Violent events at schools used to be rare. Today, they’re an all-too-common news story. According to the Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, Inc., since 2013, 185 school shootings have occurred in the U.S.—an average of nearly one a week.

If you are an insurance agent or broker working with a private, charter or religious school or a public school district, you should make certain considerations when marketing property-casualty insurance programs to your clients.

From a risk management perspective, look for a program or carrier partner that can help with tools and solutions to avoid or prevent violent events from occurring, or to minimize their potential adverse impact. A specialty program focused on educational institutions should have the ability to conduct risk management visits, assess the institution’s physical facilities and assist with response plans and other critical items.

While traditional risk management practices typically include metal detectors, cameras, security access, random searches, secure areas and more, many educational institutions have begun considering arming teachers and administrators.

It’s a contentious issue, but regardless of where you stand on it, check whether your insurance program offers coverage in the event that the school chooses this route. Some policies may not provide liability coverage in the event of a suit against the school for damages or unintended consequences from the use of force, whether to terminate a violent event or not.

Beyond risk management issues of avoidance and prevention, look closely at the terms and conditions of the insurance policy which may be written on a business income and extra expense coverage form. Closely review areas including, but not limited to:

• What is the definition of a “violent event?” Some policies may not respond unless a specified number of individuals are injured or killed. This could be a significant limitation the insured would need to fully understand before choosing.
• What is the limit of insurance for a violent event?
• Does the policy include additional violent event expense limits per person?
• Is there an additional violent event expense limit aggregate?
• Is there any coverage for injured or affected parties other than students and employees, such as parents, volunteers or speakers who may have been at the school during the event?

Also, determine what types of expenses the policy covers. Considerations include: first aid or emergency medical care; ambulance, hospital, surgical, X-ray and other medical services; fees to public relations firms; fees for independent security firms; professional counseling services; additional transportation costs; and funeral expenses. Does the coverage extend beyond the date of the event and, if so, when does it terminate? Is there a time limit of days post-event, or does coverage extend to the date when the premises is restored to its functional level before the violent event occurred and those present have received necessary medical treatment?

As agents and brokers, we should seek coverage options to share with and explain to our educational institution clients and prospects. While we will never be comfortable with violence occurring in schools, we can and should prepare to address these types of risk management issues and coverage concerns.

Mark McCrary is president of Glatfelter Public Practice, a division of Glatfelter Insurance Group.