Because our plans are customizable, we can create a specialized insurance policy to meet the needs of schools that do not fall into the standard educational classifications as well. 

Insurance for Educational Institutions

The big question is what kinds of coverages do schools require?  The answer is that each school is different and will face different risks.  However, there are coverages that are fairly common among most schools

Abuse & Molestation – While a general insurance policy may provide some coverage for the institution where the abuse takes place, it is often very restricted. More complete coverage should be purchased for the institution through specialized markets. The institution has a responsibility to take all care possible to protect students from predatory adults and older students through background checks, monitoring, and supervision, and reporting all allegations of abuse to the proper authorities. The more vulnerable the potential victim, the more vigilant the institution must be.

Commercial Auto Insurance – School busses are important to schools today but they pose significant risks to schools as well. It’s important to not only have adequate auto insurance coverage for facility busses but also to have umbrella liability coverage in the event that the liability from an accident exceeds standard auto insurance liability coverages.

Commercial Property –  Fire is often a significant concern for educational facilities from cooking, equipment, machinery, and wiring. Depending on the classes taught, each has potential for additional exposures, from cooking in home economics to wood and metalworking in art classes. Chemistry classes and the resultant exposures to fire from chemicals are also a concern. Vandalism and malicious mischief, as well as theft of equipment, are areas to evaluate.

Commercial Umbrella – Because educational institutions are responsible for so many lives, they can be held legally responsible for them too. With many students in the average school, wide-scale events pose substantial risks to the facility that will easily exceed general liability caps. Umbrella insurance offers liability coverage that goes beyond the standard and will kick in once general liability coverage is tapped.

Cyber Insurance – Schools have access to personal and identifying information about not only the students that attend but also their parents. This presents a significant risk when it comes to data breaches. Most general liability policies do not extend to digital information. You need additional coverage to protect the educational institution in the event of a data breach event.

Education Legal Liability – This general liability endorsement can be purchased for school nurses, school psychologists, school counselors, and athletic trainers.

Errors & Omissions – (School and Educators Legal Liability) Liability coverage for professionals accused of committing wrongful acts or breach of duty in their capacities as educators.

Fidelity Bonds – Despite the best efforts of schools today to conduct thorough screenings of employees, it’s impossible to know the intentions of every employee schools hire. Fidelity bonds lend some degree of protection to schools from the actions of their employees.

Professional Liability – needs careful evaluation. Are there trained counselors on staff? Are nurses and doctors available? Is there an infirmary – is it outpatient only or is there inpatient care? What are arrangements with local hospitals and doctors? Are there parent notification procedures?

Workers’ Compensation – It’s not just students that face risks in educational facilities today. Faculty, teachers, and other staff members face risks just by showing up to work. Whether by the actions of students, accidents, or other types of injuries and illnesses, you need to protect the people who keep your educational institution operational with adequate workers’ compensation coverage.

Phoenix Insurance Group has the greatest respect for educational institutions throughout Central and North New Jersey. We are here to help you make sure your insurance needs are adequately covered. Call us today: 908-879-6500 for a full assessment of your insurance needs, current coverage, and to learn how we can help.