Sexual Abuse & Molestation (SAM)
Insurance Coverage

Illicit sexual activities pose a high-risk workplace safety concern, especially where minors and vulnerable adults are involved. In addition, sexual abuse and molestation claims present a serious liability challenge. Defending against sexual misconduct claims can be costly – even if the allegations are unfounded. Businesses, non-profits, healthcare providers, and contractors can manage this risk by purchasing Sexual Abuse & Molestation Insurance (or SAM coverage) – also known as Sexual Molestation Liability Insurance (or SML coverage). 

In recent years, sexual abuse claims have increased in frequency and extremity, making Sexual Abuse & Molestation insurance more necessary, but more challenging, to obtain. 

HCP National has experience in this area, assisting all types of organizations, healthcare providers, and contractors to obtain affordable, comprehensive SAM insurance and excess coverage.

NOTE: SAM/SML minimum annual premiums can start at $4,000 per year. We can provide financing. We do not offer short-term or event policies. 

What is SAM Coverage?

Sexual Abuse and Molestation (SAM) insurance coverage is often also referred to as Sexual Molestation Liability (SML) insurance coverage.

Sexual Molestation Liability insurance can provide protection for claims of sexual abuse made against a policyholder and a policyholder’s employees. Claims that may arise – whether true or false – can be related to abusive behaviors committed by the insured (and/or the insured’s employees), but also can involve a failure to supervise when inappropriate behavior occurs.

Other claims that an SAM/SML policy might cover include failure to investigate allegations of sexual harassment, misconduct, molestation, or abuse, as well as negligent employment.

Some commercial general liability policies include this coverage, but it is also becoming common for insurers to offer Sexual Abuse & Molestation insurance coverage as a standalone policy.

Excess SAM Coverage

If you already hold a policy with SAM coverage but require excess SAM coverage, some carriers can provide this.

For example, if an insured holds a Professional Liability/General Liability policy with a SAM sub-limit, or if they carry $1M/1M in sex abuse and need $2M to satisfy a contract, some markets can write an excess policy above that to satisfy the insured’s contract requirements.

SAM Coverage for Contractors​​

In order to protect themselves from contractors’ misconduct, more and more organizations are requiring contractors to acquire SAM/SML coverage prior to hiring them. This especially applies to contractors who work directly with children and other vulnerable individuals – or who work near or on the same premises as those at-risk individuals.

Industries Eligible to Purchase SAM Coverage ​

The following industries may be covered by an SAM/SML policy:

  • Organizations or contractors purchasing coverage to fulfill contractual requirements
  • Healthcare providers and organizations, such as doctors, psychiatrists, medical offices, medical clinics, etc.
  • Social work and social services
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Transportation providers
  • Leisure providers/facilities
  • Schools and educational institutions
  • Religious institutions
  • Youth sports teams and organizations

Other industries not listed above may also be eligible for coverage.

Ready to get started? We’ll help you find the best sexual abuse and molestation coverage options to suit your requirements and budget.

Request your quote now.

Purchase Molestation & Sexual Abuse Coverage

If you or your organization needs to acquire Sexual Abuse & Molestation Insurance, HCP National can help you find the best coverage for your situation at the lowest cost.

Founded in 1994, HCP National Insurance Services, Inc. (HCP) is the largest independent insurance agency in the country that’s led and owned by a certified minority woman (WBENC & MBE). We offer all lines of commercial insurance, from Sexual Abuse Molestation Insurance (SAM or SML), General Liability, Medical Malpractice, and Professional Liability, to Workers’ Compensation, E&O, and D&O. Get your quote now!

Examples of SAM Coverage Claims

The below are fictitious but potential examples of sexual abuse and molestation claims that could be brought against organizations and/or contractors and covered by a SAM/SML policy. Claims may arise from actual or threatened abuse.

  • Social services: A molestation lawsuit was brought against a young girls’ home by a child who was in their care. This claim led to the closure of the home.
  • Healthcare: A family medicine doctor was convicted of molestation of several young patients in a suit brought against the doctor and the employer (a hospital).
  • Leisure: A baseball coach was convicted of sexual abuse involving two adolescent players.
  • Religious organization: A Jewish sports camp faced a lawsuit that a coach abused young male children who attended the camp.
  • Transportation: A school bus driver was accused by a school teacher of inappropriately touching young student passengers.
  • Educational institution: A school district settled a claim against a male teacher who allegedly abused six elementary school students over 3 years.
  • Youth sports organization: A sexual abuse lawsuit was brought against a nationwide youth soccer organization due to the actions of a coach. 

General Liability Policies with Sexual Abuse & Molestation Exclusions

If your current general liability policy excludes sexual abuse and molestation coverage, we can help you acquire standalone SAM coverage, or a comprehensive general liability policy.

If your business has a Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loan, your general liability policy must not exclude molestation coverage, assault, or battery. If your business is affected by these new requirements, get in touch today. We can help you get the coverage you need!

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Since 1994 – HCP’s top priority is finding clients the best possible coverage and terms at the lowest possible cost. HCP is a certified diverse (MBE & WBENC) insurance brokerage.

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