Fall brings a wave of local festivals, fundraisers, school carnivals, church events, and holiday prep—and with it, a surge in seasonal help and volunteers. Whether you run a nonprofit, small business, or community program, bringing in extra hands is often essential. But is your insurance ready?
At ABQ Insurance, we help small business owners, event organizers, and faith-based organizations make sure their seasonal operations are covered. Let’s break down the key insurance considerations when you add temporary help to your team.
🧡 Volunteers vs. Seasonal Employees: What’s the Difference?
Before we talk coverage, it’s important to know the distinction:
Volunteers typically help without pay, often at churches, shelters, or community events.
Seasonal employees are paid and may be part-time or temporary—like fall event staff, holiday help in retail, or part-time food truck assistants.
These roles may seem casual—but accidents, injuries, or liability issues can still occur. Without the right coverage in place, your organization could be exposed.
What Insurance Do You Need?
1. General Liability Insurance
This is essential for all organizations with foot traffic, events, or outside help. It protects against:
Bodily injury (e.g., a volunteer falls at your event)
Property damage (e.g., someone knocks over rented equipment)
Legal fees if someone sues
If you’re relying on your homeowners policy to cover event-related activities, be aware: most home insurance does not cover business or nonprofit operations. If you’re searching for a homeowners insurance quote Albuquerque NM policyholders can trust, we can help you understand the limitations—and the commercial add-ons available.
2. Workers’ Compensation (if applicable)
If you hire seasonal employees (even temporarily), you may be legally required to carry workers’ comp. This covers medical bills and lost wages in case of injury on the job.
Volunteer coverage varies by state and policy—some commercial policies can extend protection for unpaid workers. We’ll help you navigate those details.
3. Commercial Auto Insurance
If your staff or volunteers use a vehicle—yours or their own—to transport people, equipment, or supplies, personal auto insurance likely won’t be enough. A commercial policy or hired and non-owned auto (HNOA) endorsement is often necessary.
4. Event Insurance
Hosting a fall event? Special event insurance can protect against:
Vendor cancellations
Event-related liability
Weather-related disruptions
Injuries or accidents involving guests or workers
📁 Pro Tip: Keep a Paper Trail
Have all volunteers and seasonal staff sign waivers or acknowledgment forms
Keep copies of all insurance policies easily accessible
Store digital backups in the cloud and share them with key team members
✅ Final Thoughts
Bringing people together—whether to serve the community or boost your business—is something to celebrate. But protecting your mission, your guests, and your team? That’s where smart insurance planning comes in.
Let ABQ Insurance help you prepare for a successful, stress-free season. Whether you need general liability, event protection, or a homeowners insurance quote Albuquerque NM small business owners can build on—we’ve got you covered.
Contact us today to make sure your fall plans are fully protected! 505-217-2100
