We're foster-based and went through a mess to get a new policy after our carrier stopped writing this kind of coverage. Our agent could find no replacement policies, so I struck out researching on my own. I found the Animal Welfare Organization Insurance Program, and their agent provided us with a good quote at a reasonable rate.
https://awoip.com/products-services/animal-rescue-group-insurance/
They have a lot more proactive requirements (volunteers have to complete courses in Maddie's Fund University, we have to keep more paperwork re temperament testing, etc.), but they're pretty smart ways to minimize risk, so I don't mind. Highly recommended.
FYI, we stopped doing all the adoption events. I've known several rescues that had 5-figure settlements due to issues that happened at them. I think they send up the cost of insurance too because they're so high risk. It sucks, but even dumb stuff can cause people to sue -- one rescue had a big, easy-going dog that literally turned its head and accidentally snagged a tooth scratching a kid running up (not a bite, dog had no idea kid was there just unlucky enough to have had an open mouth) and it was over $10,000 to settle or would have been more to fight it. They didn't have a liability policy so founder had to pay it. Horrible situation, and that's one of many stories like that I know of.
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Maggie Thomas
President
Red Stick German Shepherd Rescue
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-27-2023 07:58 AM
From: Kelsey Quinn
Subject: Liability Insurance
Hello Everyone! The rescue I help with just went to renew our liability insurance for events and unfortunately the cost went up to $2,000 (it was $500 last year). I am looking for liability insurance company suggestions that you have worked with in the past for liability insurance. Here is a little bit more about the rescue:
-Cat and dog foster-based. We do not have a designated shelter of our own
-We typically do adoption events at local breweries, vendor shows, business organizations willing to help us
-We are affiliated with Petco Foundation and Petsmart Charities (both require liability insurance to be an affiliate)
Thank you!
Best,
Kelsey
#OrganizationalManagement
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Kelsey Quinn
Volunteer
Lending Paws a Hand
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