TO: ALL SCOUT PARENT(S) OR GUARDIAN(S)

RE: INSURANCE COVERAGE - TROOP 140

Insurance is a topic which many people and groups choose to ignore or tend not to worry about since, as long as things are going alone fine or as long as all are healthy, it is not needed. However, the Troop Committee has decided that insurance is too important not to discuss.

Within the past year, Valley Forge Council has elected to pick up the insurance coverage for the units. We still have to pay for it but we no longer have to renew the policy ourselves. That is done when we re-charter in December. Nevertheless, this coverage is very limited and it amounts to excess coverage (utilized after other coverage is used up. The problem is that more extensive insurance coverage is extremely expensive and, in most cases, all we would be doing is to duplicate already existing coverage.

All parents should be aware that, in the event of an accident or injury, your own personal insurance must provide coverage. Except in special cases where there are no other policies to draw on.

With respect to liability insurance, the Troop does not carry that. Valley Forge Council does carry liability insurance but it is also “excess coverage”, to be utilized only when other primary coverage is exhausted. For the most part, this problem would arise as a result of an automobile accident and in that situation; the driver’s own insurance policy becomes involved. Otherwise, neither the unit nor its leaders carries liability insurance.

The purpose of this information letter is to inform you as to the status of the Troop’s insurance coverage before an accident or injury occurs. We have a proud safety record in this Troop but we have also had our share of injuries and accidents, none of which, fortunately, have been serious or life threatening. But that is not to say we will not or cannot have a problem and in keeping with our motto, the Committee feels it is best to be prepared.

For any parent or guardian who is interested, we would be more than happy to show you our policy and its coverage. However, it is important for us all to know the limitations of that coverage and, for your part, to make the necessary arrangements to provide adequate protection for your son.