Does My Daycare Insurance Cover Injuries to Children or Staff?

Operating a daycare in Massachusetts comes with great responsibility. From nurturing young minds to maintaining a safe environment, your daycare plays a vital role in the lives of families. However, accidents can happen, even in the most well-run childcare centers. That’s where daycare insurance comes into play.

At Feingold Companies, we understand that as a daycare owner, you want to ensure you’re properly covered if a child gets hurt or a staff member is injured. But what exactly does daycare insurance include? And how do injury-related claims factor into your coverage?

Here’s a closer look at how daycare insurance can help protect your Massachusetts childcare business and what to consider when it comes to injuries.

Does Daycare Insurance Typically Cover Injuries to Children?

Daycare insurance policies may offer liability protection for injuries involving children, but the specifics can depend on your individual policy. General liability insurance, which is a foundational part of most daycare insurance programs, is often designed to respond to claims that a child was hurt while under your care.

This coverage might help with medical expenses, legal defense costs, and settlements if a parent or guardian alleges negligence. For example, if a child trips over a toy and breaks a bone, your liability policy may offer support depending on the circumstances and the terms of your policy.

However, it’s important to understand that insurance companies often assess how the injury occurred and whether all safety protocols were followed. In Massachusetts, regulatory compliance with the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) can also be a factor in determining how claims are handled.

What About Accidents That Happen During Outdoor Play or Field Trips?

Activities like outdoor play or off-site excursions are often highlights of a child’s daycare experience. They’re also moments when injuries are more likely to occur.

Some daycare insurance policies may extend coverage to incidents that happen during supervised outdoor play or field trips, but these types of claims can be more complex. If your policy includes general liability or even supplemental accident medical insurance, it might offer support for certain incidents, provided the daycare exercised reasonable care and supervision.

However, not all policies automatically cover off-premises activities. If your Massachusetts daycare regularly conducts field trips, it’s worth reviewing your policy or discussing options with a licensed insurance advisor, such as our team at Feingold Companies, to understand what’s included and what additional coverage might be needed.

Are Staff Member Injuries Covered Under Daycare Insurance?

Injuries to daycare employees generally fall under workers’ compensation insurance rather than general liability. In Massachusetts, workers’ comp is legally required for businesses with employees, including childcare providers.

If a staff member suffers a work-related injury, say, lifting a child or slipping on a wet floor, workers’ compensation insurance is typically designed to help cover medical costs, lost wages, and rehabilitation expenses.

It’s important to note that general liability coverage usually doesn’t apply to employees. So if you’re relying on liability insurance alone, you may not have coverage for injuries to your daycare staff.

Feingold Companies can help Massachusetts daycare centers ensure their workers’ compensation coverage is in place and meets state guidelines.

Can I Add Additional Protections for Accidents or Medical Payments?

Many daycare operators choose to add medical payments coverage to their policy. This type of insurance may offer limited, no-fault medical expense reimbursement for minor injuries, regardless of who was at fault.

Medical payments coverage is not a substitute for liability insurance, but it can serve as a goodwill gesture that helps cover minor injuries without a lengthy legal process. For example, if a child suffers a small cut or bump that requires a quick visit to urgent care, this coverage might help pay for the bill up to a specific limit.

Another option Massachusetts daycare owners might consider is an accident medical insurance rider. This specialized coverage can offer added protection in the event of a more serious injury to a child during daycare hours or sponsored activities.

What If a Parent or Staff Member Files a Lawsuit?

If a parent or employee believes negligence played a role in an injury and files a lawsuit, your daycare insurance policy may provide defense and settlement support. Liability coverage is often the component that responds to legal actions stemming from bodily injury claims.

However, legal protection depends on the type of insurance you have and whether the incident falls within the scope of your policy. Having professional liability or abuse and molestation coverage in addition to general liability may offer further protection for situations involving allegations of misconduct or failure to provide a safe environment.

Since each Massachusetts daycare faces unique exposures, a tailored insurance strategy, one that includes layers of protection, is often the most effective approach.

How Can I Be Sure My Daycare in Massachusetts Has the Right Coverage?

The best way to know whether your daycare insurance covers injuries to children or staff is to review your policy with an experienced agent. At Feingold Companies, we specialize in helping daycare owners across Massachusetts identify potential coverage gaps and recommend solutions that align with their operations.

We understand the importance of clear, customized insurance, especially in a childcare setting where the well-being of others is your top priority.

Ready to Review Your Daycare Insurance Plan?

Feingold Companies has been serving Massachusetts businesses for decades, providing personalized insurance solutions that reflect the needs of each client. If you run a daycare, preschool, or early learning center, we can help ensure your insurance works as hard as you do.

Whether you need to update your liability coverage, add workers’ compensation, or explore medical payment options, we’re here to help. Let’s protect what matters most: your business, your team, and the children in your care.

Contact us today to schedule a policy review or speak with one of our daycare insurance specialists.