Workers Comp Insurance: Do You Need It for Your Volunteers?

While volunteers are the lifeblood of many institutions, their work is often taken for granted. Whether they’re helping out in a school classroom, stocking shelves at a food bank, or visiting elderly residents in a nursing home, volunteers make a huge impact in their communities.

But what happens if one of these volunteers gets injured while performing their duties? Do they have worker’s compensation insurance?

Workers’ Compensation General Rule

Under the general rule, if a worker is injured while performing their duties, the employer is liable for workers’ compensation benefits regardless of fault. This includes volunteers who are considered employees under the law.

To be considered an employee, a person must perform work for an employer and receive compensation for their services.

So if a volunteer isn’t receiving any type of payment — monetary or otherwise — from the organization they’re volunteering for, they wouldn’t be considered an employee under the law.

Organizations that Don’t Need to Provide Workers’ Comp for Volunteers

If your organization falls under certain categories, you may not be required to provide workers’ compensation insurance for your volunteers. These categories include:

• Religious organizations
• Political subdivisions of the state
• Nonprofits with fewer than four employees
• Organizations that use volunteers only for special events that last no more than three days

As you can see, there are a few exceptions to the rule.

Does Your Volunteer Need Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

If you’re uncertain whether your organization needs to provide workers’ compensation insurance for volunteers, contact your state’s workers’ compensation board or insurance companies in Tallahassee.

You may also speak with a Florida insurance agency specializing in worker’s compensation insurance.

No matter what, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and ensure your volunteers are properly protected in case of an injury.

After all, they’re the ones who make your organization run smoothly day in and day out.

Insurance Companies in Tallahassee

If you’re looking for insurance companies in Tallahassee, take your time and shop around. There are many options out there, so you’ll want to ensure you find the right one for your needs.

Some things to keep in mind include:

• The size of your organization
• The type of work your volunteers do
• Your budget

Once you’ve found a few insurance companies that fit your business needs, compare quotes and coverage options to find the best deal.

The Bottom Line

If you have volunteers, ensure they’re properly protected with workers’ compensation insurance. It’s the best way to keep your organization running smoothly — and your volunteers safe.