Sexual Abuse and
Molestation Insurance
Continue reading to learn more, or get covered today by selecting your industry below.
What is Sexual Abuse and Molestation (SAM) Insurance Coverage?
Is SAM Insurance Required by Law?
SAM coverage is not required by law, but it is recommended for your business. General liability and professional liability policies typically don’t cover sexual abuse and molestation claims.
Who Needs Sexual Abuse and Molestation Insurance Coverage?
Sexual Molestation Liability Insurance is vital for anybody who works in a business that involves close, personal interactions, such as:
- Office professionals
- Servers and bartenders
- Retail associates
- Entertainers
- Teachers, mentors, and tutors
- Beauty and bodywork professionals
- Personal trainers
- Dance and yoga instructors
Examples of Sexual Abuse and Molestation Insurance Claims
What Does Sexual Abuse and Molestation Insurance Cover?
The SAM policy helps pay for claims arising from allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior related to your business activities. These include:
- Attorney fees
- Defense costs
- Judgements
- Awards and settlements
According to Consumer Shield, the average attorney fee in 2024 was $300 per hour (though rates vary by state). You also need to consider other expenses for your defense, like depositions, investigators, or expert witnesses.
These costs alone could reach over $100,000, even if you’re not found liable. (Keep in mind that judgment or settlement payments are in addition to these defense costs.) Legal fees for misconduct lawsuits would put many companies out of business without coverage.
What Is Not Covered by SAM Insurance?
- Male massage therapists
- Fines, sanctions, or penalties
- Punitive or exemplary damages
- Any amounts deemed uninsurable by law
- Prior knowledge of acts of sexual abuse and misconduct
- Indemnity of a perpetrator
- Employment-related practices
- Assumed liability
- Prior and pending circumstances or claims
Refer to your policy for exact coverages, limitations, conditions, and exclusions.
Why Small Businesses Love Insurance Canopy
With Insurance Canopy, you don’t have to choose between affordability and quality coverage. Instead, you get the best of both worlds: A+ rated insurance for a competitively low price. See what else our customers have to say about us!
Thank you so much
Steve Monreal
July 11, 2025I needed a portable policy as a yoga instructor. I found this company in an online search. Called and got details from them, was quite surprised at how affordable... Read More
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July 4, 2025Very easy & quick experience. We got insurance in no time with no hassle. Thank you!
Robert Earnest
July 4, 2025I am glad I went with them. I needed a last minute policy to cover an event I was doing and they had exactly what I needed at a... Read More
Deloris Pacheco
June 27, 2025Very easy to renew policy
Elyce Nissinoff
June 18, 2025Representative Sarah was very helpful. Walked me through every step and not to mention the price even matched the service! Would recommend to any and everyone.
queenkiam
June 18, 2025Would have 5 starts, but not right now. This is the first time I have ever had to pay for an additional insured ever in 20 year's. They either have... Read More
Anthony Burgess
June 18, 2025Very user friendly platform. Multiple options. Very good pricing. Needed liability insurance in order to secure a very good paying event for my solo tribute show. Was set up within... Read More
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June 18, 2025Needed DJ insurance for Memorial Day weekend & was squared away within an hour for 2 events! Highly recommend
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June 18, 2025What a lovely experience I had with Insurance Canopy! Easy and fast sign up, great policy, matches my needs as a self-employed business owner. Highly recommend!
Masha Rusanov
June 18, 2025great little company, with fair pricing, for entertainers who need occasional coverage.however, they have long hold times to speak to an agent, and their customer service left a little something... Read More
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May 18, 2025Extremely affordable event insurance and an easy to work with system and team that will advise you every step of the way!
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May 18, 2025Affordable for dance & yoga folk. Thumbs up!
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May 18, 2025Affordable. Thank you.
Ana Young
April 18, 2025For me, this application process was super efficient and easy to navigate on line. That goes a long way!
Holly Mulder
April 18, 2025I'm a new customer/policy holder. Super easy online application and policy setup. Very competitive rates. Certificate of insurance generated and received (PDF) immediately once method of payment established. Great service... Read More
Matthew Terry
April 18, 2025Canopy insurance has covered my DJ business for several years and I am totally satisfied with their services.Thank you DjVic🎧
DjVic Universal Sounds
March 18, 2025I have not had any issues over the years with Insurance Canopy, with canceling and renewing, I have found the cost of coverage in line or better then some. I have... Read More
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March 18, 2025I was feeling overwhelmed with the specifications needed for my insurance coverage. I was offered friendly, quick and clear assistance. Through Canopy and Rey's help I was able to obtain... Read More
ESPIE QUINTERO
February 18, 2025Great for Event Insurance - most affordable
Gaby Nobrega
February 18, 2025I have them for 3 years this year seems price went up . I have never had to use them for a claim so really couldn’t tell you about that!
Denice Lapointe
February 18, 2025TLJ's Mobile Mixology, LLC had been insured with Insurance Canopy since it's inception and we have no complaints.
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February 4, 2025Knowledgeable, kind, attentive and professional. She helped me to feel comfortable, well taken good care of and get the service possible.
Ed Levitt
February 3, 2025As a Massage Therapist, I was not aware until a few years ago that I did not have to be part of an Organization to get my liability insurance! I... Read More
Kristie Williams
January 30, 2025This insurance has helped me secure events with my corporate and local government clients. They have great customer service and are always willing to help.
Tony Felix
January 23, 2025Representative was clear & concise in explaining specifics of the policy. Cost of policy very reasonable.
John B
January 16, 2025Was waiting for two other insurance companies to get back to me for over 2 1/2 weeks and losing money every day. Sitting here, frustrated I asked ChatGPT what... Read More
Chad Laibly
January 6, 2025
Thank you so much
July 11, 2025I needed a portable policy as a yoga instructor. I found this company in an online search. Called and got details from them, was quite surprised at how affordable... Read More
July 4, 2025Very easy & quick experience. We got insurance in no time with no hassle. Thank you!
Robert Earnest
July 4, 2025I am glad I went with them. I needed a last minute policy to cover an event I was doing and they had exactly what I needed at a... Read More
Deloris Pacheco
June 27, 2025Very easy to renew policy
Elyce Nissinoff
June 18, 2025Representative Sarah was very helpful. Walked me through every step and not to mention the price even matched the service! Would recommend to any and everyone.
queenkiam
June 18, 2025Would have 5 starts, but not right now. This is the first time I have ever had to pay for an additional insured ever in 20 year's. They either have... Read More
Anthony Burgess
June 18, 2025Very user friendly platform. Multiple options. Very good pricing. Needed liability insurance in order to secure a very good paying event for my solo tribute show. Was set up within... Read More
Michael Riley
June 18, 2025Needed DJ insurance for Memorial Day weekend & was squared away within an hour for 2 events! Highly recommend
Jay Solis
June 18, 2025What a lovely experience I had with Insurance Canopy! Easy and fast sign up, great policy, matches my needs as a self-employed business owner. Highly recommend!
Masha Rusanov
June 18, 2025
FAQs About Sexual Abuse and Molestation Insurance for Small Businesses
Does my general liability insurance include abuse or molestation claims?
Most general liability policies don’t cover businesses for sexual misconduct claims (or severely limit your protection). Businesses usually need a separate SAM liability policy to protect themselves against this risk. Allegations are rare but devastating if they do happen. Being prepared with SAM coverage can save you from facing costly legal fees alone.
How do I add sexual abuse coverage to my policy?
You can add SAM liability insurance to your Insurance Canopy policy during checkout or via your user dashboard if you already have coverage. We offer SAM as an optional add-on coverage to many business policies, so you can customize your protection to fit your unique risks.
How much does sexual abuse and molestation insurance cost?
The cost of SAM liability coverage varies depending on your business type, size, revenue, and coverage limits. For example, coverage for a personal trainer starts at $10.33/month with Insurance Canopy, though it might range up to $37.83/month for a large training franchise.
Compared to six-figure legal costs, this affordable add-on coverage is well worth it for peace of mind and protection against what-ifs.
Are false allegations covered by SAM insurance?
Yes, defense costs for false or unfounded claims are covered by Insurance Canopy’s SAM insurance.
Will SAM insurance cover me if I’m found liable?
Sexual abuse and molestation insurance doesn’t pay damages for those proven to have deliberately abused someone. However, it would cover an organization’s liability or negligence in such a case. Essentially, it protects the business, not the predator.
This coverage empowers responsible business owners with professional boundaries to work without fear.
What are some examples of SAM insurance claims?
Real example of a daycare’s sexual abuse settlement: In 2019, a North Carolina daycare center paid a $1.19 million settlement when a teacher was accused of abuse. While the teacher faced criminal charges, the daycare center was also accused of negligence in failing to discover and report the employee’s behavior.
No one wants to think their staff could be involved in something like this. But one allegation against you or an employee can ruin even a responsible business. In an example like this, here’s how a business owner’s SAM insurance could respond:
- If you settle: Regardless of the truth of an accusation, many small businesses settle to avoid higher legal costs, long court proceedings, and more damage to their reputation. In this case, SAM insurance could help cover legal fees related to the negligence claim, including up to $1 million of the settlement.
- If the case is dismissed: Even if an allegation turns out to be false, you still have defense costs to pay. SAM liability coverage can help cover your representation and court fees to keep a misunderstanding from seriously harming your finances.
- If you lose the suit: If you went to court and your business was found liable for negligence, SAM insurance could protect you by paying legal fees up to your limits. It would not pay any of the guilty employee’s costs.
Sexual Abuse and Molestation Insurance Resources
Chris Van Leeuwen | VP of Agency Development
Chris Van Leeuwen is the VP of Agency Development for Insurance Canopy. He has held the prestigious Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation since 1996.
Because he strongly believes in the importance of helping business owners understand their insurance coverage, Chris uses his wealth of experience to offer insights to small business owners across the country who are looking to navigate business liability insurance.
Chris Van Leeuwen is the VP of Agency Development for Insurance Canopy. He has held the prestigious Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation since 1996.
Because he strongly believes in the importance of helping business owners understand their insurance coverage, Chris uses his wealth of experience to offer insights to small business owners across the country who are looking to navigate business liability insurance.
JoAnne Hammer | Program Manager
JoAnne Hammer is the Program Manager for Insurance Canopy. She has held the prestigious Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation since July 2004.
JoAnne understands that starting and operating a business takes a tremendous amount of time, dedication, and financial resources. She believes that insurance is the single best way to protect your investment, business, and personal assets.
JoAnne Hammer is the Program Manager for Insurance Canopy. She has held the prestigious Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation since July 2004.
JoAnne understands that starting and operating a business takes a tremendous amount of time, dedication, and financial resources. She believes that insurance is the single best way to protect your investment, business, and personal assets.