Volunteers Need Protection During COVID-19.

We at Williams Co. Insurance Brokers applaud volunteers, particularly so at this time with such vastly increased need following the onset of the COVID-19 virus.

Non-profits play an important role in the communities in which they serve, and without volunteers, many critical needs would be unmet.

Like many of our clients, we volunteer and support important non-profit causes and fundraising challenges. In fact, our website will soon list and provide links to a number of our favorite charitable organizations we are helping.

When volunteering to serve in a leadership role, individuals need to be aware of their responsibilities and potential personal liabilities. If serving as a Director or Officer, it is important to verify that special insurance coverages are provided for your protection under a Management Liability policy. Volunteers need to know that they can be held individually legally liable for both their decisions and other actions. Always be sure that those organizations you serve have this protection.

Among the exposures for Officers and Directors and other volunteers for which insurance protection may be afforded include: wrongful employment practices, fiduciary and financial obligations, crimes, and decisions or actions which may involve allegations of conflicts of interest.

Always be well informed about "best practices" when working with youth and other participants. Most organizations who serve youth will provide volunteers substantial training in order to avoid false accusations or misunderstandings.

For example, it is always a good idea to avoid being left alone with children, and when transporting any participants or other volunteers in your own vehicle, it is a good idea to be sure your personal auto liability limits are reasonably prudent.

Many insurance companies specialize in insuring non-profits.

They are a great resource for information on safety and best practices for decision makers and other volunteers. We represent those companies and help guide our non-profit clients in protecting both the organization and their volunteers from preventable or uninsured losses.

For more information about the risks that non-profits and their volunteers face while serving others, please contact me at jim@williamsinsurance.com

About the author:

Jim Williams is CEO of Williams Co. Insurance Brokers, which he established in Fullerton together with his father in 1973. The third of four generations of his family to serve as an insurance professional, Jim recognizes the importance of affording customers the opportunity to determine and secure the most appropriate and valuable insurance protection and services which they deserve. Jim also values education. He requires all associates to complete extensive training and obtain professional certifications and designations. In 1992, he was awarded the CPCU professional designation by The American Institute for Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriters.

Jim is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Fullerton, Los Hombres Buenos (the Good Guys) and MAMM Alliance for the Performing Arts at CSUF. He has served as Official Ambassador for the Muckenthaler Cultural Center Foundation, and as a member of the Boards of Directors of the Fullerton Boy's and Girl's Club, the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce, and other community and civic organizations. Jim has served as Commissioner on the Fullerton Community Services Commission and as Chairman of the Trust Endowment for the Boys and Girls Club of Fullerton.