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Frequently Asked Questions

National Directors' & Officers' Liability Package

• What is Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance and why is it important?
• What is the National Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance Program?
• Do I need to be a member of Volunteer Canada to participate in this program?
• Where can I get more information or an application form?
• What if my ogranization’s revenue exceeds the budget level after I have signed up for the program?
• How long is the application form?
• What is covered under the program policy?
• What isn’t covered under the program policy?
• What happens after the application and payment has been sent to Aon?
• What will be the expiry date of the policy?
• Who is Volunteer Canada?
• Who is Aon Reed Stenhouse?
• Who is Great American Insurance Group?

National Office Package

• What is Office Package Insurance?
• What is the National Office Package Insurance Program?
• Do I need to be a member of Volunteer Canada to participate in this program?

National Directors' & Officers' Liability Package

What is Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance and why is it important?
Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance (DOLI) covers the costs if the Directors’ and Officers’ of an organization become legally obligated to pay as a result of damages to another party. However, unlike a general liability insurance policy that covers losses arising from physical injury or property damage, DOLI covers only those losses arising from a directors’ or the board’s own ‘wrongful acts’.
Despite their commitment to countless causes and organizations, many board members may be unaware of the legal ramifications of their volunteer work and the possibility that they may be held personally liable. This applies to all nonprofit organizations including clubs, associations, societies, leagues, committees and charities. Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance protects the volunteer board member in the event the Board is legally obligated to pay as a result of damages to another party.
What is the National Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance Program?
It is a national insurance program that allows nonprofit organizations in Canada to purchase Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance at a reduced group rate by purchasing a Volunteer Canada membership. The group program is a partnership between Volunteer Canada and Aon Reed Stenhouse.
Do I need to be a member of Volunteer Canada to participate in this program?
Yes, to qualify for member rates. Volunteer Canada has negotiated with Aon and Great American Insurance Group to provide discounted Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance rates to it members - as one of its members benefits.
Where can I get more information or an application form?
Application forms can be downloaded in the ‘how to apply’ section above. For more information on the program, please call Aon Reed Stenhouse at 1-877-766-3104 or email vcan.insurance@aon.ca.
What if my organization’s revenue exceeds the budget level after I have signed up for the program?
Once you sign up for coverage under the National Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance program, your premium will not increase if your revenues exceed the budget level for the remainder of your policy. Your rate would be changed in the next policy year.
How long is the application form?
For organizations with budgets under $5,000,000, the application form is 2 pages. Organizations with budgets over $5,000,000 must complete an extended application.
What is covered under the program policy?
All claims (except what is excluded) against the director, officer, board member, employees, and volunteers who are alleged to have committed a ‘wrongful act’ which can be a breach of duty, neglect, error, misstatement, misrepresentation or any other act while discharging their duties as a director of the non-profit organization. Coverage is for defense costs and damages awarded.
What isn’t covered under the program policy?
All policies are subject to exclusions and you should refer to the policy wording at all times. In brief, coverage is not subject to claims arising from bodily injury, breach of a contract (unless it is an employment contract), professional services, fraudulent or dishonest acts, insured vs insured (director suing another director) and also any fines, penalties etc. are not covered.
What happens after the application and payment has been sent to Aon?
Upon receipt of a completed application and appropriate payment, Aon will issue a Certificate of Insurance detailing the limits of coverage, expiry dates, and pertinent insurance information. This procedure takes about 10 working days. Aon will confirm that your organization is a member in good standing with Volunteer Canada.
What will be the expiry date of the policy?
The common expiry date for all participants is March 31st. If coverage is requested mid-term after September 30th, only a pro-rated payment will be required for the insurance and Volunteer Canada membership.
Who is Volunteer Canada?
Volunteer Canada is a registered charitable organization and a national leader with a mission to promote volunteerism in Canada. Working with community organizations, volunteer centres, local networks, businesses, charities, governments and municipalities across the country, Volunteer Canada recognizes and promotes the role of volunteers. Also, providing leadership to the volunteer centre movement, enhancing the capacity of organizations to involve volunteers, and furthering the national dialogue on citizen engagement and civil society. Click here to find more about Volunteer Canada.
Who is Aon Reed Stenhouse?
Aon Corporation is the world’s premier insurance brokerage, consulting services and consumer insurance underwriting organization. Aon Reed Stenhouse Inc.(Canadian division of Aon Corporation), is a true National Broker – as Canada’s leading insurance brokerage and risk management consulting firm, Aon Reed Stenhouse Inc. has a team of over 1,400 professionals serving clients throughout 25 offices across Canada. The National Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance program originates in Aon’s Ottawa office.
Who is Great American Insurance Group?
Great American Insurance Group distributes products and services through Canadian agents and brokers such as Aon Reed Stenhouse. Great American Insurance Group specializes in Directors' and Officers' (D&O) Liability and other professional liability insurance and has been providing these types of coverages for over 20 years.

National Office Package

What is Office Package Insurance?
Office Package Insurance provides all-risk coverage for the property owned by your organization against such perils as fire and theft for up to $50,000. Commercial General Liability provides coverage if your organization is sued for bodily injury or property damage by a third party for up to $2,000,000 and volunteers are also covered by this policy. The basic policy premium of $625 is applicable to non-profit organizations who meet the eligibility requirements.
What is the National Office Package Insurance Program?
It is a national insurance program that allows nonprofit organizations in Canada to purchase Office Contents insurance coverage at a reduced group rate by purchasing a Volunteer Canada membership. The group program is a partnership between Volunteer Canada and Aon Reed Stenhouse.
Do I need to be a member of Volunteer Canada to participate in this program?
Yes, to qualify for the discounted insurance rates. Volunteer Canada has negotiated with Aon Reed Stenhouse to provide discounted General Liability and Office Package Insurance rates to its members – as one of its member benefits.