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msar-riders - Re: [MSAR] Insurance

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  • From: tm'-fi <TFinkle@erols.com>
  • To: Mounted search and rescue <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [MSAR] Insurance
  • Date: Mon, 08 Mar 2004 09:00:57 -0500

Insurance issues seem to be a big problem every where and our team has not found the golden egg (yet) to help us with this problem. We encourage our team members to obtain a personal insurance policy that will provide them with adequate coverage and protection. Currently we are reviewing different insurance plans that would provide team members with liability and injury protection during (including to and from) training, public service events and call-outs. So far we are looking at a cost of around 4K a year. A policy to provide coverage for each individual's mount would be much higher.

We are a 501 c-3 non-profit, all volunteer, public service response organization and do not have an operating income. Our biggest fear is not the injury or loss of a team members mount, but rather a liability law suit resulting from the actions of a team member (or their mount). One thing that I suggest for anyone seeking team insurance, is to remind the insurance agent of Public Law 105-19 (the Volunteer Protection Act), which was signed into law by the first session of the 150th Congress on June 18, 1997. Then have them review your team's written procedures and documents. See the below link for more information regarding this act.

<http://www.mtn.org/handiham/vpa1997.html>

After reviewing the Act, you will have a better understanding why it is so critical for MSAR teams to adhere to risk management procedures. Without documented team standards, training requirements, professional SAR certifications and mandatory in-service training, someone could easily lose their mount resulting from a Court Ordered Judgment, rather than due to a mishap in the field.
Maybe that old saying about death and taxes should include a clause about insurance.

Tomi' (TROT-2)
TROT Search & Rescue Mounted Team
State of Maryland
pennbo@bbv.net wrote:

Our equines are not covered for anything except basic injuries while on duty.
Anyone have any suggestions that have worked for them we'd like to hear them!

Chris Pennington
Big Bear Sheriff's Posse
MSAR

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