Directors And Officers Liability Insurance would be around $5,000 annually. This price was derived based on organization size, revenue, number of directors/officers, and types of advocacy activities. Larger organizations or those engaged in more controversial topics may see higher pricing.

Estimated Pricing: $5,000

Cyber Liability Insurance

Cyber liability insurance is a crucial coverage for non-profit social advocacy organizations given they often work with sensitive client data and information. Cyber attacks and data breaches pose major financial risks to these organizations. As the REFERENCES show, cyber liability insurance helps cover costs from data breaches, network security failures, cyber extortion and more. It also estimates an average annual premium of $2,500 for $1 million in coverage for organizations with basic security protocols and no prior claims.

Category List
Benefits
  • Coverage for data breaches and cyber attacks
  • Legal protection and representation in the event of a lawsuit
  • Coverage for theft of confidential data like credit card numbers
  • Coverage for damage to electronics like servers and computers
  • Coverage for loss of income or extra expenses due to network security incidents
  • Coverage for hiring PR firms and notifying clients in case of a breach
  • Reimbursement of costs for notifying clients of a breach or attack
Use Cases
  • Data breach covering costs of legal fees, credit monitoring, breach notification
  • Network security failure leading to systems damage
  • Cyber extortion from ransomware attacks
  • Loss or theft of confidential data from employee errors

Based on industry research and analysis of average claim sizes and frequencies for non-profit social advocacy organizations, the estimated average annual premium for a $1 million cyber liability policy would be approximately $2,500. This pricing assumes the organization has basic cyber security protocols in place like password protection, firewalls, and antivirus software as well as no major cyber incidents or claims in the past 3 years.

Estimated Pricing: $2,500

Property Insurance

Property insurance is an important risk management tool for social advocacy organizations. It helps protect their physical assets and allows them to continue operating after accidents or natural disasters by reimbursing repair and replacement costs. Additional benefits of property insurance for these nonprofits include financial protection from losses, coverage for equipment and valuables, replacement of income if a location needs repairs, and liability protection if a visitor gets injured on the property.

Category List
Benefits
  • Protection against financial loss from damage to buildings and equipment
  • Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of damaged property
  • Coverage for office equipment like computers and phones
  • Coverage for other assets like furniture and inventory
  • Business interruption coverage to continue paying operating expenses if the organization cannot carry out its normal operations due to covered property damage
  • Replacement cost coverage to repair or rebuild damaged property to its original condition without deductions for depreciation
  • Access to experienced insurance professionals who can help guide organizations through claims processes
Use Cases
  • Protect buildings and facilities from losses due to fire, windstorms, hail, explosions, theft or vandalism
  • Cover electronic equipment and computers from damages, theft or losses
  • Cover valuable items like artwork or collectibles from losses or damages
  • Provide coverage for liability if a visitor gets injured on the organization’s property
  • Replace income if a location needs to close temporarily for repairs after a covered loss

Based on typical average pricing for business property insurance and factoring in the generally lower risk profile of social advocacy organizations, the estimated average annual pricing for property insurance would be around $1,200. This estimate was derived based on consider factors such as average property values, building construction types, claims history of similar organizations, and location.

Estimated Pricing: $1,200

Workers Compensation Insurance

Workers compensation insurance provides important protections for both employees and employers in the social advocacy organizations industry. It covers costs of injuries on the job and medical treatment so that employees are supported if harmed while working. At the same time, it protects organizations from expensive liability costs if injuries lead to lawsuits. This balanced approach helps organizations focus on their social missions. The top benefits include cash benefits for injured workers, medical coverage, lost wages payments, liability protection, reduced hiring costs, and improved employee morale and loyalty. Common incidents it covers involve slips and falls, repetitive stress, auto accidents during work, and lawsuits over injuries. Pricing is estimated around $1.25 per $100 of an organization’s total payroll.

Category List
Benefits
  • Provides cash benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their jobs
  • Covers medical treatment and rehabilitation costs if an employee is injured at work
  • Pays lost wages if an employee cannot work due to a job-related injury or illness
  • Protects the business from liability costs if an employee is hurt and decides to sue the employer
  • Reduces costs of employee hiring and training by providing coverage if a new employee is injured
  • Shows clients and stakeholders that employee well-being is a priority
  • Boosts employee morale and loyalty knowing they are protected from financial hardship due to injury
Use Cases
  • Covering injuries that occur on the job such as slips, trips and falls
  • Covering repetitive stress injuries from tasks like computer work
  • Covering injuries from auto accidents that occur during work activities
  • Covering employee lawsuits if they are injured on the job
  • Covering medical expenses for on-the-job injuries
  • Providing lost wages if an employee cannot work due to a job-related injury

Based on average data, businesses in the Social Advocacy Organizations industry (NAICS Code 8133) tend to have lower risks for workplace injuries compared to other industries like construction or manufacturing. The average total payroll is also lower. As such, the estimated annual pricing for workers compensation insurance would be around $1.25 per $100 of payroll. This price was calculated using average industry data from the National Council on Compensation Insurance.

Estimated Pricing: $1.25/ $100 of payroll

Business Auto Insurance

Business auto insurance provides important liability and physical damage protection for social advocacy organizations like non-profits that rely on vehicles to carry out operations and serve their communities. It ensures these organizations are protected financially in the event of accidents involving their vehicles or employees. Business auto insurance also protects the budgets of social advocacy organizations by covering costs in case of accidents or vehicle damage that could otherwise strain their finances and resources meant for serving clients and communities.

Category List
Benefits
  • Liability protection in case of accidents
  • Physical damage coverage for your vehicles
  • Medical payments coverage for those injured in an accident
  • Coverage for non-owned vehicles used for business
  • Rental reimbursement if a covered vehicle is unusable after an accident
  • Covers employees while driving for business purposes
Use Cases
  • Covering vehicles used for transporting staff members, volunteers, and clients
  • Insuring vehicles used for delivering meals, supplies, and other items to clients
  • Protecting vehicles used for traveling between offices, events, meetings, and fundraising activities
  • Providing liability coverage in case of accidents while driving for organization purposes

Based on typical factors insurance companies examine such as number of vehicles, driver histories, coverages selected, and using industry averages, the estimated average annual price for business auto insurance for this industry type is around $1,500 per vehicle. This pricing is derived from national industry surveys of average auto insurance rates for non-profits and social advocacy organizations which have better than average risk profiles and lower average claims.

Estimated Pricing: $1,500

Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance provides additional liability coverage above standard policies for social advocacy organizations. It protects non-profits from lawsuits, legal claims, and liability risks that could threaten their viability or mission. The top benefits include higher liability limits, coverage for accidents not covered by other policies, protection of personal and organizational assets, and legal defense costs if sued. Common use cases where umbrella insurance provides protection involve lawsuits against the organization, negligent acts by employees/volunteers, organized events, and personal liability claims against board members. Pricing is competitive at $750-1000 annually on average due to the industry’s lower risks compared to others.

Category List
Benefits
  • Provides additional liability coverage above your standard insurance policies
  • Covers lawsuits from accidents not covered by other insurance like auto or home insurance
  • Protects personal assets like homes, bank accounts, investment accounts and more
  • Covers legal defense costs if you are sued
  • Increases your overall liability limits which is important for organizations’ resources and reputation
  • Provides peace of mind knowing the organization’s assets and reputation are protected
  • Cost effective way to obtain higher liability limits compared to increasing them on each individual policy
Use Cases
  • Protection from large lawsuits and legal claims against the organization
  • Coverage for negligent acts by employees and volunteers
  • Coverage for activities like parades or events organized by the organization
  • Protection for the organization’s board members and directors from personal liability claims

Based on industry research, the average umbrella insurance pricing for businesses in the social advocacy organizations industry with NAICS code 8133 is around $750 – $1,000 annually. This pricing is derived from analyzing typical risk factors for this industry such as relatively low property and equipment values as well as generally low payroll. The operations also tend to have lower risks of significant liability claims compared to other industries. As a result, the umbrella insurance protects the business from large liability claims at a competitive price point.

Estimated Pricing: $750 – $1,000

Conclusion

By maintaining a comprehensive insurance portfolio including the core policies discussed, social advocacy non-profits can feel secure focusing entirely on their important work of serving communities. The right insurance also reassures funders, partners and the public that the organization is fiscally responsible and managed prudently despite inevitable risks inherent to any operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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