In today’s litigious society, the responsibilities and risks associated with serving on an HOA board have escalated. Just one lawsuit can not only drain the HOA’s financial resources but also put the personal assets of board members at risk. This brings us to the question about directors and officers (D&O) insurance: Is D&O insurance for HOA boards just an option or a necessity?
The Underestimated Importance of D&O Insurance
Many HOA boards operate under the assumption that their community is too tight-knit to ever face legal issues. This mindset can lead to catastrophic outcomes. HOA D&O insurance serves as a safety net, offering protection against a myriad of legal challenges that could otherwise result in financial ruin for board members.
What Does D&O Insurance Cover?
D&O insurance for homeowners associations doesn’t just cover the board members. Comprehensive policies extend coverage to volunteers, managers, and even spouses of board members. This wide-ranging protection can be invaluable, especially when you consider that claims aren’t always monetary. Many claims are non-monetary and pertain to issues like architectural controls, board member appointments, and community restrictions.
Tips for Selecting the Right Policy
When it comes to choosing D and O insurance for HOA, it’s crucial to consider the unique needs of your association. Here are some quick tips:
- Know Your Risks: Understand the specific challenges your HOA board might face. This will help you select a policy that offers the most comprehensive coverage.
- Who’s Covered: Make sure the policy extends beyond just the board members.
- Monetary and Non-Monetary Claims: Opt for a policy that covers both types of claims.
- Don’t Go by Name Alone: Big names in insurance don’t always offer the best D&O policies. Do your research.
Homeowners, Do You Know Your HOA Rights?
While D&O insurance remains vital for board members, it’s also important for homeowners to understand their own rights within the community. For a deeper understanding of these rights, you might want to read this article on homeowners’ HOA rights you didn’t know you had.
Why Ardent Residential Is Your Go-To for Community Management
When it comes to managing your community, you need a partner you can trust. Ardent Residential offers customized community portals and amenity calendars for associations. The platform provides access to governing documents, insurance information, and more. Ardent Residential specializes in homeowner management services in Atlanta. With such comprehensive services, Ardent Residential stands as the name you can rely on for all your community management needs.
A partnership with Ardent Residential means a hedge of protection for your Association, with Ardent’s Value Guard™ protection plan. Value Guard™ is the only product of its kind, and guarantees against falling property values. CLICK HERE to find out more!
