Volunteers

Dick52 · 05-07-2023, 09:11 AM

No homeowner policy covers volunteers. Anyone serving on a BOD and is personally sued does not have coverage. You have to buy separate insurance and NOT just an umbrella for BOD work. You will find the premium for that coverage to be very, very, very expensive.

This question should go to a lawyer versus an insurance agent. At a minimum ask the underwriter to specify and highlight what part of your policy would cover you.

Your HOA I am sure is insured and protects the HOA from your "bad acts" and not you personally. NH offers some protection for volunteers but that "shield" is easily pierced.

Additionally you are assuming the litigation might come from a member of the HOA but the threat might come from the BOD itself. HOA leadership changes can result is axes to grind.

My advice is hire a lawyer who knows HOA's and get an opinion letter from them. The few hundred dollars spent could save you 100's of thousands.

VitaBene · 05-09-2023, 08:43 AM

I strongly suggest that you inquire about the board being covered with director's insurance. It will protect you from everything except outright malfeasance.

wentworthwhitbreadIII · 05-09-2023, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VitaBene

I strongly suggest that you inquire about the board being covered with director's insurance. It will protect you from everything except outright malfeasance.

Many Directors and Officers insurance policies will solve this problem. Policies are not standardized so make sure you understand what you are getting. Randy at Melcher & Prescott is the go to for condominium association coverage in NH

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05-07-2023, 09:11 AM	#1
Dick52 Member Join Date: Nov 2022 Posts: 25 Thanks: 14 Thanked 7 Times in 6 Posts	I doubt you are covered No homeowner policy covers volunteers. Anyone serving on a BOD and is personally sued does not have coverage. You have to buy separate insurance and NOT just an umbrella for BOD work. You will find the premium for that coverage to be very, very, very expensive. This question should go to a lawyer versus an insurance agent. At a minimum ask the underwriter to specify and highlight what part of your policy would cover you. Your HOA I am sure is insured and protects the HOA from your "bad acts" and not you personally. NH offers some protection for volunteers but that "shield" is easily pierced. Additionally you are assuming the litigation might come from a member of the HOA but the threat might come from the BOD itself. HOA leadership changes can result is axes to grind. My advice is hire a lawyer who knows HOA's and get an opinion letter from them. The few hundred dollars spent could save you 100's of thousands.

05-09-2023, 08:43 AM	#2
VitaBene Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 3,612 Thanks: 1,660 Thanked 1,650 Times in 853 Posts	Insurance I strongly suggest that you inquire about the board being covered with director's insurance. It will protect you from everything except outright malfeasance.

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to wentworthwhitbreadIII For This Useful Post:
upthesaukee (05-09-2023), VitaBene (05-12-2023)