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General Liability Insurance for Daycare and Childcare in Pennsylvania: Coverage, Costs, and Requirements
General liability insurance for daycare and childcare in Pennsylvania: what it covers, what it excludes, average premiums, and how to compare quotes.
Written by
Editorial Team
Reviewed by
James T. Whitfield
General liability insurance is a required and essential coverage for Pennsylvania daycare and childcare facilities. It covers third-party bodily injury and property damage claims arising from your facility and care operations. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) requires licensed childcare centers and family childcare homes to carry GL as a condition of licensing. Pennsylvania's litigation environment, particularly in Philadelphia, makes childcare GL premiums above the national average.
Quick Answer
Estimated general liability premiums for Pennsylvania childcare facilities:
| Facility Size | Estimated Annual GL Premium |
|---|---|
| Small daycare (up to 20 children) | $900 to $1,800 per year |
| Mid-size center (21 to 60 children) | $1,700 to $3,500 per year |
Pennsylvania childcare GL premiums are above the national average, reflecting the Philadelphia litigation environment.
What GL Covers for Pennsylvania Childcare Facilities
Bodily Injury to Children
Covers claims arising from injuries to children in your care. Common examples: a child who falls on the playground, a child injured during an activity, or a visitor child injured at your facility.
Bodily Injury to Parents and Visitors
Covers claims from parents, guardians, and other adults who are injured at your facility during drop-off, pick-up, or facility visits.
Property Damage
Covers damage to a parent's or third party's property that occurs at your facility or during care operations.
Defense Costs
GL covers attorney fees, court costs, and settlement amounts for covered claims, even if the claim is unfounded.
What GL Does Not Cover for Pennsylvania Childcare Facilities
Abuse and Molestation
Standard GL policies exclude claims arising from child abuse or molestation. Pennsylvania childcare operators must purchase a separate abuse and molestation (A&M) coverage endorsement or standalone policy. This is the most important coverage gap for childcare facilities.
Professional Errors
GL excludes claims arising from professional negligence in childcare or early education. Professional liability insurance covers those claims.
Employee Injuries
Pennsylvania requires workers compensation for all employers with employees. GL does not cover employee injuries.
Pennsylvania-Specific Considerations
DHS Licensing Requirement
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services requires licensed childcare centers and family childcare homes to carry GL insurance as a condition of their certificate of compliance. Confirm current minimum limits with DHS when applying for or renewing your certificate.
Abuse and Molestation Coverage Is Essential
Pennsylvania childcare operators should not operate without abuse and molestation coverage. Standard GL excludes it. Purchase an A&M endorsement or standalone policy and confirm it is in place before accepting any children into care.
Philadelphia Litigation Environment
Philadelphia County courts are known for plaintiff-favorable outcomes. Pennsylvania childcare facilities in the Philadelphia metro area face above-average GL exposure and should carry limits of at least $1 million per occurrence.
Keystone STARS Quality Rating
Pennsylvania's Keystone STARS quality improvement and recognition system for childcare providers may require participating facilities to meet specific insurance standards. Facilities accepting Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy funding must maintain their DHS certificate of compliance and associated insurance requirements. Confirm requirements with your Child Care Information Services (CCIS) agency.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do Pennsylvania daycare centers need general liability insurance?
Yes. DHS requires licensed childcare centers and family childcare homes to carry GL as a condition of their certificate of compliance.
What does GL cover for a Pennsylvania childcare facility?
GL covers bodily injury to children, parents, and visitors at your facility, property damage, and defense costs.
Does GL cover child abuse claims at a Pennsylvania daycare?
No. Standard GL policies exclude abuse and molestation claims. Purchase a separate abuse and molestation coverage endorsement or policy.
How much does GL cost for a Pennsylvania daycare?
Pennsylvania childcare facilities typically pay $900 to $1,800 per year for a small center GL policy.
What is the minimum GL limit required for a Pennsylvania childcare license?
Confirm current minimum limits with DHS when applying for or renewing your certificate of compliance, as requirements may change.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance or legal advice. Coverage details and costs vary by carrier and individual circumstances. Consult a licensed insurance agent and attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance advice. Coverage, requirements, and costs vary by state, carrier, and individual circumstances. Consult a licensed insurance agent for guidance specific to your situation.
About the author
Commercial Insurance Editorial Team
The Dareable editorial team covers commercial insurance for small business owners. Every guide is fact-checked by a licensed CIC or CPCU before publication.
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