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.
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.
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:
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.
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!
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.
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I have found my Account Manager to be extremely helpful and to always have my best interest at heart. She is excellent to work with!
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I have been a long time client of HCP for professional liability insurance for my practice. My account manager has always been punctual, diligent in pricing us out to market, and efficient in handling all of our year end paperwork and changes to coverage levels. I would recommend them to all doctors.
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