Why choose Ripe for your charity insurance?
Specialist charity insurance through Ripe can help you manage financial risks such as building damage, loss of equipment, or third-party claims, so you can keep focusing on your mission.
All-in-one protection
Public liability, employers’ liability, property damage, business interruption and more—all in one policy designed to cover your charity.
Cover for everyone involved
From employees to volunteers, your whole team is protected with a village hall policy
Built for clubs & communities
Specialist cover designed for charities, village halls and community groups—designed for how you operate.
What does charity insurance cover?
Specialist charity insurance through Ripe can include several options along with specific inclusions and exclusions, such as:
Charity insurance
- Public and Products Liability – up to £10m
- Employers’ Liability – up to £10m
- Building cover – up to £500k for damage caused by specific perils such as storm, theft or accidental damage
- Fixtures, Fittings and Tenants Improvements – up to £100k
- General contents – up to £250k
- Equipment and Portable Equipment
- Stock up to £10k
- Business Interruption – up to £500k
- Professional Indemnity, including claims where someone has sustained an injury due to advice given
- Personal Injury caused by a participant
- Personal Effects
For the full policy wording and details on what is and is not covered under a charity insurance policy, see our Important Documents page.
Common risks charities face
Charities of all types, such as community groups, sports clubs or leisure groups, can share similar risks. These could include:
- Storm or fire damage to the charity’s building
- Visitors slipping or tripping during a charity event
- Break-ins or theft of valuable equipment
- Liability arising from food or drink sales
Through Ripe, you can choose from a variety of charity insurance cover options to help financially protect the great work you do.
Why consider charity insurance
Specialist small charity insurance can help financially protect both the charity and the people running it, so vital work can continue if something goes wrong.
Charities and non‑profit groups are central to UK communities. According to the Charity Commission for England and Wales, there are over 184,000 registered charities, supported by millions of volunteers and trustees delivering public benefit across a wide range of causes. Even small organisations can face risks such as public injury claims or damage to buildings, equipment and donated assets, where the cost of a single incident could place real financial strain on the charity.
Data from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) shows that small and micro‑charities make up over 80% of the sector, and many operate with limited financial reserves. In this context, considering insurance can help play a supporting role in the overall governance and sustainability of an organisation.
Public Liability insurance for charities
Charities can often welcome a wide range of people, from beneficiaries and supporters to volunteers, staff, and event guests. With so many interactions, accidents can happen, and your organisation could face third-party claims if so. Public Liability insurance for charities can help provide financial protection in these situations, such as:
- A supporter trips and injures themselves during a fundraising event
- A volunteer or staff member accidentally injures a member of the public or damages their property
While it’s not a legal requirement, Public Liability cover is one of the most common types of protection chosen by charities. It can help with legal and compensation costs linked to third-party injury or property damage, giving you reassurance that a single incident won’t put unnecessary pressure on your organisation’s resources.
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Does charity insurance cover volunteers?
Charity insurance through Ripe can include protection for volunteers as part of optional cover packages.
Charity insurance can also extend to charity shops, where volunteers often help with day‑to‑day retail activities.
How much does charity insurance cost?
Several factors can influence how much you’ll pay for a charity insurance policy, including:
- the charity’s building location
- the size of the building
- the type of cover selected
- the level of cover you choose
Since every charity operates differently, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all price for charity insurance. The cost of your policy will reflect the specific risks your charity may face and the level of protection you want in place.
What insurance do I need for a CIC (Community Interest Company)?
As with any other company, employer’s liability cover is a legal requirement if you have paid staff. Other cover options, such as public liability or buildings cover, could be worth considering if you want additional protection against potential financial risks.
What happens if I don’t have charity insurance?
While charity insurance isn’t always legally required, not having a policy in place could leave your organisation exposed to financial risks if accidents, property damage, or legal claims occur. Specialist cover can help manage the potential costs associated with these situations.
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