Does General Liability Cover Volunteers?

Some CGL forms include volunteers within the definition of an insured when they perform duties related to the organization’s business, but this is not universal across policyholders and forms. The ISO specimen’s insured definitions vary by entity type and role; confirm how your policy treats volunteer workers. A volunteer could also be injured while working, which raises a different question than a third party claiming the volunteer caused injury or damage.

Nonprofits and event operators should ask the insurer to confirm volunteer status in writing and describe the activities performed, including driving, handling equipment, food service, or supervising participants. Check whether volunteers are insured only while acting within assigned duties, whether auto or employee-like exclusions apply, and what accident or workers’ compensation arrangements exist. Review the declarations, insured definitions, and endorsements rather than relying on the general phrase “general liability coverage.”