Are you an umpire looking to protect yourself from the unexpected? Accidents can happen at any time, whether you're calling the shots on the baseball diamond or officiating another sport or industry.Â
Understand that the host’s sports events insurance might not cover you in case something goes wrong. That's why umpire insurance is a must-have for anyone in this profession. But with so many policies and providers out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
In this article, we'll break down the ins and outs of umpire insurance, including the types of coverage available, what they cover, and how much you can expect to pay. Plus, we'll share our top picks for the best companies offering umpire insurance, so you can find the perfect policy for your needs.
As an umpire, it's essential to consider getting insurance coverage to protect yourself in case of accidents. While accidents on the field may not happen often, they can be severe and result in medical expenses and legal fees. This is where umpire insurance comes in. While some sports leagues may require their officials to have insurance coverage, it's always a good idea to have insurance regardless of whether it's mandatory.Â
Umpire insurance is designed to cover umpires, referees, and judges working in various sports leagues. The insurance package includes several policies such as general liability, professional liability, accident medical, commercial property, business owners, travel, and commercial auto insurance.
| CoverWallet | NEXT (Best) | Thimble | Hiscox | The Hartford | USSA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per occurrence limit | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $300,000/$1,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $2,000,000 |
| Aggregate limit | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $300,000/$2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $5,000,000 |
| Products and completed operations aggregate limit | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Advertising injury coverage aggregate limit | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Tenant’s legal liability coverage limit | $100,000 | $100,000 | $5,000 | $100,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Waiver of subrogation included? | Yes | No | Included | Can be included | No | No |
| Hired/non-owned auto liability coverage included? | Yes | No | Excluded | Can be included | Can be included | Excluded |
| Abuse and molestation coverage included | Can be included | Yes | Can be included | Can be included | Can be included | Can be included |
| Equipment breakdown floater included? | No | Yes | Yes | Can be included | Can be included | Excluded |
General liability insurance for umpires is designed to protect umpires from lawsuits arising from their field actions. This insurance covers legal expenses, including court costs, settlements, and judgments arising from a claim against an umpire. Use the table above to see which insurance company offers the best general liability insurance for umpires.Â
The policy may also cover damages to property caused by the umpire while performing their duties. This insurance can help in situations where an umpire makes a call that results in a player or spectator getting injured or when an umpire causes damage to the field or equipment.
In addition to the standard coverage provided by general liability insurance, umpires can add additional coverage options to their policy to better protect themselves in specific situations. Here are some common add-ons to consider:
| Additional Coverage Options | Description |
|---|---|
| Abuse and molestation coverage | Protection against allegations of abuse or molestation while on the job |
| Equipment Coverage | Protects an umpire's equipment, such as their uniform, mask, and chest protector |
| Hired and Non-Owned Auto Coverage | Protects in case an umpire is involved in an accident while driving a hired or non-owned vehicle for work purposes |
Excess liability coverage is an add-on to general liability insurance that provides additional coverage above and beyond the primary policy's limits. This coverage is essential for umpires working in high-risk sports leagues or events with more significant potential for large claims.
| CoverWallet (Best) | NEXT | Thimble | Hiscox | The Hartford | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per occurrence limit | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Aggregate limit | $2,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $2,000,000 |
| Name additional insureds? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Waiver of subrogation included? | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Deductible | $500 | $500 | $500 | $500 | $500 |
Professional liability insurance for umpires insurance provides coverage in case of professional negligence or errors made while performing their duties. This insurance is essential for umpires who risk facing lawsuits or claims from clients or players in case of a mistake, omission, or error resulting in financial loss or harm. Use the table above to see which insurance company offers the best professional liability insurance for umpires.Â
Professional liability insurance covers costs related to legal defense, settlement, and judgments that arise from claims of professional negligence or errors made while performing their duties.Â
Professional liability insurance for umpires can help in various situations, such as:
A player claims that an umpire's poor decision-making or judgment call caused them to lose a game, and they file a lawsuit
A coach claims that an umpire's lack of attention injured a player, and they file a lawsuit
A league or organization claims that an umpire failed to follow the rules and regulations, causing a financial loss, and they file a lawsuit
Even if your employer provides insurance coverage, it may not cover you in all situations, and it may have limits on coverage amounts. Having your own professional liability insurance can provide additional protection.
Get all the best quotes from leading providers in a click of a button!
