The exclusion most organizations miss.
Coverage for abuse and molestation claims, which many general liability policies exclude or limit, for organizations that serve children and vulnerable adults.
Quick answer Abuse and molestation insurance is coverage for abuse and molestation claims, which many general liability policies exclude or limit, for organizations whose staff or volunteers serve children and vulnerable adults.
- Many general liability policies exclude abuse and molestation claims entirely or cap them at a low sublimit, and organizations often learn this only when a claim arrives.
- Abuse and molestation coverage is needed by any organization where staff or volunteers work with children or vulnerable adults, such as schools, daycares, churches, camps, youth sports, care providers and nonprofits.
- Abuse and molestation liability can be placed as an endorsement or as a separate policy, depending on the organization.
- California gives survivors of childhood sexual abuse much longer to bring claims than in the past, so organizations need coverage that fits.
- Carriers writing abuse and molestation coverage look for background checks, training, written policies, and rules that keep one adult from being alone with a child.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
General liability often excludes it
Many general liability policies exclude abuse and molestation claims entirely, or cap them at a low sublimit. Organizations often learn this only when a claim arrives.
California gives survivors of childhood sexual abuse much longer to bring claims than in the past, so organizations need coverage that fits. I place abuse and molestation liability as an endorsement or a separate policy, depending on the organization.
- Dedicated limitA real limit, not a small sublimit.
- Who's coveredStaff, volunteers and the organization.
- DefenseLegal defense costs, and whether they reduce the limit.
- Claims-made or occurrenceHow the policy responds to older claims.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Organization: type and what you do.
- Who you serve: minors, vulnerable adults or both.
- People: number of staff and volunteers.
- Screening: background checks and training.
- Policies: written abuse prevention procedures.
- Current coverage: your general liability policy and any abuse sublimit.
Abuse and molestation liability, answered
Doesn't my general liability cover abuse claims?
Often not. Many policies exclude abuse and molestation or limit it to a small sublimit. Check your policy's exclusions, or send it to me and I'll check.
Who needs this coverage?
Any organization where staff or volunteers work with children or vulnerable adults: schools, daycares, churches, camps, youth sports, care providers and nonprofits.
What do carriers look for?
Background checks, training, written policies, and rules that keep one adult from being alone with a child.
Is it expensive?
It depends on who you serve and your controls. Strong screening and written procedures help.
Do you offer abuse and molestation liability insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Send your current policy. I'll check the gap.
Your organization type, who you serve and your current policy are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued. Some policies may be placed with nonadmitted (surplus lines) insurers, which are not members of the California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA).
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. I review every request personally and call you back, usually the same day.
(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
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Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.