We are pleased to offer a range of coverage options to supplement your umbrella coverage. Not-for-Profit Board Liability coverage is an added layer of protection for individuals who serve on not-for-profit boards of directors.
Addressing a Range of Risks
Serving on the board of a not-for-profit organization can be a fulfilling way to give back to the community. However, these organizations don’t always have enough liability insurance coverage in place. In the unfortunate event that a lawsuit depletes that primary layer of coverage, the personal assets of board members could be at risk.
AIG can provide up to $3 million of coverage above the organization’s1 underlying Directors & Officers insurance (availability varies by state). Lawsuits against a not-for-profit board can result from claims of:
- Poor management practices
- Discrimination
- Wrongful termination
- Harassment
- Misrepresentations made by you as an employer
- Libel and slander
- Copyright infringement
- Tax law violations
Coverage Highlights
- $3 million of coverage available
- Coverage can be added by endorsement to the personal excess liability policy
- You and your spouse are protected
- Extends to five or fewer qualifying boards on which you participate, with options up to ten
- Qualifying boards can include civic groups, condos or co-ops, religious organizations, country clubs, cultural and performing arts institutions, alumni and youth associations
- Required underlying coverage can be satisfied by the board’s Directors & Officers policy
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to add Not-for-Profit Board Liability coverage to my personal excess liability policy?
There is coverage afforded on your umbrella policy if you sit on a not-for-profit condo, co-op, or homeowners board. However, the coverage provided is for claims stemming from bodily injury or property damage. For example, if you are on the board of your residential condo association and the board is sued for a slip and fall injury of a third party on the condo premises, there would be coverage under the umbrella policy. Not-for-Profit Board Liability coverage extends coverage to claims that are financially related to or stem from litigation involving wrongful termination, sexual harassment, or discrimination.2
Don’t not-for-profit organizations already have liability insurance coverage?
Yes, typically they do. However, many operate on tight budgets and, as a result, carry only the minimum amount of liability insurance required by law. If coverage limits are exhausted due to a liability lawsuit, board members can be held personally responsible for the remaining judgment amount and/or legal fees.
Can my homeowners’ or condo/co-op association be considered a not-for-profit?
Yes. You’d be surprised that many organizations and associations hold “not-for-profit” status. You can determine an organization’s not-for-profit status via websites such as:
Real-life examples
- The local chapter of a national service organization was named in several articles alleging mismanagement and misappropriation of funds. Subsequent investigations revealed that the chapter’s executive director approved a number of questionable payments — some of which were disclosed but misrepresented, and others of which the board had no knowledge. The board members authorized a public response and temporarily suspended certain powers of the executive director, who subsequently resigned. The executive director later filed claims for defamation, wrongful termination and discrimination, seeking damages in excess of the chapter’s $1 million policy.
- The board of a residential cooperative building was sued by an applicant who was denied approval to purchase a unit. The applicant claimed the board discriminated against him based on his sexual orientation. The applicant later added a defamation count to the lawsuit.
Our exceptional claims professionals are skilled in handling the potential consequences of a liability lawsuit and will be there to support you every step of the way.
