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Whidbey Island

Here is a question about weigh-off liability insurance. What would a club's responsibility be if a bystander were hurt, for example, at a weigh-off? Event insurance for a million bucks coverage is about $150 for a single one-day event. Not a lot of cash, but still it is something.

Do any clubs out there routinely buy such insurance? If so, any recommendations?

1/23/2012 9:53:39 PM

Port Elgin, Ontario, Canada

Don't know what it is like in the US but we carry $10,000,000 liability plus we ask all food vendors, attraction operators etc. to show proof of their liability and require that they list us as an additional insured on their policy.

1/23/2012 10:05:24 PM

Redmond, Washington; U.S.A.

Lee, don't get under the pumpkins when they're lifting them!

1/23/2012 11:08:17 PM

Redmond, Washington; U.S.A.

Put A Big sign Up at the Entrance that says... Beware, Giant Pumpkin Event Volunteer SHORTAGE, Enter at Own Peril!

1/23/2012 11:12:38 PM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

One reason our weighoffs are now at the County Fair, we are covered by their event liability insurance. Otherwise we had to carry liability... just one person tripping is all it takes...

Here it costs $300 for 'event' (1 day event or 1 week event).

We had to have some for the Punkin Chunkers being here, and the insurance agency called us once and the underwriters at their corporate called twice; making sure the chunkin demo wasn't a 'contest' and/or no direct audience participation; before we got the policy issued. Film crew that was here one day took care of their own insurance (and got their own)and hiring of EMT to be on site.

Lifting half a ton of pumpkin on a sling on a forklift is apparently more dangerous than flinging them!

I like that idea, MG, of the sign.

1/24/2012 12:57:54 AM

The bottom of New Jersey

Insurance, because of pumpkins???? Sorry, but that just sounds silly to me.

1/24/2012 6:43:33 AM

Muddy Waters

I would think this would fall under the Business owners policy at the weigh-off.They should carry a 2 million dollar policy year round.There not going to go after a non profit club with no assets.I wouldnt sweat it in less your loaded and you think they may come after you personally.Then It might be a smart investment.

1/24/2012 6:45:38 AM

Paradise Mountain, New York

The way I see some Judges hanging out under the pumpkin on there knees when there judging them makes me a little nerves. Seen it time and time again a Judge on his knees directly right under the middle of pumpkin way over a 1,000 and I say to myself, If a strap broke and a Judge got killed, I think it would be the end of the weigh-off at that site. Sometime I feel Judges get a little stupid and don't think of safety first. Just my two cents worth here

1/24/2012 9:56:56 AM

Little-TON - Colorado

With a pumpkin drop too, not a bad idea to get some extra protection here..... Just in case....

1/24/2012 2:42:51 PM

Milky Way

Make an Insurance about $10,000,000 and I'll visit your Weigh-off and you can let fall a Pumpkin on my Foot.
Than we make Fifty/Fifty. LOL

1/24/2012 5:25:53 PM

Ri

the SNGPG carries an insurance rider

1/24/2012 7:31:53 PM

Mulino, Oregon

Lee, I have been looking into this for some time. I talked with Robert Demers because I know the NewEngland growers have it. I have not had any luck finding an insurance company that would underwrite it. Perhaps we can share info when we find it.

On a side note the GPC had to get 'event' insurance for the upcoming Conference in Las Vegas. The best price we could find was a policy for $835.00 for a 3 day show! Doesn't sound too cheap to me.

Jim

1/24/2012 7:45:17 PM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

Just because your club is nonprofit doesn't mean someone can't sue YOU because you were affiliated with it, and there at the event.

Insurance, start by going to your own personal agent (life, home, car) and ask them. If that company won't issue those sorts of policies, ask your agent if they know of anyone that does. Usually they will know of an agency that will. Or ask your local fair, who underwrites them.

1/24/2012 11:42:06 PM

canal winchester ohio

I wouldn't know why you would not want insurance. The country today is litigious happy & looking for a quick buck. I always look at the worse that could happen & work backwards. How many weighoffs have their pumpkins lined up on display on pallets before weighing? Do any of you have caution tape around the area to prevent someone from tripping over a skid? if not you've just made yourself liable. Ever seen a kid crawl on a pumpkin? Again if they aren't guarded & fenced off your liable if that kid falls & hurts himself.
Before you folks start laughing at the thought of needing insurance just read the papers everyday & look at the frivilious lawsuits people win everyday.

1/25/2012 10:44:54 AM

canal winchester ohio

That is just 2 instances, I'm sure if you really think about it you can come up with a lot more.
Not everyone showing up to watch a weighoff may be there for pure entertainment.

1/25/2012 10:46:37 AM

Kaukauna, Wisconsin

Its best to have your weigh off at a public event and on public property. The laws in our state have a limit on any claim that made.

1/25/2012 7:44:46 PM