How to Create a Liability Waiver in Google Forms

Liability waivers protect your business by informing participants of the risks involved and having them acknowledge their responsibility. Google Forms is a quick, free way to create these waivers, making them accessible to small businesses. This article will walk you through creating a basic liability waiver in Google Forms, covering the essential steps to ensure that your waiver is complete, and professional.

Part 1: Building Your Waiver in Google Forms

Step 1: Define Your Waiver’s Purpose and Content

Carefully outline the critical elements that need to be in your waiver. A complete liability waiver typically includes:

1. Activity Description: Clearly describe the activity or service participants will engage in.
2. Assumption of Risk: Explain the potential risks involved in the activity.
3. Release of Liability: Specify that the participant agrees not to hold your business responsible for injuries or accidents.
4. Emergency Contact Information: Include fields for collecting emergency contact details.
5. Agreement Confirmation: Add language confirming that the participant has read, understood, and agrees to the terms.

Step 2: Set Up Your Google Form

Go to Google Forms and create a new form. Here’s how to structure it:

1. Title: Name your form (e.g., “Activity Liability Waiver”) and add a brief introduction explaining the waiver’s purpose.
2. Sections: Divide your waiver into sections:
   • Participant Information: Collect basic details like name, contact, and emergency information.
   • Waiver Terms: Present each clause (Assumption of Risk, Release of Liability) in separate questions with detailed text.
   • Consent and Agreement: Add a checkbox for “I agree to the terms of this liability waiver” and a field for the participant to type their name as acknowledgment.
3. Required Fields: Make essential questions mandatory to ensure participants don’t skip over any critical parts.
4. Settings: Customize the confirmation message and adjust settings to limit participants to one response each.

Part 2: Adding Digital Signatures to Your Google Form Waiver

While Google Forms is convenient, it lacks built-in support for legally binding digital signatures. Here are several options for adding this critical component, from Google Forms add-ons to third-party tools and specialized waiver software.

Option 1: Use Google Forms Add-Ons

Add-ons extend the capabilities of Google Forms, including digital signature capabilities. Here are some options:

• DocuSign for Google Workspace: This popular e-signature tool integrates with Google Docs. Export responses to a Google Doc, then send the waiver to participants through DocuSign for an official digital signature.
• PandaDoc: PandaDoc allows you to import responses from Google Forms and request digital signatures. This option is especially effective if you already use PandaDoc for other document workflows.

Option 2: Connect Google Forms to a Digital Signature Tool with Zapier

Zapier is a powerful automation tool that connects Google Forms to digital signature applications like HelloSign, Adobe Sign and SignNow. Here’s how it works:

1. Create a Zap: Set up a workflow to trigger when a new response is submitted in Google Forms.
2. Link to a Signature Tool: Zapier will automatically send waiver details from Google Forms to your chosen e-signature tool.
3. Send Signature Request: Participants will receive an email with the waiver and a prompt to sign it digitally.

Option 3: Use an Online Waiver Tool with Built-In Digital Signatures

For organisations dealing with a high volumes of participants, an online waiver tool may be the best solution. These platforms offer digital signature capabilities and additional features such as SMS reminders, real-time tracking and storage. Some popular options include:

• Activity Messenger: Activity Messenger offers customizable waivers, automated SMS and email reminders, and legally-recognized digital signatures, making it ideal for a streamlined waiver process.
• WaiverForever: This app allows digital signatures, real-time tracking, and offline access. It’s beneficial for businesses operating in areas with limited connectivity.
• Smartwaiver: Smartwaiver enables customers to sign waivers from any device and offers integrations with CRM software, making it a comprehensive waiver solution.

Option 4: Link to an External Digital Signature Form

If you’re looking for a simple solution, you can include a link in Google Forms to a separate digital signature document. Here’s how:

1. Create a Digital Signature Document: Use a tool like Adobe Sign or HelloSign to create a signature form.
2. Embed the Link in Google Forms: At the end of the Google Form, add a link to the digital signature document.
3. Separate Storage: This option works best for low volumes, as you’ll need to manage responses from two sources.

 

Why Adding a Digital Signature Matters

Adding a digital signature brings several benefits to your liability waiver:

• Legal Compliance: Digital signatures are generally more enforceable in court than typed names, offering added legal security.
• Professionalism: A waiver with a digital signature step presents a polished, reliable image to participants.
• Streamlined Workflow: Automating digital signatures means fewer in-person waivers to collect, speeding up check-in and simplifying record-keeping.

Pros and Cons of Each Approach

Approach	Pros	Cons
Google Forms Only	Free and easy to set up	No digital signature, limited options
Google Forms with Add-Ons	Adds signature functionality	Limited features, subscription costs
Zapier Integration	Automates signatures	Requires paid Zapier and signature tool
Online Waiver Tools	Comprehensive, feature-rich	Subscription required
Link to External Signature Form	Simple, low-cost	Separate response management

Conclusion

Creating a liability waiver in Google Forms is an excellent starting point for small businesses. Google Forms makes it easy to organize waiver content and collect participant responses quickly. However, adding a digital signature is crucial for ensuring legal enforceability and professionalism.

Using add-ons, Zapier integrations, or specialized waiver software like Activity Messenger can take your waiver to the next level. If you’re handling high-risk activities or need legally binding signatures, investing in an online waiver tool with built-in digital signatures can save time, ensure compliance, and enhance the participant experience.

With these options, you’re well on your way to creating a streamlined, secure liability waiver process that works for your business.