Church Insurance

1450 Churches and Synagogues per year are destroyed by fire in the United States.

Churches often represent the ideals, values and life styles of the community. The church functions as an escape from the uncertainty of the world around us, it is a safe haven where we can find comfort with friends, neighbors and family. To spite all this, Churches in the United States are all too often a target for those that wish to exploit others.

Many churches essentially operate with an “Open door policy”. Although the intent of this is admirable, it must be balanced with the reality of the world we live in. Churches are often unoccupied and have little to no security. In addition to this, Churches can have a number of items that are of significant value such as computers, music instruments, furnishings, and items related to entertainment such as large screen televisions and stereo systems. Church goers will often leave their vehicle unlocked or will leave valuable items in their vehicles in plain sight.

A couple my wife and I have attended church with over the years shared their story with us. They had attended a conference at a church a few hours away from their home. To spite the fact that the conference was packed, the church parking lot was full of cars, the neighborhood was middle-class, and the outdoor lighting in the parking lot was more than sufficient, they still walked out of the conference to discover that their Jeep filled with music instruments had been stolen.

I have found that most churches have not only one story to share like this, but many. It doesn’t matter the size of the church or the type of community that surrounds it. Although Churches strive to be as welcoming to the community as much as possible, they must find a balance that preserves their desired atmosphere with the safety and well being of all.

Here are some questions to ask yourself when it comes to protecting your church:

1. How secure is the property? Are there hours of the day that no one is present? Is the building locked down and secured during hours that it is unoccupied?

2. Is your building and surrounding parking lot well lit at night?

3. Are there valuable items that are left in the open? Does your church secure its valuable property in a safe room? Are valuable items such as large screen television easily accessible or near an entry or window?

4. Do you have a procedure to report stolen items or break-ins? Are all employees/volunteers aware of those procedures?

5. Do you have staff that is trained in first aid? Do you have procedures in place in the event of an injury or health related emergency?

Tending to your flocks spiritual needs is only one aspect of your responsibility as leadership of the church. Are you prepared for when lions may wish to swoop in on your flock? Are you prepared for when the physical health needs of your patrons may fall into your hands? These are tough issues to address and to plan for. I have access to a number of risk control and safety resources. Please feel free to contact me at any time for a consultation.

Coverage to consider for churches: Property, General Liability, Directors & Officers Liability, Sexual Misconduct Liability, Counselors Liability, Business Auto, Workers Compensation, Umbrella Liability, Employment Practices Liability