Insurance of associations

Not all associations are obliged to take out insurance.

However, certain activities carried out by an association require the purchase of insurance, in particular when the association organizes sports activities, welcomes minors or carries out certain regulated activities.

Even when insurance is not mandatory, it is recommended to take out one in order to cover the liability of the association in case of damage caused to third parties or suffered by its members.

Liability insurance is used to compensate for damage caused or suffered by employees, volunteers, members and directors of the association.

It can also guarantee the damage (damage) caused to participants, spectators or users of the association.

If a member of the association injures another member, the civil liability guarantee is provided if the contract provides that they are considered to be unrelated.

The law requires the following associations to take out civil liability insurance:

• Sports associations and federations, associations organizing sporting events, associations operating physical and sporting activity establishments
• Approved communal hunting associations
• Associations for the organization or sale of individual or group trips or stays
• Associations managing institutions for children under 6 years of age (crèches, drop-in centers, etc.)
• Associations organizing the reception of minors or operating places of accommodation for minors
• Associations managing institutions for children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities
• Associations involved in prevention, diagnosis or care.

An association vehicle owner must take out liability insurance (compulsory third-party insurance) to cover damage during vehicle traffic.

The association can choose a extended warranty.

However, the association may check that the volunteer's insurance policy covers the use of the vehicle for volunteer activities.

One tenant association must subscribe to a guarantee of rental risks to cover damage to the building in the event of fire, water damage or explosion.

Subscription is not mandatory if the association owns from his premises. However, the subscription is highly recommended.

The association can choose a extended warranty to cover, in particular, damage to neighbors or third parties and damage to its property.

An association has the possibility to take out a health insurance legal protection. It is a contract that allows him to benefit from legal assistance, and the assumption of the costs related to the defense of his interests in case of dispute.

This insurance generally covers:

• legal fees,

• the costs of expertise,

• the costs of proceedings,

• and sometimes even court costs.

Volunteers can be covered by the association's civil liability insurance for damages they cause to third parties in the course of their association activities.

However, this insurance does not always cover personal injury suffered by the volunteers themselves. The association can then take out individual accident insurance to better protect its volunteers.

When an association organizes an event (party, show, sports competition, etc.), it is recommended to check that its insurance contract covers the risks related to this event.

In some cases, local authorities or theater managers may require the presentation of a certificate of civil liability insurance before authorizing the organization of the event.