National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association NWRA - Insurance

Insurance For a number of years NWRA members have expressed their difficulty in obtaining appropriate insurance coverage for rehabilitation activities at an affordable rate. Over these years the NWRA board has continued to pursue finding affordable insurance that could be available to all wildlife rehabilitators. Finally, a company willing to underwrite the insurance and an insurance agent willing to handle issuance of the policies for wildlife rehabilitators has been found. NWRA is pleased that both The Hartford and Christian Baker Company have come together to formulate an insurance coverage plan with several different options for wildlife rehabilitators, including individuals that operate from their homes. The choices include covering your volunteers, loss of income due to an accident, liability insurance for an accident that involves the public, and, if desired, even health insurance options—all at prices that are very competitive. A unique aspect of this offer is coverage for individual rehabilitators operating from their homes who are not incorporated nor have nonprofit status. Your wildlife rehabilitation activities are not covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy. Because having wild animals on your premises is not part of normal home activities, insurers view it as a "home business." The Hartford insurance program is designed specifically for wildlife rehabilitators. If you need liability, property, or medical insurance coverage, give Christian Baker a call to discuss your needs and answer your questions. Please note the following to understand the role NWRA holds in connection with this insurance offer: NWRA does not receive any funds or compensation in goods or benefits as a result of this offer; nor does NWRA receive any compensation as a result of member participation and/or enrollment through this offer. NWRA is not exclusively endorsing or recommending The Hartford or Christian Baker Company. All requirements outlined for participation or enrollment in this offer are set by The Hartford and/or Christian Baker Company, including the requirement that an individual or organization be a member of NWRA to participate. NWRA has no involvement or input on the insurance coverage offered, nor input on who may be covered or who may be declined. NWRA has no control or input on fees charged for coverage, amendments or riders to coverage, policy changes, coverage changes, cancellation of policies, or any other aspect of this offer or insurance that may be issued. The only role NWRA will play in connection with this offer is to verify annual membership in NWRA for any individual or organization applying for the insurance coverage. NWRA would continue to verify membership in the future as policy renewals occur. Click here to view the flyer. NWRA Insurance program is “big success” Fall, 2008 In November 2007 the NWRA executive committee met with representatives of Christian Baker Co. to talk about providing an insurance program for wildlife rehabilitators. At that meeting, Christian Baker Co. representatives Jim Pace and Bob Creason gathered input from the committee on what was needed to support wildlife rehabilitators with insurance coverage. The need for “reasonable” prices and “broad” availability was emphasized. An informational flyer was included in the Winter 2008 NWRA newsletter announcing the insurance program, and some preliminary information was distributed to members. During the annual meeting in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, NWRA Insurance Program representatives were available to answer questions, provide quotes, and even issue coverage to wildlife rehabilitators. About 50 NWRA members were provided quotes for their rehabilitation operations and to date many, if not most, have been issued coverage. This member’s only program will allow wildlife rehabilitators to protect themselves against many of the problems that previously made it difficult to obtain proper coverage. Amazingly, rehabilitators that have current coverage were surprised to obtain better coverage for a lot less cost. NWRA president, Lessie Davis, informed us that she is very pleased this coverage has been made available to members; we look forward to many years of continued help for our membership. Katherine Uhler of Pocono Wildlife Rehab and Education Center said, “He (Jim Pace) does understand our needs, works with every aspect of insurance and custom-tailors coverage for the budget of your facility.” She also said, “On top of all that, I now have more comprehensive coverage than I ever had and saved THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS this year.” Jennifer Gordon from Carolina Waterfowl Rescue said, “I had been searching for an insurance program for several years that meets the needs of rehabilitators. The NWRA program was not only the best coverage, but the best price as well.” She went on to say, “The service with Jim and his agency has been great. They are very knowledgeable about our industry and are quick to respond to our questions and concerns.” Mark Heth from Georgia was tickled to learn that the NWRA Insurance Program protects his small, part-time, home based work, not just the large non-profit centers. If you have any questions about the NWRA Insurance Program contact the NWRA Central office or Jim Pace at Christian Baker Co. at 717-761-4712 or by email: jimp@buybestins.com