Bad Things Do Happen To Good Clubs!

By: Dan McKay, CIC
McKay Insurance Agency, Inc.

Unfortunately, it happens. An injury on the trail or a club ride; damage to someone's property; injury to a person's good name or reputation from a newsletter article. These are examples of some of the "bad things" that can happen to a club. They are also examples of why you should purchase a general liability and accident medical insurance policy for your club.

IMBA has available for its member clubs discounted insurance coverage that will protect a club, its directors, officers and members from suits brought that allege negligence on the part of the club, director, officer or member in the conduct of their duties for the club.

Clubs can be sued for a myriad of incidents. The list of claims could fill volumes. The chance of your club having at least one incident in the next three years is 72% (ISO - General Liability statistical data 1954 to 2002). An incident does not mean that you will get sued. It means that the likelihood of a suit has increased because of an occurrence. This brings me to my second point. If you are notified or know of a situation that could cause a claim to be filed you should do the following:

1. Give immediate aid to all injured parties, call for emergency medical help and protect any property from further damage or theft.
2. Notify the local law enforcement agency if the accident occurs on public roadways or property.
3. Get the name, address and phone number of all witnesses.
4. Write down your description of what happened. Note date and time of accident and date and time of your written report.
5. Notify your insurance carrier or agent immediately. You should have a complete description of the occurrence and the circumstances. Do not delay notice for incomplete information and do not assume that because the injury or damage was minor that no claim will be made. Call or mail notice the same day that you are made aware of the occurrence.

The best advice - call your agent immediately. Let them assist you in the process. Your agent has many year of experience in handling claims. Rely on their expertise to assist you.

In summary, you can be sued as a club, a board member, an officer or a member of a mountain bicycling club. You can purchase low cost insurance to protect the assets of the club, the directors, officers and members from suits that may be filed. And when you do have an occurrence that could cause a claim to be made, you need to notify your insurance company immediately!