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JackS20 (North Carolina)
Posts: 271
Posted:

Does your HOA require board members be "bonded"? Our Bylaws state they need to be which means we need to get employee dishonesty insurance with named officer endorsement, but when I asked state farm this is what they said:
"I am not sure what you meant by named officer endorsement, however, on each of the quotes I sent you Directors and Officers Liability has been included on them. "

Shouldn't the insurance agent know what this means? Isnt' this common? Or am I just being picky?

Here's why I am concerned:

The term “employee” sounds generic, but in insurance contracts it’s very narrowly defined.

Most HOA board members are unpaid, so the default policy language doesn’t include them.

Even the board may not know this, unless the agent or broker specifically added the “Named Officer” endorsement.

🔎 What Happens in a Real Claim (Example)

The HOA reports missing funds.

The insurer investigates — finds that the treasurer did it.

They ask: “Was the treasurer a paid employee or named officer under the policy?”

If not: Claim denied.

Meanwhile, the HOA is out thousands of dollars, and the other board members are blindsided.
✅ What Every HOA Should Do

Ask your broker: “Are volunteer board members considered employees under our crime/fidelity coverage?”

Request or confirm the “Named Officer” or “Noncompensated Officer” endorsement is included.
TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059
Posted:
Read your policy vs. simply talking to the agent.

Our Crime Policy, in addition to paid employees, includes the following definition:

Employee means -

4) Any natural person:

a. who is a member of the board of Directors, member of the board of trustees or LLC Manager while acting as a member of any of the insured's elected or appointed committees, including any member of such committee, to perform on the Insured's behalf, specific, as distinguished from general, directorial acts.

b. who is a non-compensated officer

g. who is a volunteer, while such person is subject to the Insured's direction and control and is performing services for the Insured.
TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059
Posted:
Remember the posting rules:

3) No Mention of Community/Company/Person Names: In order to fairly enforce (2) and prevent liability, we do not allow the mentioning of any community name, company name or product. Please also do not post the full name of any person.
JackS20 (North Carolina)
Posts: 271
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By TimB4 on 04/19/2025 4:08 AM
Remember the posting rules:

3) No Mention of Community/Company/Person Names: In order to fairly enforce (2) and prevent liability, we do not allow the mentioning of any community name, company name or product. Please also do not post the full name of any person.

lol we also do not allow you to edit your post to fix the issue.
DeanJ
Posts: 1,786
Posted:
In Ohio, Homeowners Associations (HOAs) are required to purchase a fidelity bond, also known as an employee dishonesty bond, to protect against financial losses caused by dishonest acts of board members, employees, or agents. This bond ensures that the association's funds are protected from theft, embezzlement, or other unauthorized taking.

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