IMBA Club Insurance Program - Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: What is the IMBA Club Insurance Program?
IMBA partnered with RJF Agencies to design and develop insurance coverage that provided protection specifically for club members, volunteers, directors and officers. Only IMBA-affiliated clubs in the United States are eligible to participate in the program.
Q: Why does our club need insurance?
Although many clubs are required by land managers or public land trustees to have insurance, most have it to protect their members and volunteers. In the event of a claim, a personal injury attorney may sue all parties involved, including the land manager, owner, bike club and its members, whose assets are not protected without proper insurance coverage, even if the club has nonprofit status.
Many clubs believe they are immune from claims that occur on trails built on public land. Some public land officials even state this. In some cases the volunteers may be covered under the park’s umbrella policy while building trails, but they will not be afforded coverage after the trail is completed.
Q: Who runs the program?
Scott Chapin of RJF Agencies is the Managing General Agent, and has a tremendous amount of experience helping bike clubs, races and special events. RJF Agencies also has a Retail Bike & Ski Shop Insurance Program that is promoted by the National Bicycle Dealers Association and Quality Bike Products.
Scott is active in his own club, Chequamegon Mountain Bike Association, and has been a top racer for 15 years. He regularly travels throughout the country speaking on the positive impact on local economies of trail building. Last year, he gave this presentation to IMBA as well as the United States Forest Service.
Q: Is the policy available to all IMBA clubs?
No. This is only available to clubs within the United States. Trips for Kids Chapters are not eligible.
Q: Who does the policy protect?
The program protects a club’s members, officers, directors, board members and 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: What does the policy cover?
This policy protects volunteers and members from claims arising during the trail building process, as well as after the trail is built. The policy insures clubs for liability arising from:
- Trail Maintenance
- Trail Designing
- Trail Building
- Power Machine Operation (ATV, Saws, Chippers, etc.)
- Trail Built Features (Bridges, Obstacles, etc.)
- Adopt a Trail Program
- Trail Cleanup Program
- Some Special Events
Certain club time trials and club races are covered, if the events are not advertised, have a fee and are designed for club members only (example: Tuesday night time trials).
Races are not covered under this policy. RJF has a separate program for races.
Q: What doesn’t the policy cover?
The policy does not cover races that are open to the public with a trail fee. Some special events such as beer festivals are also not covered. Abuse and molestation is excluded. Teeter-totters are excluded from coverage.
Clubs may purchase an additional Directors and Officers Liability (D&O) policy that provides protection for individuals and officials in regards to their capacity as officers of the club. Generally, D&O policies cover fiduciary responsibilities and employment practices liability. Examples of claims falling under this type of coverage include:
- Discrimination
- Wrongful Termination
- Suspension of Members
- Failing to provide adequate insurance to members
If you have specific questions regarding specific coverage, please contact either Scott Chapin at chapins [at] rjfagencies [dot] com or Theresa Terry at terryt [at] rjfagencies [dot] com.
Q: 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 single fire)
Q: Does the policy cover injuries arising from trail work?
Yes. If an insured club were sued due to any trail work, the insurer would pay to 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: Does the policy pay the medical bills of injured people?
Depending on the scenario, medical bills may be covered. The policy is not designed to pay for every “bump and bruise.” If someone gets injured and sues the club for medical bills, the club’s legal defense would be covered and, if awarded, damages would be paid.
Your club may also purchase an additional accident policy to provide coverage for situations where there is NOT a negligent act.
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 proper wording requirements may differ greatly by state.
Q: How much does the policy cost?
Insurance policies are priced based upon the number of club members as well as the types of trail features the club builds and maintains. Rates range from $4 to $8.50 per member, depending upon the unique exposures of the club.
Clubs need to fill out a survey to get the proper rating. To get a sample survey, please email Scott Chapin at chapins [at] rjfagencies [dot] com or Theresa Terry at terryt [at] rjfagencies [dot] com.
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 the policy?
Yes. There have been several claims.
Q: How does my club file a claim?
The best and easiest way to file a claim is to contact the 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: Who is the underwriter?
Policies are issued by Interstate Fire and Casualty (Fireman’s Fund). A.M. Best rates them A XV Excellent.
Q: Who is RJF Agencies?
Founded in 1986, privately-held RJF Agencies is one of the “Top 100 Brokers of U.S. Business” according to Business Insurance magazine. Its values-driven approach facilitates growth and strengthens companies by reducing the cost of risk for more than 5,000 corporate clients through offices in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Its services include employee benefits, commercial insurance, alternative risk programs, loss prevention, claim management, human resource consulting, health management and financial services. In 2009, RJF was awarded the Minnesota Business Ethics Award. More information is at www.rjfagencies.com/bikes.html.
Q: How do I get a quote?
Fill out an online application at www.rjfagencies.com/imbaquote.html
Q: How do I learn more?
Visit RJF online at www.rjfagencies.com/bikes.html
