ADK Insurance FAQ for Chapters

We are pleased to provide you with this summary of questions we have received over the last two months regarding ADK’s insurance and coverage for chapters.  Many thanks to those who have reached out.  We greatly appreciateall the work you are doing and appreciate the conversations. 

Overview 

As ADK leadership has previously shared, the insurance industry has evolved in the last several years, with risk tolerances decreasing across every sector. Nonprofits are not immune to the national constriction of risk management standards, particularly in outdoor recreation. Organizations like ADK, which curate a range of opportunities for engagement and services, are deeply affected.  

Far into the future, ADK must continue to respond to these challenges and do so every year. (You can find more information about these trends online and in articles explaining national issues and solutions such as here and here.) 

After extensive time and research from our staff, we are proud to offer affordable coverage that empowers members to safely explore our public lands and waters. One of the factors that allows ADK to have affordable coverage is ADK’s commitment to safety and risk management along with our on-staff outdoor leadership expertise. 

Frequently Asked Questions about ADK Chapter Insurance 

What trips and outings can Chapters offer? 

ADK chapters are covered for 7 sports: road cycling, mountain biking, hiking from beginning to advanced, backpacking, canoe/kayaking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. There is also a trail clean up and light maintenance coverage as well (see end of document for exclusions). Canoe/kayak programs are limited to flatwater, Class I whitewater, and Class II whitewater only. 

What are the policy limits? 

The Chapter insurance policy is a general liability policy with $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate of coverage. There is accidental medical expense coverage for members only, of $25,000 and accidental death and dismemberment of $5000.  

Are ADK trip leaders covered under this policy? 

Yes, we also carry other member and volunteer policies. 

Is ADK Chapter leadership covered under this policy? 

Yes, we also carry other member, volunteer, and Directors & Officer policies. 

Do we still have to sign waivers? 

Everyone participating must sign the ADK waiver. 

Are members of the general public allowed to participate in ADK chapter events? 

ADK Chapter insurance is meant for ADK members and does not cover the general public.  Nonmembers, who are prospective members of ADK, may participate two times without joining, but after that they must join to participatefurther.   

Chapters should consider options that help participants sign up as members when they register or before the trip. If someone does not join after two visits, please encourage them to join or kindly ask them to wait to sign up for a future trip until after they have joined.  

Please note: Chapters are expected to offer entry-level opportunities that appeal to beginner hikers or other activities specifically designated to attract new members. These trips should welcome a diverse audience and encourageprospective members to join ADK. 

How do we know our chapter event or outing is covered by ADK insurance? 

As long as each event or outing is posted on the calendar (see previous email for more information) and follows the requirements in this email and the Outdoor Leadership Guide (OLG), it is covered. 

When and where does our coverage start and end for each trip or activity? 

As in years past, the new ADK chapter insurance covers our trips and activities from “Trailhead to trailhead.” 

What does it mean when you say Chapter insurance policies? 

ADK found an insurance carrier who specializes in nonprofit club coverage and ADK has purchased 24 insurance policies—one for each Chapter—and they are all identical policies.  ADK will manage and be the point of contact for these policies. 

ADK chapter activities should be aligned with the activities that the ADK parent organization does. This parity between ADK chapters and ADK ensures that any best practices are followed as they are developed by and based on ADK staff expertise. It also ensures that activities are covered under our insurance policy.  This helps further our mission, protect our community and inform future insurance conversations.  

Why can’t Chapters see the insurance policy? 

It is the ADK parent organization’s responsibility to set the standards that comply with the insurance policy. The standards take the form of the OLG and other guidance, such as the new scheduling system. It is highly unusual and nonstandard for a professional, staff-led organization to share its policy with non-staff. Sharing can open an organization to liabilities in several forms. It can also provide a false sense of security through misinterpretation by nonprofessionals or by those seeking to question risk-based decisions that are the purview of staff. Chapter policies are not owned by the Chapters; they are simply additional insurance coverage purchased by ADK on behalf of the organization. ADK staff and leadership are responsible for managing this process and decision making. 

What are the next steps with the Outdoor Leadership Guide? 

Based on many conversations and important feedback, the OLG is being updated. The updates include the new sports being offered with our new Chapter insurance policy, more certification equivalency options, clearer definitions of trips, and other important updates. The draft will be shared with each chapter, and we look forward to hearing feedback.  Please stay tuned for information on that process.  

What happens if our program has special circumstances that are confusing and don’t seem to be covered? Are we insured? 

The best answer is more than likely but, “Let’s talk about it.” Please contact Ray Fusco at ray@adk.org. It’s important to understand all the details around the program—then we can make a decision. In the course of chapter programming conversations, it turns out some special circumstances may exist for unique programming opportunities. 

However, please note: Special circumstances do not include trying to run a program not covered by chapter insurance. 

Is our festival or special multiday event covered? 

More than likely, it is covered. In making the determination, it is important to understand all the details around the program or event. Please contact Ray Fusco at ray@adk.org. The chapter policy is intended to cover the day‐to‐day operations and typical activities of an ADK chapter, such as meetings, chapter trips and outings, trainings, an informational booth about ADK at a local event, or safety clinics.   

Are Chapter Adopt a Road or Road Clean Up events covered? 

Yes. 

Can members travel to and/or participate in a variety of ADK Chapter activities hosted by any chapter? 

Yes. 

Does this insurance cover us in Canada? 

We are covered year-round in the U.S, Canada, and Puerto Rico. 

Are ADK Indoor pool sessions for kayak safety training covered? 

Yes. 

We are confused about the trail design and building exclusions. Can you clarify? 

Trail work is at the heart of ADK’s mission and work. ADK has multiple insurance policies which cover our trail work. Our Chapter coverage is directed more towards our trips and activities but does cover trail clean up and maintenance. It’s important to understand the nuances of each trail maintenance program. The best option would be to talk through the details so, “Let’s talk about it.” Please contact Ray Fusco at ray@adk.org. 

Are there other exclusions related to Trails projects?

Yes, trail design or features and designated operations exclude the following: 

• The designing or building of any trail including, but not limited to, biking or hiking trails; or  

• Design or maintenance of any artificial features, including, but not limited to, steps, or boardwalks, built on trails owned or leased by the insured or any other party, including public or maintenance contractors ; 

• Operation involving the use of all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, wood chippers, and any other powered self-propelled riding unit (other than the insured’s use of owned electronic bikes/e-bikes);  

• Operation of any power machine except non-riding mowers not to exceed 7.5 horsepower, weed eaters and chainsaws not to exceed 61CC. 

What happens if a Chapter wants to plan an indoor rock-climbing event?  Or an indoor skydiving event?  

ADK insurance specifically excludes rock climbing and sky diving, along with many other activities. However, when a Chapter uses a company to facilitate and provide these services for ADK members, as customers, the rock-climbing facility or sky diving facility has insurance, and that insurance would cover those ADK members who are customers of that facility.