Schools

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Private schools, daycares, and educational institutions face a complex risk environment — from student injuries and professional liability to employment practices and cyber threats. Gillespie Insurance Agency builds comprehensive insurance programs for educational organizations throughout Central New York.

The Unique Risks Facing Educational Institutions

Educational institutions bear significant responsibility for the safety and well-being of the students in their care. A student injury on campus, an allegation of abuse or molestation, a data breach exposing student records, or a claim of discrimination by a faculty member can each result in costly litigation and reputational damage. Private schools and daycares must also navigate New York State licensing requirements and the insurance obligations that come with them. Cyber risk is an increasingly significant concern for schools of all sizes. Student health records, financial aid information, and parent data are all subject to New York's SHIELD Act, which imposes breach notification and security requirements on organizations that handle personal information. A ransomware attack or phishing incident can disrupt operations and expose your institution to regulatory penalties and civil liability. Gillespie Insurance Agency serves private schools, Montessori programs, religious schools, daycares, and after-school programs across Central New York. We understand the budget pressures that educational organizations face and work to find the most cost-effective coverage that meets your needs.

Essential Coverage Solutions for Schools

A comprehensive school insurance program starts with general liability and commercial property coverage, which together protect against the most common claims — bodily injury, property damage, and physical losses to your buildings and equipment. Professional liability (also known as educators legal liability) covers claims alleging negligent supervision, wrongful discipline, or failure to educate. Abuse and molestation liability coverage is essential for any institution working with children and should never be overlooked. Employment practices liability protects against claims of discrimination, harassment, and wrongful termination by faculty and staff. For institutions that handle student data, cyber liability insurance covers breach response costs, regulatory fines, and notification expenses. New York State requires workers compensation and disability benefits coverage for all paid employees. Student accident insurance can provide an additional layer of protection for students who are injured during school activities. Directors and officers liability protects your board members from personal liability for governance decisions.

Why Central NY Schools Choose Gillespie Insurance

Educational institutions deserve an insurance partner who understands their unique mission and the complex regulatory environment in which they operate. At Gillespie Insurance Agency, we bring experience working with private schools, daycares, and educational nonprofits throughout Central New York. We ask the right questions about your programs, facilities, staff, and student population to build a coverage program that truly fits your needs. As an independent agency, we have access to specialty carriers that underwrite educational institution risk on a daily basis. We shop your program across multiple markets to find the best combination of coverage and pricing. We also provide ongoing support — from certificates and audits to claims assistance when you need us most. Contact us at (315) 252-0694 or visit our Auburn, NY office. We are proud to support the institutions shaping the next generation of Central New Yorkers.

Common Schools Insurance Questions

While not always legally mandated, abuse and molestation liability coverage is essential for any institution working with children. New York State licensing requirements for daycares and schools often reference insurance requirements, and many parents and boards expect schools to carry this coverage. It is typically excluded from standard general liability policies and must be purchased separately.

Educators legal liability, also called educational institution professional liability, covers claims alleging negligent supervision, failure to educate, wrongful discipline, or other professional errors by teachers, administrators, and staff. It is distinct from general liability, which covers bodily injury and property damage. Both coverages are typically needed for a complete school insurance program.

Yes. Schools collect and store significant amounts of sensitive data — student health records, financial information, and parent contact data. New York's SHIELD Act requires organizations that handle this data to implement reasonable security measures and to notify affected individuals in the event of a breach. Cyber insurance covers breach response costs, legal fees, and regulatory fines.

School insurance premiums depend on enrollment, building size and value, the number of employees, the programs you operate, your claims history, and the coverage limits you need. Daycares and smaller private schools can often secure a solid program for a few thousand dollars a year. Larger institutions with multiple buildings and programs will pay more. We shop multiple specialty carriers to find the best value.

Essential Coverage for Schools

General Liability

Protect your business from third-party claims of bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury.

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Workers Compensation

Required coverage that protects your employees and your business from workplace injuries.

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Commercial Property

Protect your business property, equipment, and inventory from damage and loss.

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Insurance Solutions for Schools

Let our team build a customized insurance program for your business.

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