Coverage
Abuse & Molestation
Covers allegations of abuse or misconduct by staff, which are excluded from most liability policies yet often required for in-home and pediatric care.
In plain language
Most general and professional liability policies exclude claims alleging physical, sexual or emotional abuse. For agencies whose caregivers work one-on-one with seniors, homebound patients, hospice patients and people with disabilities in private homes, that exclusion leaves a serious gap.
Abuse & molestation (A&M) coverage fills it. It defends your organization against allegations of abuse by an employee or volunteer and claims that you were negligent in hiring, supervising or screening that person.
These claims can surface years after the fact, so how the coverage is written (occurrence vs. claims-made, and the limit available) deserves close attention.
Typically covers
- Defense of abuse or molestation allegations against the organization
- Negligent hiring, screening and supervision claims
- Settlements and judgments up to the A&M limit
- Coverage for the organization when an employee is accused (not the perpetrator)
Usually not covered
- The individual who committed the act
- Claims from incidents before the retroactive date (claims-made forms)
Coverage depends on the policy form, endorsements and exclusions. We confirm the details in writing before you buy.
What contracts usually require
By industry
Who we place abuse & molestation for
FAQ
Abuse & Molestation questions
Does my general liability policy cover abuse and molestation claims?
In the vast majority of cases, no. These claims are explicitly excluded from standard general liability.
Does my professional liability policy cover abuse claims?
Most professional liability policies don't cover intentional acts of abuse. Some add limited coverage by endorsement, but terms and limits vary widely by carrier.
Endorsement or standalone policy: what's the difference?
An endorsement adds coverage to an existing policy, usually with a low sublimit. A standalone policy provides dedicated limits for abuse claims. For in-home care, a standalone policy with meaningful limits is generally better than a small sublimit that defense costs alone can use up.
How much coverage does my agency need?
Most agencies should carry at least $1 million per occurrence. Agencies in Washington or California, or with large patient populations, should consider more. Sublimits of $100,000 to $250,000 often aren't enough for claims that go through long litigation.
What if the allegation is unfounded?
You still have to respond and may have to defend a lawsuit. Abuse and molestation coverage pays your defense costs regardless of the outcome.
Are financial abuse claims covered?
Typically, yes. Abuse and molestation policies usually cover financial exploitation as well as physical and sexual abuse.
Does coverage extend to independent contractor caregivers?
It depends on the wording. Some policies cover claims involving any caregiver the agency places; others cover employees only. Confirm this before you buy.
Will our agency lose its license if an abuse claim is filed?
Not automatically, but a claim can trigger a licensing review. How your agency responds and documents its response matters a great deal.
Learn more
Related guides
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