Top 3 Most Expensive Charity Insurance Claims in 2024

For charities, financial prudence is essential, however, unexpected incidents can lead to significant financial setbacks. In some cases, these setbacks can be avoided by having the correct Charity Insurance in place.

At WRS Insurance Brokers, we wanted to take a look back at the most expensive claims we saw for our charity clients in 2024. In this blog, our Claims Executive, Emma Jeffery breaks down the costs and causes behind the top three most expensive claim types  last year and highlights how charities and community organisations can better protect themselves.

Average cost of claims from WRS Insurance Brokers between 1st January 2024- 31st December 2024

Employers’ and Public Liability claims

Average Cost per Claim: £23,693 (15% of all claims)

Liability claims, encompassing both Employers’ Liability and Public Liability, are among the most expensive. These claims often arise from incidents like:

Employers’ Liability: Staff or volunteer injuries due to workplace hazards, such as slips, trips, or falls. Find out more about the importance of Employers’ Liability here.

Public Liability: Injuries to third parties, like visitors or beneficiaries, or property damage caused by the charity’s activities. More information on Public Liability insurance can be found here.

An Employers’ Liability claim

Last year, one of our Charity Insurance client’s reported an Employers’ Liability claim involving an employee who sustained an injury while delivering furniture. The incident occurred when the employee was on a tail lift, handing down items of furniture.

Unfortunately, the individual lost their balance, fell and suffered injuries. The claim is ongoing and WRS are working closely with the charity and their insurers to provide comprehensive support.

Conduct regular risk assessments

– Identify potential hazards in public spaces, such as loose flooring in a community hall or inadequate lighting in a car park

– Assess risks involved in charity events, like trip hazards at a fundraising fair or fire safety at a bonfire night

Implement robust health and safety measures

– Ensure all equipment, such as bouncy castles at a charity fun day or kitchen appliances in a community café, are properly maintained and used safely

– Put clear safety procedures in place for activities involving the public, such as managing crowd control at a charity auction or setting up clear signage for emergency exits at an indoor event

Train staff and volunteers on safety protocols

– Provide first aid training for volunteers running a sponsored fundraising event

– Educate staff on manual handling techniques when lifting donation boxes or setting up heavy display stands for a charity stall

Burst pipes and water leaks

Average Cost per Claim: £8,143 (15% of all claims)

Burst pipes and water leaks, often referred to as escape of water,  are a common issue, especially during colder months, and can cause extensive damage to property and equipment.

An escape of water claim

One of our Charity Insurance clients suffered a leak at their nursery location. The roof was being retiled, and they had installed a temporary cover. Unfortunately, the cover leaked during heavy rainfall, causing internal water damage, including damage to the building’s electrics.

Early detection systems like Leak Safe can significantly reduce the impact of water leaks. These systems can detect leaks early and alert you before damage escalates.

Additional prevention tips include insulating exposed pipes to protect against freezing temperatures and regularly inspecting plumbing and roofs for signs of wear or potential leaks.

Click here to take a look at our interactive cold weather guide to help you safeguard your property during the winter months and our flood guidance.

Storm damage claims

Average Cost per Claim: £3,084 (10% of all claims)

Storm damage claims include incidents like roof damage, fallen trees, and flooding. With the increasing frequency of storms in the UK, the risk of severe weather-related damage has grown significantly.

Did You Know? According to GreenMatch, the 2023-2024 storm season experienced unprecedented activity, with seven named storms from September to December causing widespread flooding and damage – the highest number since naming began in 2015.

A storm damage claim

A charity insurance client reported a claim for storm damage where a tree fell onto a garage roof, causing significant structural damage. The charity, had their repairs managed by the Commercial Building Repair Network (CBRN), who acted swiftly to assess and address the situation.

The tree was removed urgently for safety reasons, preventing further damage and ensuring the area was secure. By acting swiftly, we were able to minimise disruption for the charity while repair works were coordinated.

What our client had to say

“We haven’t had final confirmation that our claim is approved, but to date, we have found the WRS team helpful and efficient. They found the most appropriate way for us to make a claim, and we look forward to getting approval and our community polytunnel recovered.” 

Naomi, Sustainable Projects Lead at Wirral Environmental Network 

– Conduct regular maintenance of roofs, gutters, and outdoor spaces

– Ensure trees and branches are trimmed to prevent damage

– Review your insurance policy to confirm adequate storm damage cover

For guidance on preparing for storms, read more here.

Protecting your charity

Charity insurance is a critical safety net for charities and community organisations, helping to mitigate the financial impact of unforeseen events. By understanding these common claims, your charity can take proactive steps to minimise risks and ensure you have the right cover in place.

For more information, or to review your current insurance policy, contact us today on 01206 760780 or get a quote online here.

About WRS

We’ve been helping charities of all sizes with their Charity Insurance for over 50 years.

WRS is part of the Benefact Group, a charity-owned, international family of financial services companies that gives all available profits to charity and good causes.