Frequently Asked Questions - Insurance

General Insurance

  1. How do I get an insurance certificate if required?

Contact your Project Specialist and Coordinator to obtain an insurance certificate.

  1. Do we need to insure leased assets, such as those provided by a municipality?

It depends on the terms of the lease or agreement. In many cases, MakeWay may be responsible for insuring leased assets, but you should always refer to the specific contract to confirm insurance obligations.

  1. If project assets are stored at a third-party location and become damaged or lost, whose insurance is responsible?

Responsibility for insurance coverage depends on the terms of the agreement with the third party. It is important to clarify in contracts who holds primary responsibility for insurance in such scenarios.

  1. Are participants covered by our insurance while participating in programming? And, are they covered en route to and from programming?

Participants are not automatically covered as they are not acting on behalf of MakeWay (unlike contractors or volunteers). However, if a participant suffers bodily injury or property damage due to MakeWay’s actions, the policy may respond and provide indemnity if the claim is deemed valid under the policy.

  1. Are volunteers and contractors covered under MakeWay’s liability insurance?

Yes. Volunteers and contractors are covered for third-party liability that may arise from their authorized activities carried out on behalf of MakeWay.

  1. Are employees or volunteers covered during remote work or work-from-home activities?

MakeWay’s liability insurance primarily covers third-party liability. If an incident occurs at a home office (e.g., injury to a guest), the individual’s home insurance would typically be the applicable coverage. Employees and volunteers working remotely should ensure they have appropriate home insurance in place.

  1. What happens to an active insurance claim when a project exits the Shared Platform?

Claims are tied to the policy in place at the time of the incident. If a claim is initiated while the project is under MakeWay's coverage, it remains MakeWay’s responsibility—even if the project later becomes independent.

  1. Do we need to provide storage details for insured project assets and equipment?

Yes. If equipment is considered "mobile," it only needs to be listed as such. However, if assets are stored at a fixed location, the insurer must be informed of the location and COPE details (Construction, Occupancy, Protection, and Exposure) to properly assess risk.

  1. How should we assess insurance needs when working with contractors in remote or high-risk environments?

Projects should rely on the contractor’s insurance as the primary coverage, as they are performing the work and bear the associated risks. Projects should obtain a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from the contractor, ensuring a minimum of $5 million in coverage and listing the project as an additional insured. This ensures adequate protection in case of claims or liability.

  1. When/why might we request that another party add us to their insurance as additionally insured?
  • An additional insured is a third party that is granted liability protection under another entity's insurance policy. This allows the additional insured party to file a claim if they are sued for liability arising from the named insured's operations or products. 
    • For example:
      • A funder may require that MakeWay add them to our insurance policy as an additional insured party when a project is delivering funded programming. This provides liability protection for the funder should any loss occur during or as a result of the project's programming. 
      • A project may request that MakeWay be added as an additionally insured party under a construction contractor's insurance policy. This provides additional protection to the project should any loss occur as a result of the contractor's activities. 
  • Being added to another party's insurance coverage as an additional insured may be recommended or required in the following circumstances:
    • Should a related agreement or contract require it
    • In instances where the work being performed carries risk of loss (eg injury, loss of property, financial loss)

Insurance Asset Renewal

  1. What value should I use when listing assets on the insurance asset renewal sheet, and is there a minimum value for inclusion?

Please note the purchase date/date of receipt of items, and their value at the time of purchase/donation. There is no minimum value for inclusion; however, all assets above $500 should be listed. Items below $500 may also be included at your discretion. We recommend considering your project's financial position, and the costs required to replace item(s) should there be a loss - either a loss of the individual item, or the loss of a collection of items, such as the contents of your office space or materials being transported for programming. Only items owned by your project may be added to the list of assets; please do not include personal items. 

For more information, please see the FY26 Insurance Summary: https://makeway.box.com/s/13bzj8jp4jp78120pkczdvj687v250gm