Insurance
Knowledge Center: Legislation & Regulations
Knowledge Center: Legislation & Regulations
Insurance for volunteers: what is arranged?
As a volunteer, you assume you are well covered if something goes wrong. But whether that is the case depends on the organization you work for — and the municipality where you live. This article provides clarity.
As a volunteer, you assume you are well covered if something goes wrong. But whether that is the case depends on the organization you work for — and the municipality where you live. This article provides clarity.
Two basic insurance policies that every organization should have
Liability insurance
If a volunteer accidentally causes damage to a third party — a visitor, a building, or someone's belongings — this insurance covers the costs. The volunteer's own personal liability insurance (AVP) also covers this in some cases, but that is not always the case and not everyone has one.
As an organization, ensure that you have liability insurance that also covers the activities of volunteers.
Accident insurance
If a volunteer is injured during his or her work, accident insurance provides a payout for permanent injury or death. This is not a substitute for health insurance, but supplementary coverage.
The municipal volunteer insurance
Many municipalities have taken out a collective insurance policy for all volunteers active within the municipal boundaries. This typically covers both liability and accidents, and applies automatically — you do not need to sign up for anything.
Check with your municipality whether such insurance exists and what the conditions are. Coverage varies by municipality.
What is not covered?
Volunteer insurance policies have exclusions. Common ones are:
- Damage caused by intent or gross negligence
- Damage to the volunteer's personal belongings
- Activities outside the described tasks
- Use of motor vehicles (the driver's car insurance applies to this)
Read the policy conditions — or ask your insurer for a summary.
What if the organization has no insurance?
That is a problem. As a volunteer, you run a greater risk. Ask the organization about it before you start. A serious organization can answer this immediately.
As a coordinator or board member: insurance is not a luxury, but a basic responsibility. The premium is affordable for most small organizations.
Next step
Not sure if your organization is adequately insured? Contact your insurer or check if the municipality has a collective scheme.