What are the basic insurance policies every NGO should consider for protecting assets, staff, volunteers, and vehicles?
Here are four basic covers worth having.
-
Fire insurance covers your physical office: furniture, computers, files, and equipment, against fire, flood, theft, and electrical damage. Most NGOs run on tight budgets, so losing equipment to a monsoon flood or a short circuit can completely derail your work.
-
Public liability insurance kicks in if a beneficiary, volunteer, or visitor gets injured during your programs or on your premises. It covers hospital costs, court expenses, and any compensation ordered. If you run trainings, camps, or community events, this one matters.
-
Workmen’s compensation covers your paid staff if they’re injured, disabled, or die due to a work-related accident. This includes field staff, drivers, and coordinators. It’s also legally mandatory in India for organisations with employees.
-
Finally, if your NGO owns any vehicles, motor insurance is both essential and legally required. It covers damage to your vehicle, third-party injury or property damage, and can be extended to include the driver and passengers too.