CUA Insurance

CUA Insurance Policy Updates

The NPS has made policy updates to its insurance requirements for CUA applicants and holders per the EXPLORE Act (Public Law No. 118-234). Revised policy (under Commercial Use Authorizations) allows all CUA holders, regardless of risk level, to use exculpatory agreements and NPS will no longer require a holder of a CUA for solely "low-risk activities," as determined by the area superintendent, to have a commercial general liability policy as a condition of issuing the CUA.

Additionally, NPS will no longer require State entities to indemnify the United States as a condition of issuing a CUA so long as the State entity maintains the minimum liablity insurance coverage required by the CUA via 1) a commercial general liability policy naming the United States as additional insured in an endorsement to the policy, 2) self-insurance covering the United States as an additional insured, or 3) a combination of these two types of coverage.

Cross-country skiers in Yellowstone National Park.

National Park Service

CUA holders must carry appropriate liability insurance and provide the NPS with proof of that insurance. Typically, general commercial liability in the amount of $500,000 per occurrence is required, though some activities are higher risk (e.g., guided rock climbing) and may require increased coverage. You also may be required to hold other types of liability insurance depending on the type of CUA (e.g., commercial automobile insurance).

Ultimately, park superintendents determine required coverage amounts so be sure to check specific park CUA websites and closely review CUA application details within the online CUA system for more details.