Q:
The facility where my club meets requires a certificate of insurance.
How do I obtain one?
A: There are several ways to request a certificate. From this website,
you can click on Request
a Certificate, complete the form and e-mail or fax it to us. Another
way would be to fax a written request to us. Finally, if you have
advance notice, include the event’s details on your renewal
application, the cert will be generated automatically.(top)
Q: The facility where we meet is owned by
a state, city, or other government agency, and they require special
wording on our cert. How do we get the cert issued?
A: Basically, you need to follow one of the processes mentioned in
the previous question. However, we would need a copy of the required
wording to make certain the carrier can meet the stipulations of the
agreement.(top)
Q: What is the benefit of purchasing our
club liability coverage through the CSHA program?
A: As a benefit to it’s members, the CSHA has instructed PMT
to negotiate with a number of insurance carriers to permit a discounted
rate format for all member clubs. In addition, we are in the process
of working on other insurance programs for CSHA members. These include
a discounted equine mortality program, Farm/Ranch, and in the future,
a major medical plan. These are ways your CSHA dues are working hard
for you.(top)
Q:
When do we have Liquor Liability coverage?
A: “Host Liquor Liability” is provided within the policy
form. The rule of thumb here is that a “host” does not
charge for drinks… in any manner. Tickets sold for drinks or
a cash bar are not covered. In these cases a short term (normally
one day) liquor sales license is normally required by the state, as
you must meet all other laws associated with the selling of liquor.
A short term insurance policy can be obtained, provided we have ample
lead time for your event.(top)
Q:
Would you please explain what a “Hold Harmless Release”
is and why it is important?
A: A Hold Harmless Agreement is a form that may provide each club
with an additional defensive barrier from a lawsuit. It may also lessen
the extent to which you may be liable. Since California does not have
an “Equine Liability Law”, we are forced to prove that
an injured party was aware of the inherent dangers associated with
horse activities. A Hold Harmless Agreement provides some documentation
that a nonmember participant was aware of the hazards prior to the
accident. If your club uses a Hold Harmless Agreement, I’d like
to review it and make it a part of your file. If you don’t have
one, the CSHA has a standardized form you can have your club attorney
review for your specific usage.(top)
Q:
Our club’s insurance renewal is during & after our club
elections. How will the renewal application process be handled?
A: We recognize the policies renew at a difficult time for most clubs.
We are working on several ideas with the carrier to address this issue.
In the meantime, we’ve mailed (as of 11/16/04) all renewal applications
directly to the last known insurance representative for each club.
You may also find the renewal application and instructions on this
website under Renewal Applications. You may
call our office with any questions that you might have concerning
this process.(top)
Q:
Event disclosure was discussed at length, can you restate the basic
points?
A: In order that we can provide the proper liability coverage for
your club, it is imperative that we know what you are doing. The extent
of your disclosure may dictate the extent of your coverage. Coverage
is currently based on your number of club events, so total disclosure
is vital to everyone. Such disclosure allows coverage when needed
and permits certificates to be issued when required.(top)
Q:
Fundraising is an important function in our club. How can we make
certain we have the coverage we need?
A: Basically, equine related events disclosed on your application
are covered. Non-equine related events (non-disclosed), such as dinners
and other social events, require advance notice, as they may not be
automatically covered. All known events should be disclosed on the
application, others should be disclosed when they are in the formative
stages. This would permit our input to assure coverage is afforded.(top)
Q:
Can we obtain higher liability limits than currently maintained by
our club?
A: Yes, we can provide a double aggregate limit. In some cases, we
can also provide an excess liability limit to meet your cert holder
requirements.(top)
Q:
If a safety helmet rule is made mandatory, how will it effect our
insurance rates?
A: At the onset, not too much, but over the long haul, a considerable
amount. There are a number of safety related issues here. First, assuming
we are talking about juniors here, I would hope that we would want
to protect them in every way we can. Helmets have clearly proven to
reduce the severity of head injuries. So even if there weren’t
any insurance savings, why not protect our children? Secondly, if
it can be generally proven that a helmet is safer for the rider, we
become obligated to require such usage. I’d hate to be the one
being questioned about a serious head trauma knowing a helmet at the
least may have lessened the damage, at the most prevented it completely.
You may get additional information from the American
Medical Equestrian Association. (top)
Q:
Does our insurance cover our state patrol and ETP while “On
Duty” providing first aid or crowd control?
A: As long as the duties are fully disclosed on your application,
coverage is provided. At the same time, expansion of such duties needs
to be reviewed with the underwriters. This would allow us the opportunity
to advise on the acceptability of the activity.(top)
Q:
Are we protected as an organization and individually as directors
of the organization due to the activities stated in the previous question?
A: The members providing the service or involved in the activity and
the club itself would be covered, provided it was a disclosed event.
Directors would only be covered if they were involved in the event.(top)
Q:
Can we get Directors and Officers Coverage or do we have coverage
due to our relationship with CSHA?
A: We are currently researching the availability of D&O coverage
for all related clubs as a result of CSHA membership. It is not likely
a good option, as the limit of liability would be shared amongst all
clubs. We would recommend a D&O policy for each club. This isolates
each club from the activities of the other clubs. We intend to research
the availability of a D&O endorsement to your individual club
policy at renewal in 2005. If you desire coverage prior to that date,
please contact my office. If we are not able to offer such coverage
enhancement at renewal, we may offer a separate policy.(top)
Q:
Communication seems to be very important, we are simply too busy to
call you with everything we are doing, and that’s if we remember.
A: Seems like a statement, but let me respond by saying I understand.
I too get busy and get behind. One simple solution to our communication
efforts might be for your club to include me on your mailing list.
That way my office can be made aware of what’s going on without
any special effort on your part! Also, let the internet be your friend!
You can use our site as a source of referral and information. You
can also e-mail your newsletters to us. (top)
Q: Do
you have a specific accident report form you want us to use?
We’ve just received a copy of a form currently in use. We will have it
reviewed and have it, or it’s revised version posted on this site soon. (top)
Q: What
is a public event day?
Anytime an event is held where a non-member is allowed to participate or is
exposed to your activities, should be considered a public event day. This
includes guests, prospective members, parents and children of members, former
members, ANYONE other than a member. Remember the measure should be if non-members
are exposed to your activity it is a public event day. (top)
Q: Why
is public event day notification so important?
In order to provide coverage for any third party liability claim, the carrier
requires notification prior to the event. This permits proper coverage to
be provided for the various events. (top)
Q: Should
non-rider helpers at shows be signing release forms too?
An excellent point. Any non-club member, volunteer, or parent helper should
also sign a release form. The fact that they are on the ground, working with
and around horses means the club is at risk and a release should be obtained.(top)
Q: Does
the policy extend to cover our activities that are non equestrian
in nature?
Yes, activities such as general meetings, horsemanship classes, educational
meetings and those which are part of running the club are automatically covered.
Fundraising activities however, should be cleared through the PMT office first,
as the sometimes “creative nature” of such events may require an
endorsement. (top)
Q: What
type of coverage is available for Region Royalty riders that
might be riding in parades, or as part of the grand entry at
rodeo
events?
If the event will not involve non-members coverage is automatic.
However, if non-members will be involved in the event it needs to
be disclosed and an appropriate charge will apply. See public event
day shown above. (top)
Q: Are there seasonal coverages for riders that regularly participate
in parades or drilling events?
No, policies are written on an annual basis and all parades should
be disclosed. The charge for parades, if they are used in the first
7 event days of the policy is $55, the charge for each parade after
the 7 initial is $100. If drill/exhibition are sponsored/sanctioned
by the CSHA coverage is automatic, if the CSHA is not the sponsor,
disclosure is needed and an appropriate charge will apply. (top)
Q: Are there any provisions for insuring
Region property like trailers, timing lights or sound systems?
Yes, there are ways to provide coverage for Region properties.
We are currently obtaining an inventory list from all Regions to
determine
the need for such coverage. Clubs, which own arenas and other property,
should also contact us with such information, as we can provide
coverage for this exposure too. (top)
Q: What
are the advantages to affiliated clubs for joining CSHA and participating
in the insurance programs?
First and foremost, you are supporting an organization, which helps secure
the future of the equestrian lifestyle in the State of California. Issues such
as open trails, equine liability laws, horsemanship and the promotion of the
equine industry are all championed by CSHA. Visit the CSHA website for more
information.
The CSHA insurance program has many facets. One (I would hope) is this agency,
a firm with extensive experience in providing a wide range of equestrian related
insurance coverages. You may want to look around this website for more information.
We’d be pleased to review your specific needs.
As for the specific insurance program, we have the carriers required to meet
a wide variety of equine exposures. This is done free of charge to your club.
We can review your liability release forms or provide you with a CSHA form
if you don’t have one, again free of charge.
The law of large numbers provides your club with the benefit of the clout of
every club when purchasing liability insurance. This provides your club with
comprehensive coverage at a below market price. We do not charge agency broker
fees and only charge the actual premium for the coverage. There are no hidden
fees.
You also have the benefit of the resources of CSHA board members as well as
this firm to help provide the assistance needed to develop programs that might
benefit your club and it’s members.
There are many other value added benefits of your CSHA membership. The more
you look, the more you’ll find. (top)
Q: For
2005 is there a difference in the coverage provided or the
cost for coverage for “closed” events
vs. open to public events?
No, you will receive the same coverages that were provided to you
last year. Although some clubs liability limits are being increased
so all affiliated clubs have the same minimum limit of coverage.
In general, clubs are not charged for events that will only involve
members. The exception to this is if a certificate of insurance naming
a facility as an additional insured is required and that facility
was not originally included on the application, in which case a $20
charge will apply. 7 “open” events are included in the
club policy, once those 7 days have been used, a $45 charge will
apply for all non-parade activities and a $100 will apply for parades. (top)
Q: What
differences are there in the cost and coverage requirements for
social events (like dinners and written testing for programs
like horse mastership) compared to arena events?
These activities are automatically covered and no additional costs
will apply for events involving members only, unless the facility
requires a certificate as stated above. Fundraising activities however,
should be cleared through the PMT office first, as some activities
may require an endorsement.(top)
Q: How
much lead-time is necessary in order to obtain insurance coverage,
and what costs are entailed
in “hurry up” insurance
binders or certificate requests?
Renewal applications should be completed and returned to our office
30 days prior to your policy’s expiration. This will give both
you and PMT enough time to fix any errors that may occur (i.e.: applications
not filled out correctly, not signed, or if we need additional information).
PMT does not charge for a “hurry up” binder or certificate.
Bind orders and certificate requests are dealt with in order of priority,
therefore a special charge is not warranted.
If a certificate request does not need special wording, and does
not require adding an additional insured, additional charges will
not apply (unless it is a newly disclosed event). Although, if a
certificate needs to be issued for a facility that was not originally
named on the application a $20 charge will apply. We do ask that
if a facility is requesting a special form or wording (many Municipalities
require this) please give us a day or two notice. (top)
