Volunteer firefighters choose to spend their free time helping others. They may work a full-time job throughout the week and then volunteer for the fire department for little to no pay. Yet volunteer firefighters face the same risks as any other first responder, including smoke inhalation, burn injuries, and general liability issues associated with firefighting. Fortunately, volunteer firefighter insurance may assist in offsetting any losses and providing peace of mind. This article explores common coverages and the need to ensure comprehensive protection for firefighters and their departments.
Volunteer Firefighter Insurance and the Unique Needs of Volunteer Firefighters
Unlike career firefighters, volunteer firefighters are members of the community who offer their time to their local fire departments without the expectation of pay. They receive the same training as career firefighters and still have to respond to emergency calls. The significant difference is that volunteers have shifts during their off-time from paid jobs. Generally, they work shifts at the station or respond to calls from work or home.
Regarding capabilities, career and volunteer firefighters are essentially the same. They simply have a different level of time commitment.
Types of Firefighter Insurance
Despite volunteer firefighters not receiving payment, they put their lives in danger each time they rescue or answer an emergency call. They may also be the focus of lawsuits due to actions performed in the line of duty.
For example, consider a rescue operation that necessitates multiple vehicle maneuvers, potentially resulting in damage to a driveway, or door frames that might sustain harm during the rescue process. While personnel may not have any intention to cause harm, property owners who witness the damage may still decide to initiate a lawsuit.
Fire departments, however, can provide volunteer firefighter insurance, which is a broad general liability insurance policy tailored to cover the unique issues faced by volunteer and career firefighters alike.
When seeking insurance coverage for professional or volunteer firefighters, many departments secure general liability insurance due to its broad applicability to various challenging scenarios. Firefighter general liability insurance not only provides financial support for settling personal injury claims but also extends its coverage beyond that.
In addition to covering settlement costs, this insurance policy can help cover attorney fees and other legal expenses. Furthermore, depending on the insurance provider, general liability coverage may encompass more than just personal injury claims; it can also address issues like slander.
Volunteer firefighters may inadvertently be responsible for injuries resulting from slips or falls, which is often cited as the primary reason for the usefulness of general liability insurance.
Evaluating Current Coverage
As you meet with your clients, find out what their current insurance covers. Not all policies can adequately cover firefighting injuries or general liability risks associated with volunteer firefighting duties. Agents must determine how much coverage the fire department requires and how much it currently has to fill those gaps.
Some questions to ask your clients include:
- How many volunteers do you employ?
- How much does your insurance policy currently cover?
- Does your insurance account for loss of income?
Basic liability insurance doesn’t always cover the numerous expenses associated with a fire-related injury or illness. Likewise, standard insurance coverages have gaps only custom first responder insurance can account for. The best policies for volunteer firefighters go beyond the coverage limits typical for general liability, and coverage extensions can address even more operational liability exposures.
Protecting Volunteers With Volunteer Firefighter Insurance
Fire departments sometimes need more coverage for their volunteer firefighters. As their agent, you must review their current coverage and ensure adequate protection for all employees and volunteers.
Volunteer firefighter insurance can make a difference in volunteers’ ability to care for themselves following an accident or illness. Contact us today for more information on volunteer firefighter benefits.
About Provident Insurance Programs
With roots dating back to 1902, Provident Insurance Programs is a program administrator that serves paid and volunteer firefighters in addition to emergency medical responders with numerous custom-tailored insurance programs. We’ve also extended our expertise and experience to offer benefit plans and coverages to participant groups as well as Transportation Benefits. We are committed to continuing to provide superior customer service and would be happy to speak with you to provide further information. Give us a call today at (855) 201-8880 to speak with one of our representatives.