Originally published in September 2020. Updated October 2025.

Every insurance claim is different, but some common fraternal claims come up more often than others. General liability claims, property damage claims and liquor liability claims are three common types of claims that occur at fraternal organizations.

Because your Post is at a higher risk from these common claims, it’s important to make sure you’re fully covered and take the right steps to minimize your chance of a claim. Read on to learn about common claim examples and how you can prevent them at your organization.

General Liability Claims

General liability claims can be extremely broad, but fall into the categories of bodily injury, personal injury and personal property damage. While the specifics of general liability claims will vary, every organization faces the risks of these types of claims, such as:

  • A slip-and-fall injury due to a wet floor
  • Car damage in the parking lot from a storm
  • Getting ill from a meal served at a Post event
  • An injury from operating Post equipment
  • Falling off a ladder or step stool

Consider these real-life claims and how a similar situation would impact your organization:

  • A pedestrian was walking in front of the organization, tripped and fell on the sidewalk that was not level, leading to an $85,000 claim.
  • The claimant was exiting the insured location when she tripped into a pothole, breaking her ankle and requiring extensive surgery. Claim costs were over $100,000.
  • A member was bringing food in for an event, and she slipped and fell in the bingo hall, causing a $1,000,000 claim.
  • A member was dancing at an organization function when she tripped over a band’s speaker, resulting in knee surgery and claim costs of more than $80,000.

To help avoid accidents and minimize your Post’s risk of a general liability claim, pay attention to:

  • Exit signs
  • Fire alarms
  • Fire extinguishers
  • First aid supplies
  • Emergency lights
  • Safety signage
  • Trip and slip hazards

Accidents and injuries are lower at facilities that take safety signage and equipment seriously. If accidents or injuries do occur, these precautions can help you reduce severity and the risk of a claim or legal action.

Property Damage Claims

Property claims go hand in hand with a brick and mortar. Whether your organization’s property is damaged by fire, wind, hail, theft or vandalism, there is always the chance of some damage occurring. This damage can also impact the contents of your buildings, including your equipment, furnishings, computers, inventory and supplies. Fire, theft and other disasters affecting your space are not only often costly to fix, but they could also impact your ability to operate your business.

For example:

  • An employee forgets to lock up leading to a burglary
  • A member drops a cigarette which causes a fire
  • An old tree falls through the roof in high winds
  • An improper repair leads to building water damage

Consider this real-life claim:

  • An organization’s roof had been compromised after several bad storms. To get by, the organization had a member make some minor repairs. Another bad storm caused the ceiling to cave in, damaging the drywall. The claim cost more than $70,000.

To help avoid property damage claims, pay attention to:

  • Security—Many thefts can be prevented by closing and locking windows and doors, installing security cameras or systems, locking up tools, equipment and alcohol, and being careful about cash and valuables.
  • Safety—The risk of accidents that lead to property damage can be reduced with signage about fire safety, proper equipment operation, lock-up procedures and security system protection.
  • Maintenance—Proper maintenance can prevent many problems that lead to greater property damage, including electrical, plumbing, HVAC and facility upkeep.
  • Procedures—The risk of mistakes being made that lead to damage or loss is lowered when everyone at the Post knows and follows safe practices.

Attention to these areas will improve the safety and enjoyment of the Post while avoiding unnecessary claims.

Liquor Liability Claims

Another common fraternal claim involving Posts is those having to do with liquor liability. These claims can involve the violation of laws or licensing and training requirements, as well as damages caused by a person served alcohol at the Post.

Examples of these types of claims include:

  • The Post is accused of serving alcohol to a minor
  • The Post is accused of serving a visibly intoxicated patron
  • A third party makes a claim for damages caused after a patron left the Post

The consequences of a liquor liability claim can be serious. The Post could face administrative actions, criminal fines, legal fees or court judgements.

To help avoid liquor liability claims, make sure to:

  • Check ID to verify patrons are of legal age
  • Encourage patrons to enjoy alcohol responsibly
  • Encourage patrons to use designated drivers
  • Participate in an alcohol server training program, such as RServing, TIPS or TAM

Training in the correct procedures for serving alcohol is a valuable tool that can help the Post save money, ensure safety and avoid a claim.

Protection from Common Claims

While every claim is not preventable, there are basic measures your organization can take to reduce the odds of a claim.

To prevent extensive property damage, schedule routine cleaning and maintenance. To prevent slip, trip and fall incidents, clear walkways and floors from hazards, clean spilled liquids immediately and place signage around uneven surfaces.

To fully protect your Post, it’s important to have the right insurance protection. By choosing Lockton Affinity for your organization’s insurance needs, you have access to General Liability Insurance, Property Insurance and Liquor Liability Insurance especially designed for the needs of your Post.

Get started today by contacting one of our dedicated insurance representatives at (800) 829-8390.