Hi Sam, just my 2cents:
We have always had liability waivers as part of the check-in process. Some important points about the waivers:
- you can only sign away negligence, but not gross negligence.
- minors are not able to enter into contracts (ie sign waivers), and
also parents cannot sign away their child's rights.
- all unpaid volunteers (but not the organization) are already covered
for negligence by the clinton volunteer act.
So I would say, definitely do the waivers, but realize there are limits (eg, gross negligence and minors) to what it can cover. We have a waiver we've used, that's been reviewed by a law clinic. If you would like, I could post it to the list or send it directly.
As for insurance, we actually just got ours switched to a different underwriter, so I can tell you the details. We have damage to the property, business personal property (ie, renter's insurance), products, completed operations, ect, ect. We initially got this so we could get the QBP account. Board of Directors insurance is a separate, extra addon $$$, that we don't yet have the funds to purchase.
Best, -Dave
Yesterday I had the chance to meet with a lawyer to go over our insurance policy and to discuss liability waivers. The Bozeman Bike Kitchen currently has a basic business coverage insurance which will cover the organization in the event of a lawsuit but does not cover us from injuries incurred on-site, does not cover the property itself, nor does it cover the board of directors. I am looking for recommendations regarding types of insurance tailored for an organization like ours. Particularly renters insurance (for our property) and Errors and Omissions insurance (for our board of directors).
Secondly, our lawyer strongly recommended a series of liability waivers be added to our check-in and check-out process for both volunteers coming to work as well as for individuals receiving a bicycle. We have begun work on a volunteer waiver but have nothing for a bicycle release waiver. I am requesting to receive templates of these documents from other organizations.
Please contact me off-list with recommendations and attachments. Please reply on-list with general statements that will benefit the entire group.
Sincerely, Sam Haraldson
-- Director of Operations Bozeman Bike Kitchen _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave@bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o...