I don't think it can be called a race because of the insurance?
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IMBA Club Insurance Program - Frequently Asked Questions
By: Scott Chapin of RJF Agencies
Q: What is the IMBA Club Insurance Program?
IMBA affiliated clubs in the United States are eligible to purchase coverage from RJF Agencies. Both RJF Agencies and IMBA helped in the design of the program. The goal was to provide protection for Bike Club Members, Volunteers, Directors/Officers.
Policies are rated based upon the number of club members as well as the types of trail features that the club builds/maintains. Rates range from $4 to $8.50 per member, depending upon these exposures. Clubs need to fill out a survey to get the proper rating. To get a sample survey, please email Scott at chapins@rjfagencies.com
The current policy has an inception date of 10/15/2009, but clubs can be added at anytime of the year.
Some special events can be covered under this program, with the exception of Races. RJF Agencies has as separate program for covering Race Exposures.
Scott Chapin is the Managing General Agent and has a tremendous amount of experience with Bike Clubs, Races, and Special Event Coverage. RJF Agencies also has a Bicycle Retail Program that is endorsed by QBP and the National Bicycle Dealers Association. Scott has also been active in his own club, Chequamegon Mountain Bike Association, building trails, assisting with fundraising efforts. Scott has also been a top racer for 15 years. He also has drafted a presentation on the Economic Impact of Trail Building. Last year, he gave this presentation to IMBA as well as the US Forest Service.
Q: What Does the Policy Cover?
The policy insures your clubs for liability arising from:
Trail Maintenance
Trail Designing
Trail Building
Power Machine Operation (ATV, Saws, Excavators, etc.)
Trail Built Features (Bridges, Obstacles, etc.)
Adopt a Trail Program
Trail Cleanup Program
Some Special Events
This policy cover volunteers/members during the trail building process, as well as completed operations. Specifically, coverage is provided for claims after the trail is built (due to an accident).
Club Time Trials/Club Races are covered. These events are ones that are not advertised, have a fee and are designed for club members (example: Tuesday night time trials)
Q: Does the Policy Cover Injuries Arising From Trail Work?
Yes, if an insured club were sued due to an Trail work, the insurer would defend the suit and pay punitive damages. Generally, this would have to be caused by an accident and there would have to be some sort of liability to trigger the claim.
Q: What Doesn’t The Policy Cover?
The policy does not cover Races (open to the public with fee), some special events are not covered (Beer Festivals, etc.). Abuse and Molestation is also excluded. Teeter Totters are excluded from coverage. Clubs may purchase additional “Directors and Officers Liability” policy that provides protection for individuals and officials in regards to their capacity as officers of the club for actual or alleged wrongful acts and errors and omissions. Generally, D&O policies cover fiduciary responsibilities and Employment Practices Liability. Examples of claims are as follows: Discrimination, Wrongful Termination, or Suspension of Members, Failing to provide adequate insurance to members, etc.
If you have specific questions regarding which special events are covered, please contact Scott at chapins@rjfagencies.com
What Are The Policy Limits?
The policy has the following limits: General Aggregate $2,000,000 per club. Products and Completed Operations $2,000,000 per Club. Personal and Advertising Injury $1,000,000 per Club. Each Occurrence $1,000,000 per Club. Fire Damage Limit $50,000 (Any one Fire)
Q: What Are Our Club’s Responsibilities Under the Policy?
Clubs must use waivers for trail building meetings, group rides, and club time trials. The waiver should state that participants will not hold the club responsibility for injuries during the event. We recommend having an attorney draft your waiver, as the proper wording may differ greatly due to State laws.
Q: Is the Policy Available to All IMBA Clubs?
No. This is not available to clubs outside of the United States. Trips for Kids Chapters are not eligible.
Q: Why Does Your Club Need Insurance?
Although many clubs are required to have insurance by the Land Managers or Public Land Trustees, most have it to protect their volunteers. In the event of a claim, a personal injury attorney will sue all parties involved, including the land manager, owner, bike club and its members. Many believe they are immune from claims that are built on public land. Some public land officials even state this. In some cases the volunteers may be covered while building trails if they are doing this under a Park umbrella (example), but they will not be afforded coverage in the event of a general liability claim (post building process). Regardless of your club being a not-for-profit-entity, members/volunteers personal assets are not protected. The most important reason for purchasing the coverage is to protect your member and volunteers, especially since they are, often providing free labor.
Q: How Much Does the Policy Cost?
The premium is dependent upon the number of members and whether your club builds and maintains trails, as well as whether your club has TTF’s over 36” above grade. Rate’s range from $4 to $8.50 per member.
Q: Who is Covered By the Policy?
The Club members, its officer, directors, board members, volunteers. Land Managers and Owners can be listed as Additional Insured upon request.
Q: How Does This Insurance Protect the Assets of Club Leaders and Land Managers?
It protects assets by providing legal defense costs and total costs, including punitive damages awards or negotiated settlements, not to exceed the $1,000,000 per occurrence limit
Q: Does the Policy Pay Medical Bills of Injured People?
Depending upon the scenario, Medical Bills could get covered. The intent of the policy isn’t to pay for every “bump and bruise.” If someone were to get injured, and sued the club for Medical Bills, there would be defense coverage and, if awarded, damages would be paid. In other words, there needs to be some sort of liability/claim made for Medical Bills to be covered. You club may also purchase an additional accident policy to provide coverage for situations where there is NOT a negligent act.
Q: Who is RJF Agencies?
RJF Agencies is one of the largest independent brokers in the United States (top 100 Firms). RJF Agencies is located in Minneapolis, Eau Claire (WI), Duluth (MN), Hayward (WI), Spooner (WI), St. Cloud (MN). We have over 150 employees and specialize in Risk Management. We employ 6 Risk Managers, 2 Human Resource Consultants, and a Health Management Consultant. RJF Agencies has been awarded Agency of the Year by National Underwriter Magazine as well as being awarded the Minnesota Business Ethics Award by Minnesota Business Magazine. RJF Agencies was also a 2007 Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist. Lastly, the Business Journal of the Twin Cities placed RJF Agencies on the Great Places to Work list for the past 2 years. RJF Agencies website is:
www.rjfagencies.comQ: Who is the Underwriter?
Interstate Fire and Casualty (Fireman’s Fund). A.M. Best Rates A XV Excellent
Q: Can I Read the Policy?
Yes. Contact RJF Agencies to obtain a copy of the policy
Q: Has Any Club Ever Filed a Claim on Their Insurance Policy?
Yes. There have been several claims. One in particular will, likely, end up being close to a $500,000 claim.
Q: How Does my Club File a Claim?
Contact RJF Agencies Claims Department at 800-444-3033.
Q: Is it Possible to Increase The Coverage?
Yes, you will need to contact RJF Agencies for details, as each club has unique exposures.
Q: MORE RESOURCES?
IMBA Resources: Liability and Lawsuits
Freeriding and Risk Management: 15 Steps to Success
Bad Things Do Happen To Good Clubs!
For more resources about nonprofit organizations and the risks they face, visit the Nonprofit Risk Management Center.
Questions? Contact info@imba.com