Insurance
Insurance is one of the core benefits provided by OUSA for member clubs, supporting member organizations and general membership. Orienteering USA buys insurance covering itself and its members, chartered clubs, volunteers, and members of Orienteering USA chartered clubs. The following summary is a brief description of the coverages, conditions, and exclusions of the policies and in no way affects or alters the scope of coverages provided. For full details of terms and limitations, please refer to the actual policies. For a thorough introduction to OUSA insurance, please see this memo.
On Feb 1, 2017, our insurance agent gave a presentation to OUSA club representatives. The slide deck is linked here.
Special Notice for 2022: Mountain Bike Orienteering (MTBO) is once again covered under our General Liability policy (Yea!!). A separate policy is no longer required as it was during 2021.
Certificate Request Form 2024 (Fillable PDF)
Certificate Request Form 2025 (Fillable PDF / Word doc)
Example Waiver Forms
Frequently Asked Questions
Suppose I have questions about coverage?
Send an e-mail to Board Member Nate Orhwaschel, who will try to supply an answer. You can also contact our insurance broker directly.
Do we have to notify the insurance company of every event?
No. Coverage applies without notice to the insurer. However, most land owners require proof of insurance in the form of a certificate of insurance. Some land owners also require an endorsement to be named an Additional Insured on the policy. To obtain a certificate of insurance and/or an “additional insured” endorsement, contact:
Lori George
Sports Division
Loomis & LaPann Inc.
PO Box 2158
Glens Falls, NY 12801
E-mail: lgeorge@nullLoomisLapann.com
Phone: 518-792-6561; Fax: 518-792-3426
Toll free: 800-566-6479
How does the Participant Accident Medical coverage work?
If a registered participant at an orienteering event sponsored by Orienteering USA or an Orienteering USA chartered club is injured as a result of an accident during orienteering activities, this coverage will pay for covered medical expenses up to $25,000. There is a deductible of $1,000 and the benefit period is 52 weeks. This insurance is secondary, not primary, meaning that it is excess over any other valid and collectible insurance that already may be in place.
Are there any exclusions in the general liability policy?
Most activities connected to orienteering events are covered, but there are exclusions for fireworks, mold/fungus damage, and assault and battery.
Are there extensions to the general liability policy?
Yes. As of January 2012, one extension is for auto coverage of vehicles that are used for club purposes but are either rented or whose use is effectively donated by a volunteer (e.g. a volunteer using their own car for club purposes). This type of coverage is known as Hired and Non-owned auto liability coverage. This insurance is excess over the individual’s personal auto insurance, and coverage does not extend to damages to a vehicle or to bodily injury to volunteer drivers or their passengers. Also, it does not cover transporting anyone to or from an event.
What, specifically, are “orienteering activities”?
Club members are covered when they are participating in an activity that is overseen and approved by the club or by OUSA itself. Each club determines its approved activities, and the requirements for approving those activities. OUSA expects each club to have appropriate safety practices for each activity. It is risk management by clubs that will keep our premiums in check.
The general liability policy provides legal liability protection from third party claims for bodily injury or property damage that may result during the member club’s orienteering activities. These policies are designed to cover the usual and customary orienteering activities of a club. All commonly held orienteering events are covered, such as foot O, ski O, trail O, and mountain bike O. Member clubs and individual members are covered for rendering or failure to render health care services by non-professionals, and for the sale of foods and beverages and other products. Claims over sexual abuse are covered, up to $25,000 per claim. The participant accident medical policy pays for medical expenses that are rendered as a result of an accidental injury that occurs during orienteering events held by the member club. This is excess over any other valid and collectible insurance that may already be in place. The directors and officers policy provides protection to Orienteering USA directors and officers from claims over negligence, discrimination, and harassment in the conduct of Orienteering USA business.
The “Commercial General Liability” policy lists Orienteering USA chartered clubs, Orienteering USA members, and members of Orienteering USA chartered clubs as named insureds for the purpose of conducting orienteering events and other orienteering activities. Volunteers are also insured. Registered participants at orienteering events are insured under the “Participant Accident Medical” policy. All Orienteering USA directors, officers, and other Orienteering USA committee volunteers are covered by the “Directors and Officers” policy.
The general liability limit offers $2 million per occurrence with a $5 million aggregate. The participant accident medical policy has a limit of $25,000 per person ($250,000 per accident) with a $0 deductible. The directors and officers policy limit is a $1 million aggregate with a $1,000 deductible per occurrence.
What insurance does Orienteering USA buy for us?
There are three policies in place. One is a “Commercial General Liability” policy protecting Orienteering USA, Orienteering USA chartered clubs, Orienteering USA members, members of Orienteering USA chartered clubs, and volunteers from third-party bodily injury and property damage that the insured is held liable for as a result of negligence. The second is a “Participant Accident Medical” policy providing secondary, excess coverage to registered participants at events for covered accidental injuries. The third is a “Directors and Officers” policy which protects the Orienteering USA Board of Directors and officers and other Orienteering USA committee members from liability over the performance of their duties in managing Orienteering USA. The Directors and Officers coverage does not extend to Orienteering USA chartered clubs and their volunteers