One benefit of being a Pet Partners volunteer is that Delta Society provides liability insurance when you are visiting, making presentations, or doing other activities to promote Delta. Questions come up from time to time about insurance issues. The following information is not intended to be a comprehensive discussion of insurance issues, but will provide information about some current issues.
| Explanation of the Coverage (Updated November 11, 2005) |
I. General Pet Partners Activities
Once a team has received their acceptance letter, they are officially registered Pet Partners and as such are included as covered parties under Delta’s CGLI. The limits of that policy plus an associated umbrella policy are $1,000,000 per occurrence, with a total available of $7,000,000. Coverage is provided in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories.
If a medical loss occurs while performing Pet Partners activities, i.e. is caused or suffered, which has a cost of less than $10,000, Delta’s CGLI applies on a “no-fault” basis, i.e. the claim is paid after some nominal investigation. If any non-medical or medical claim of $10,000 or greater occurs, then evaluation is performed by our insurer regarding whether the loss is covered by the policy. If the loss is covered, Delta’s CGLI will defend the Pet Partner and pay damages up to the limits set forth above.
Additionally, Delta’s CGLI applies to losses both caused and/or suffered (a loss that happens to a Pet Partners volunteer). And, Delta’s CGLI applies to the Team, i.e. the person and their animal.
As discussed in the Pet Partners Team Training Home Study manual, several notable limitations exist for Delta’s CGLI. They are:
1. If the loss is covered, Delta’s CGLI pays up to a maximum of $1,000,000 per occurrence. Liability beyond $1,000,000 is the responsibility of the Pet Partner.
2. Delta’s CGLI does not provide coverage for losses occurring between Pet Partners and other Delta volunteers.
3. Delta’s CGLI does not provide coverage for losses caused by intentional acts or as a result of Pet Partners and other Delta volunteers acting outside the scope of the Pet Partners program and its policies and procedures.
4. Pet Partners and other Delta volunteers must be in volunteer status, i.e. receive no compensation for their services and not use a Pet Partners animal while performing duties of their job. Reimbursement of nominal incidental expenses such as supplies can be allowed without jeopardizing volunteer status.
Several Pet Partners who are currently or previously have been insurance professionals recommended that, as part of being a volunteer for Delta or any other charitable cause, volunteers consider a personal umbrella policy. Those policies are typically available as supplements to a person’s homeowners or renters insurance by providing $1 million or more of protection for volunteer activities of organizations recognized as charities under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Coverage questions can be answered by contacting your insurance agent for advice.
II. Pet Partners Team Training Instruction and Evaluation
Instructors and Evaluators are covered for their activities the same as Pet Partners as described above. An important addition is that non-Pet Partners from whom Instructors and Evaluators request assistance for a workshop or evaluation are also covered by Delta’s CGLI. Equally important is who is not covered:
1. Persons and/or animals who are seeking to be Pet Partners through the Pet Partners workshop and evaluation and who are at any point in that process prior to receiving their acceptance letter as Pet Partners,
2. The general public,
3. Facility staff or independent contractors
Please note that item 1 above does not apply to Pet Partners who are being re-evaluated and whose registration remains current. Insurance coverage terminates at the end of a Pet Partners registration period. If a Pet Partner is being evaluated prior to expiration, CGLI coverage terminates at the earlier of either failing an evaluation or expiration of the registration period.
If any of the three parties above causes a loss, Delta’s CGLI does not apply to them. However, if an Instructor, Evaluator, or person volunteering at the request of the Instructor or Evaluator suffers a loss from any of those three parties, coverage is available under Delta’s CGLI.
III. Facilities Visited or Used by Pet Partners
In the context of facilities visited or used (for instruction, evaluation, etc.), it is important to understand that Delta’s CGLI covers individuals, it does not cover entities. Entities are defined herein as separate business, organizations, or governmental agencies other than Delta. Facilities are defined herein as facilities belonging to entities.
Facilities visited or used are covered for losses caused by Pet Partners and people recruited by instructors and evaluators to assist them. Facilities visited or used are not covered for losses in excess of Delta’s CGLI limits, losses denied by Delta’s CGLI carrier, and losses caused by persons who are not currently registered as Pet Partners.
We recognize that Pet Partners often take the initiative to approach a facility and ask if it is acceptable to visit there or use it for instruction and/or evaluation. Thus, a facility’s understanding of how Pet Partners are insured for activities at their facility is important for both the facility and the Pet Partners. If you can, please take an opportunity to discuss with a responsible party at the facility you visit or use, the understanding of that facility of Pet Partners insurance coverage. We would appreciate learning the outcome of that discussion in order to enhance how we support you regarding insurance for Pet Partners. A form follows below to assist you in communicating that information to us. We will be happy to receive the information by mail, fax (425-679-5539) or e-mail.
Delta has in the past on a very limited basis issued certificates of insurance to facilities adding them as Additional Insureds to Delta’s CGLI. Due to the significant additional liability exposure Delta assumes by doing so, Delta will no longer add entities as Additional Insureds to its CGLI.
IV. Applicability of Delta’s CGLI to Delta Affiliates
Two points noted above directly affect Delta affiliates. First, Delta’s CGLI covers individuals. That means Pet Partners are covered by Delta’s CGLI for losses they cause or suffer when performing Pet Partners activities regardless of whether they volunteer individually or are a member of a Delta affiliate. Second, Delta’s CGLI does not cover entities. This means that Delta’s CGLI does not apply to affiliate activities that are outside the scope of Pet Partners activities as described in the Pet Partners Team Training Course Manual, or activities that do not meet Pet Partners policies and procedures. If Delta affiliates engage in either or both those activities, thought should be given to obtaining entity liability insurance if such insurance is not already present.
The preceding is a general overview and is for informational purposes only. CGLI terms and coverage are stated in general, not absolute, terms only. Each loss caused or suffered will be evaluated on its own facts and circumstances. This letter does not create a contract or other legal obligation of Delta, and may not be relied upon for that purpose. The detail and precise language of the insurance policy must be examined to understand the extent of, and limits upon, Delta’s CGLI. Many of those details, some of which may be important or relevant – or which may give rise to exceptions to the general statements above – are not referenced in this overview.
If you have any questions regarding Delta’s CGL insurance, please contact Jon Eastlake of Delta Society.
Delta Society
Commercial General Liability Insurance Facility Questionnaire
Name of Facility: ________________________
Location of Facility: ________________________
Facility Visited or Used by: ________________________
Did the facility understand how Delta’s Commercial General Liability Insurance (Delta’s CGLI) applies to it?
What is the facility’s assessment of risk exposure related to Pet Partners visits, instruction classes and evaluation (low, medium or high)?
What other useful information did the facility share regarding insurance of Pet Partners?
