Sigma Nu Insurance Program

The latter is where the Fraternity’s insurance program comes into play. Hopefully, many of you reading this article will not have to work through an insurance claim. However, much like driving safely does not guarantee you will not get into an accident, implementation of sound loss prevention strategies, like conducting events in compliance with the Fraternity’s Risk Reduction Policy, does not guarantee an accident will not occur. Should something happen, the Fraternity’s insurance program is in place to provide coverage for the defense of a claim (subject to policy provisions) and, if applicable, provide funds to resolve the claim.  

Here are five things you should know about Sigma Nu’s insurance program: 

1. Coverage is restricted to events and activities conducted in compliance with the Fraternity’s Risk Reduction Policy and The Law of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc. – all insurance policies have certain exclusions that limit coverage. Sigma Nu’s general liability policy includes an exclusion that limits coverage to only events and activities that comply with Fraternity policy and law. If an event or activity violates Fraternity policy and/or law, the insurance carrier could deny coverage for any claims arising from that event or activity. 

2. Member Accident Protection Policy (MAPP) – did you know that as a collegiate member in good standing you have access to a no-fault, med-pay policy called MAPP? This means that, if you should have an accident while in college, MAPP can help pay for out-of-pocket expenses associated with that accident (e.g. deductible, co-pay) up to the MAPP policy limit. MAPP does NOT replace the member’s primary health insurance.  

3. Incident Happens à Report Immediately – even if no injury is immediately diagnosed, if an incident occurs at the chapter facility or at a chapter event, report the matter immediately to the General Fraternity by either calling the main office line at (540) 463-1869 or submitting an Incident Report Form. It is important, to be honest and transparent in reporting what occurred. 

4. Additional Insured Requests – your chapter is likely to receive a request to add the host institution and/or a vendor associated with a chapter event to the Fraternity’s liability insurance policy. This is a common request. Please forward any such request, along with the contract, relationship statement, or other applicable agreement denoting the insurance requirements, to Fred Dobry, Director of Health and Safety. Note, the contract or agreement should be forwarded to Fred for review PRIOR to signing. 

5. The national insurance program does not include property insurance or Workers Compensation Coverage – if the chapter facility is owned by an alumni house corporation, they need to understand the need to secure property insurance as such insurance is not included in the Fraternity’s general liability insurance program. Additionally, in situations where the house corporation or chapter has an employee (e.g. live-in advisor, house cook), most states require a minimum amount of Workers Compensation Coverage be in place. This coverage is also not provided through the Fraternity’s general liability insurance program. Holmes Murphy, leading insurance broker for many men’s fraternities, including Sigma Nu, can assist in securing cost-effective options for both policies. 

The above information is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace or supersede the actual insurance contract.