Stricter Underwriting Guidelines for Colleges Resulting From Sandusky

Due to the Penn State scandal over Sandusky and the incidents of sexual abuse/molestation, insurance carriers are more apt to tighten underwriting and require more information from schools regarding their preventive measures.

According to Bill Waldorf, president of a brokerage that offers insurance for schools, “Insurers will require more data from colleges to find out what other programs they may offer. I think insurers will pay more attention to what takes place during summer months, all the camps that take place, what procedures are in place and how schools are monitoring the environment.”

Waldorf also stated: “All institutions of higher education have significant exposure to children. Daycare centers, childhood learning programs, athletic activities and summer camps are typical curriculums within the operations of a college setting.”

“Advanced placement courses are provided for underage high achievers, high school athletes are recruited and encouraged to visit campuses and their sports programs, community outreach programs, student teaching internships, athletic events, concerts, festivals, and faith-based programs are all areas that attract youth and other vulnerable populations to college campuses.”

According to John Sadler of Sadler Sports Insurance, most General Liability underwriters in the sports and recreation niche will be looking for the following elements as a pre-condition for offering sexual abuse/molestation coverage:

• Criminal background checks on all staff (paid and volunteer) with access to youth.
• Written policies and procedures to make an incident less likely to occur.
• Written allegation response plan including a requirement to notify law enforcement.

Also, many college and university insurance carriers may no longer underwrite camp exposure and may require camps to take out their own General Liability including coverage for sexual abuse and molestation. Here is the link to Sadler’s Camp Insurance Program.

For more information on sexual abuse and molestation risk management, visit http://www.sadlersports.com/riskmanagement/

Source: Insurance Journal, East, 2012/07/19

Filed under: Abuse/Molestation, General Liability, In the News, Risk Management
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