You may already understand that businesses need insurance. You may also think, though, that a church is not considered a business and does not have the same risks as them. While you are partially right, a church can have as much, if not more risks than a traditional business. Church insurance is a policy, or bundle of policies, that will protect your religious organization, or house of worship, from a vast array of claims that can arise.
As a place of worship, you want to make sure that you are covered for any unforeseen events that can occur. Church insurance can provide property coverage, liability coverage, protection for the congregants, board members, and employees. Unfortunately, any claim can turn into a nightmare and bankrupt even the best of churches. If you want to keep your religious organization running and available for your congregants, it is critical that you have the proper insurance in place.
All religious organizations, such as churches, have very specific needs for the type of coverages that small church insurance can offer. And because each church or religious organization is different, the needs can vary for each. Your religious establishment may need coverage for some things that the church down the street does not. Here are some basics to keep in mind.
Your church is not just at risk on Sundays during worship times. Most churches often have preschool, Sunday school, events, and even rent out their premises to others. There is exposure for threats that not all businesses face due to the religious aspect, and there is the hot topic of sexual misconduct. In the heightened state, we are in these days for being offended by small things, no amount of coverage for a church is too much. Additionally, churches usually don’t have the disposable income as some businesses may have to help fight any lawsuits or repair any damages that could happen to the building.
Depending on all of the activities your house of worship participates in will determine the types of insurance you need. This is not a full list and you should always talk with an independent agent to discuss your needs but some of them include:
As you know, churches face a lot of risks, but here are the top 4, which luckily can be covered by all of the insurances mentioned above.
If you are beginning the preparations of reopening your church, you may find yourself in the midst of a long to-do list. Because religious organizations have been closed for several months now, there are a lot of unknowns to take into account. There are many things that you will need to consider before officially opening your doors. Consider investing in these precautionary methods before welcoming your parishioners back:
Building Safety: It may be a good idea to let some fresh air into the building since it has been closed for some time. You will also want to perform a walkthrough, both inside and outside, to check for potential hazards. Some things to keep an eye out for include damaged downspouts or gutters, vinyl or broken bricks, vandalism, and any other exterior anomalies. Check to ensure the doors still open, close, and lock properly. Test your alarms, both security and smoke alarms, to be sure they are in working order. Make sure inspections are up-to-date. And lastly, do a thorough deep cleaning before allowing anyone to step inside.
HVAC/Plumbing: In addition to checking all of the items mentioned above regarding building safety, be sure to do a quick run through of your HVAC and plumbing systems. Check for any leaks, ensure that the water temperatures still work properly, and flush the systems if you are able to. This will save you substantial time and stress down the road.
COVID Precautions: Of course, taking some extra precautions will now be necessary due to the prevalence of COVID-19. Be sure to follow your local government rules, as well as pay attention to the CDC Guidelines, as they can change often. Let your parishioners and employees know what precautions you are taking, as well as what you expect from them. It will also be a great idea to post the guidelines for everyone to see in an easy-to-spot location on the wall or on a table as they enter the church.