Learning Pod…

…Should I worry about liability?

For some, virtual learning has become the only option. To allow these children to have a social school year, some parents are starting learning pods. These pods would meet in one home together to be supervised by a parent or tutor to learn their lessons together, as they would in the classroom.

This scenario now has introduced more people into your home and has increased your liability.

If this is now your reality, here are some questions to ask yourself:

Q: Would homeowners insurance cover the children in my learning pod?
A: The answer is probably no. Such policies have exclusions for business pursuits, and that includes formal daycare arrangements such as this.

If your homeowners policy is not applicable, you may turn to an umbrella policy or add a rider to your homeowners policy.

Either way, you will need to pay for learning pod coverage.
Note: Insurers may exclude COVID no matter what.

Q: If COVID is excluded why would I want to add an umbrella or rider policy?
A: As supervising/hosting parents you would be liable for any negligently-caused harms.— Accidents happen, whether it is a slipping on a wet floor, tripping down the stairs, breaking an arm on the trampoline… you as the homeowner would be liable.

Q: Should I look at adding coverage to my homeowners insurance policy?
A: Absolutely. You need to make sure your homeowners policies will at least cover accidents involving the pod children. This could be an umbrella policy or adding a rider to your homeowners policy.

If you are hosting a learning pod, please reach out and have a discussion with your insurance agent to make sure you have the coverage you need.