Abuse & Molestation Insurance
Abuse & molestation (SAM) coverage responds to the most severe and reputation-ending exposure in youth sports: claims that a coach, volunteer, or staff member abused a minor. It's increasingly required, and standard liability policies frequently exclude it.
Abuse & Molestation Coverage for Youth Sports
Any organization that puts adults in positions of trust and access with children carries abuse and molestation exposure. It is the most serious risk in youth sports — devastating to victims, and capable of ending an organization through both the claim and the reputational fallout. Abuse & molestation (SAM) coverage is the policy built to respond, and most general liability policies now exclude this exposure entirely.
What It Covers
- Abuse & molestation claims: Allegations involving coaches, volunteers, or staff and a minor
- Defense costs: Legal defense, which is substantial even for contested claims
- Third-party liability: Claims that the organization failed to prevent abuse
- Negligent hiring & supervision: Allegations of inadequate screening or oversight
Why a Standard Policy Won't Respond
Because abuse claims are so severe, most general liability policies carry a flat abuse & molestation exclusion. An organization relying on GL alone is almost always uncovered for the exact claim that can end it. SAM coverage closes that gap.
Risk Management Goes Hand in Hand
Coverage pairs with prevention: background checks on all coaches and volunteers, two-deep leadership policies, and documented training. We help you align your screening practices with carrier requirements so you qualify for coverage and reduce the risk in the first place.
What's Covered
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost never. Because these claims are so severe, most general liability policies carry a flat abuse & molestation exclusion. Youth sports organizations need a dedicated SAM policy — relying on GL leaves your most serious exposure uncovered.
Carriers increasingly require background screening on coaches and volunteers, plus basic safety protocols, to write abuse & molestation coverage. We help align your practices with carrier requirements so you qualify and reduce the underlying risk.