Group Liability Insurance

CDSS offers our affiliate groups the opportunity to participate in our Group General Liability Insurance Policy underwritten by Philadelphia Insurance.

What it Covers

What It Covers

This is a general commercial liability policy. It is not accident insurance. Liability insurance is for when you are sued, and negligence of some sort on the part of the group has to be proven.

Coverage is $2,000,000 per occurrence, with an aggregate limit of $4,000,000 for the policy; Directors and Officers (D&O) insurance and terrorism coverage are not included.

How it Works

How It Works

The insurance year runs May 1, 2020 – April 30, 2021.

The premium is $585, $685, $785, or $885 for full year coverage (including Affiliate Membership dues), depending on how many events you are covering, or $65 per calendar day. Neither fee is refundable after your coverage begins.

Venues can be listed as "additional insured." There is no longer a cost associated with this. The purpose of "additional insured" is coverage for the hall or site and is not necessary unless the hall owner requests it, i.e., if they want the hall's name on the certificate of insurance. Some places insist on this; others don't.

Please allow two weeks for processing your application. If you require a certificate sooner than that, please let us know. Certificates of insurance will be forwarded as soon as we receive them from our insurance agent.

COVID-19 Info

Special COVID-19 Insurance Statement

Download this statement as a PDF

Does the CDSS Liability Insurance Policy offer coverage for COVID-19-related claims?

Potentially. There is not an exclusion in our policy which would specifically prevent compensation for a COVID-19-related claim i.e. a claim could be submitted for compensation of a COVID-19-related suit. However, there are a number of factors that need to be taken into consideration.

First, keep in mind this is a general liability policy. It provides compensation in the case of a lawsuit brought against your group. To file a claim, an attendee to one of your events would need to sue you for damages related to contracting COVID-19 and prove a.) that it was contracted at one of your events and b.) due to negligence on your part.

In the case that this occurred, a claim could be submitted to the policy underwriter - Philadelphia Insurance, who would review the claim and determine compensation.

We have been advised by our insurance agency that holding an event in defiance of local, state, or federal guidance/regulations is not advisable and would likely result in a claim being denied.

This is a unique situation, not only for us as groups and individuals, but for insurance companies. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to give a definitive answer because each case will be unique and is reviewed on an individual basis.

Groups seeking further guidance are encouraged to speak with a lawyer who understands these issues and can comment on the specific hypothetical in question.

Are virtual events covered?

Yes! As long as they are essentially the same as other events you would be holding (dancing led or taught by an instructor/caller). As usual, filing a claim would require someone who attended your online event to sue and prove your negligence.

Are regular events covered?

CDSS is recommending you not hold in-person events due to COVID-19, but such events are covered by our insurance policy as they usually are. Claims related to COVID-19, however, are likely to be denied if events are held in defiance of local, state, or federal guidelines - see above.

Should we have people sign waivers when we begin dancing again?

Some insurers require waivers for certain activities; ours does not. A waiver won’t prevent you from being sued, but may provide additional protection if you are. Again, it may be worth consulting with a lawyer to discuss your particular situation if you feel it’s necessary.

New and Noteworthy

Online Programs

Winter Family Gathering, Feb. 13-14
Join Abby Ladin and friends for a multi-part family gathering filled with music, dance, and song. Learn more or register now!

Contra Pulse

Sit down and chat with some contra dance luminaries through the Contra Pulse podcast. This episode, Julie speaks with true contra renaissance man Nils Fredland – trombone player for Elixir and other bands, Revels North artistic director, as well as a singer, Waldorf teacher, and caller extraordinaire.

Dance It Yourself!

This multigenerational dance video series helps teachers, students, and families dance at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dance along with us—and dance it yourself!

January 2021 Song of the Month

Arthur Knevett shares a rare Child ballad with a (mostly) happy ending: the story of "Lord Bateman" and brave Sophia, who freed him from prison.

Winter 2020 CDSS News

This season's issue is now available to read as PDFs or view as a flipbook.

Cultural Equity Task Group Nominations Now Open

CDSS is seeking Advisors and a Group Facilitator for our new Cultural Equity Advisory Group. Read the job description and find out how to apply.

CDSS Grants Available

Now accepting grant applications for funding equity and anti-racism training, publishing instructional materials, and related endeavors. Check out our grant guidelines and application, and email us with questions.