Business Insurance Policy

General Liability

The American Chemical Society (ACS) maintains a Comprehensive Business Insurance Policy. General Liability is included in the policy, which protects the ACS, local sections, and divisions against liability claims arising from negligent acts by ACS or its agents that result in bodily injury or property damage.

The coverage is NOT an accident policy that pays anyone who is injured regardless of how the injury was caused or who was at fault. It is a legal liability policy which pays when the SOCIETY, or someone acting on its behalf, fails to exercise reasonable care. The resulting damage must stem from this negligence.

Certificate of Insurance

A Certificate of Isurance is a document that provides evidence that ACS maintains a certain type of insurance coverage. It does not change the coverage in any way; it only provides proof of existing coverage.

When ACS, or one of its local sections or divisions, sponsors an event, the owner of the property or establishment where the event is being held may request a Certificate of Insurance. This request is often mentioned in the contract or agreement between the Society, local sections, or divisions and the property owner.

If a Certificate of Insurance has been requested, a request form should be completed and submitted to the ACS Treasurer's Office at least 30 days prior to the event.

Claims

Any accident that may result in a claim against the Society should be reported immediately to the ACS Treasurer's Office. The first report should be by telephone to (202) 452-2125, followed by a full written report.

The written report should be on a form (download from this page, or call 202-452-2125 to obtain) and include:

  • Date and time of incident
  • Comprehensive statement that details events immediately preceding and following the occurance
  • Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of those present