Mounted search and rescue

[boddyrs@comcast.net]

We are another organization looking to get insurance coverage for the mounted SAR team in NJ.

The quotes we have gotten were over $1500 for the year.  We got quotes from VFIS and Ark; VFIS being the more expensive.

The liablility was reasonable around $500-700 for the year; the medical added over $1000 to the cost.  Since we are not covered under any organizations workmen's comp; the insurance company is requiring the medical coverage.

 

This puts us in fund raising mode year round; how are others covering this cost?

We are a small group (12 members); that is just starting and still have to fund equipment and other operations costs.

 

 

 

 

----- Original Message -----
From: "Marie Lester" <marie.lester@gmail.com>
To: "Mounted search and rescue" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
Sent: Wednesday, June 23, 2010 7:18:24 AM
Subject: Re: [MSAR] Insurance

Our unit has VFIS coverage (reasonably affordable and geared toward our mission), and we have workman's compensation as an affiliate of the Emergency Management Agency that only applies to trainings organized by that agency, or any search endorsed by them.
 
Marie Lester
CENTRAL OHIO MOUNTED SEARCH UNIT

On Wed, Jun 23, 2010 at 5:54 AM, T'mi Finkle <tfinkle@erols.com> wrote:

Well said Irv!  TROTSAR has VFIS coverage too.

 

---

From: msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Irvin Lichtenstein
Sent: Wednesday, June 23, 2010 12:02 AM
To: 'Mounted search and rescue'
Subject: Re: [MSAR] Insurance

 

That assumption may be flawed.  It depends on how you are organized and how you respond within your community. 

If you are part of a county government agency, such as the sheriff or Emergency Management, you should be covered as county employees for public liability, professional actions (ordering a fence cut or a backfire lit, etc.), errors and omissions (not finding the search subject), and fiduciary responsibility (not properly accounting/investing for organization or other monies).  You should also have workman’s compensation insurance (state law in all states and ASTM standard).  You may need property damage coverage for equipment (especially if it is not the organization’s), and care and custody coverage for the horses, depending on who owns them and who houses them in the field.  You may also need hauling insurance if you haul other member’s horses in your trailer.

 

If you are a non-governmental emergency responder (NGO) you need your own coverage for the above as an emergency responder, usually without the limits (caps) provided government agencies or even total immunity from law suits in some states

 

If all you do is hold shows then you need club coverage. (Check your state’s equine activity liability limitations act, most are little or no protection)

 

SE PA SAR is an NGO emergency responder. We carry $1M in public liability coverage from VFIS, a specialty carrier for volunteer fire and EMS organizations.

This is a package that includes all the other coverage for emergency activities, training, and fundraising.  We are covered for comp by a state law that requires the host township to provide comp to emergency responders based in their township.  The coverage also includes $50,000 for borrowed equipment on the scene (member owned equipment or other borrowed stuff like Gators, radios, etc.) excluding all airplanes and those boats with over 100 HP.  It does not cover the horses but in PA search horses used by a recognized SAR organization are police animals and anyone who even thinks of unauthorized touching is a 3^rd degree felon and liable for full restitution of any and all costs associated with rehabilitating the horse or replacing it, including lost income by the handler or lost time to the organization.  It does not cover auto accidents except that if the organization has to pay as well as the driver operator the general liability coverage pays.

 

Club coverage probably does not cover search activities or training for search activities.  It often only covers a structured ride, whether led by a guide, or a competitive event over a marked or contained course. It may be limited to a relatively low number of events per year, such as 4, after which you have notify the carrier 30 days in advance and pay an added premium.  Our county equine council’s association coverage specifically excludes what it refers to as “lunch with an unstructured (ride at will) event”.  The council used to invite the horse community to a catered buffet lunch at the county park which accommodated horses for National Trails Day. Not any more.

 

The Council only pays about $500 per year for liability for 4 events with horses present but also pays close to a $1000 per year for directors’ coverage on top. SEPASAR pays about $1000 per year for the package. Directors’ coverage protects your officers and Board from claims that they violated the Bylaws, state, county, local laws, or federal laws as part of their duties as directors.  It also usually includes a small treasurer’s bond for those who sign checks or authorize payments to protect against embezzlement. Your state may have a volunteer directors’ protection act and whatever this act requires for language should be in the indemnification section of your Bylaws.

 

I strongly suggest you review the presentation, Organizing the Organization, on the SARDOC CD and NASAR Annual Meeting archives, consult with the Missouri SAR authorities (or whatever state you are in if Missouri is not your state of operation), and then go find a really good insurance agent/broker.  VFIS operates in every state.

 

You should also look into individual liability, mortality (usually includes theft, fire, other forms of loss), and major medical or surgical coverage for the horse.  Generally this costs 2-3% of insured value based on purchase price or appraisal.  Most policies allow the insurance company to take possession if the estimated medical costs exceed the life insurance value of the horse.  I carry $100,000 individual liability and then get $1M through the State Equine Council’s member group (secondary or umbrella coverage).  Check your auto club or towing policy—most do not cover horse trailers and none other than US Rider covers the horse if you have to lay over for repairs or get hauled home.  The basic AAA Mid Atlantic coverage stops at 9000 GVW or a large Suburban or a small pick up.  And they don’t have to go off the paving to get you either. 

 

Irv Lichtenstein

Chief of Operations

SE PA SAR

---

From: msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Santafearabians@aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 2010 7:42 PM
To: msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: [MSAR] Insurance

 

Hello to all,

 

Wondering what type, coverage and the name of your liability group insurance. I assume most of you carry a "club" coverage.

 

Thank you so much,

Al Hale, Missouri

 

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