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If you are in charge of managing a church or any other religious organization, you will want financial protection from many risks. An employee might be accused of abusing a member.That where religious organization insurance comes in.
Members might also file a claim against you for negligence or violation of good faith. Start a church or religious organization safely by getting adequate coverage.
In this article, will discuss church insurance, the premium costs and also feature the best companies offering the policy.
General Liability Insurance for Religious Organizations and Churches
CoverWallet | NEXT (Best) | Thimble | Hiscox | The Hartford | |
Per occurrence limit | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 |
Aggregate limit | $2,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 |
Products and completed operations aggregate limit | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
Advertising injury coverage aggregate limit | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
Tenant’s legal liability coverage limit | $300,000/$1,000,000 | $300,000 | $100,000 | $100,000 | $1,000,000 |
Can you get a certificate of insurance online? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Name additional insureds? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Deductible | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
A general liability policy can be essential to your religious organization insurance. This policy protects you from various third-party liability claims from incidents involving injury and property. Some examples of when to use this policy include:
- A congregation member slips and falls in the comfort room
This type of church liability insurance will have a $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate limit.
Errors and Omissions Insurance for Religious Organizations and Churches
Errors and omissions insurance for religious organizations covers situations where you or your staff members offer bad advice, negligence, or make mistakes that cause a lawsuit to be threatened against your organization. Some coverages include:
- A member of your congregation commits misrepresentation against a third party
The errors and omissions insurance for your religious organization will have a coverage of $1 million per occurrence and $1 million in aggregate.
CoverWallet | NEXT | Thimble (Best) | Hiscox | The Hartford | |
Per occurrence limit | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
Aggregate limit | $2,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $2,000,000 |
Name additional insureds? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Waiver of subrogation included? | Yes | No | Yes | Can be included | No |
HIPAA coverage included? | No | No | No | No | No |
Sexual misconduct coverage included? | No | No | No | No | Can be included |
License defense coverage included? | No | No | No | No | Can be included |
Deductible | $500 | $500 | $500 | $50/$10,000 | $500 |
Commercial Property Insurance for Religious Organizations and Churches
Your religious institution insurance will no doubt require a commercial property insurance policy to become comprehensive. This helps you get your religious building repaired when damage is done to it. Examples of this coverage include:
- A thief breaks into your building and steals some equipment
The coverage limits for this type of church buildings insurance generally will be around $50,000 for the building and $50,000 for the contents.
CoverWallet | NEXT (Best) | Thimble | Hiscox | The Hartford | |
Building coverage limit (minimum) | $50,000 | $260,000 | $25,000/$500,000 | $25,000 | $60,000 |
Contents coverage limit (minimum) | $50,000 | $22,000 | $25,000/$500,000 | $25,000 | $60,000 |
Outdoor signs | Excluded | $2,500 | Excluded | Excluded | Excluded |
Accounts receivable | Excluded | Excluded | $5,000/10,000 | Included | Excluded |
Money and securities | Excluded | $2,500 | $1,000 | Included | Excluded |
Lock and keys | Excluded | $2,500 | Excluded | Excluded | Excluded |
Business interruption floater | Excluded | Included | Included | Included | Excluded |
Equipment breakdown floater | Excluded | Included | Excluded | Excluded | Excluded |
Inland marine insurance floater | Excluded | Excluded | $10,000 | Excluded | Excluded |
Employee dishonesty floater | Excluded | $5,000 | $2,500 | Included | Excluded |
Get all the best quotes from leading providers in a click of a button!
Tools and Equipment Insurance for Religious Organizations and Churches
NEXT | Thimble | Hiscox | The Hartford | |
Aggregate limit | $3,000/$10,000 | $2,500/$5,000 | $15,000/$25,000 | $5,000-$10,000 |
Covers hired and borrowed equipment? | $3,000/$10,000 | $2,500/$5,000 | No | Yes |
Miscellaneous equipment also covered? | $5,000/$10,000 | No | Yes | Yes |
Offered as an endorsement to general liability insurance? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Deductible | $500 | $500 | $0 | $0 |
Tools and equipment insurance for religious organizations protect the tools that you use as part of religious services and any equipment you rely on. Some examples include:
- The lights of your pulpit got damaged by accident and need to be replaced
- You bring some sound equipment on a religious trip, which is damaged from a sudden drop
The coverage limits of the tools and equipment policy included in church insurance programs will range between $5,000 and $10,000.
Commercial Auto Insurance for Religious Organizations and Churches
Commercial auto insurance is a policy that protects vehicles used in service of your religious organization. They get protected from liability claims and costs to repair any damage.
Your religious organization’s commercial auto insurance will be made up of several components, which include:
- Auto liability–Covers the cost of medical treatment on behalf of third parties in case your religious organization’s commercial vehicle causes an accident
- Collision–Covers vehicle repair costs caused if your religious organization’s vehicle gets damaged due to a vehicular accident
- Comprehensive–Covers repair costs if your commercial vehicle is damaged by fire, theft, vandalism, and other covered perils
The commercial property policy of your small church insurance program offers a limit of $25,000 per person injured, $50,000 for all people injured, and $25,000 for all property damage in an accident.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance for Religious Organizations and Churches
Workers’ compensation insurance pays benefits to employees who get injured while performing their duties. Examples include:
- A member of your staff develops a chronic neck issue from helping collect donations from the congregation
- An employee is installing a piece of equipment on the stage but suffers a terrible accident that disables his leg
How Much Does Church Insurance Cost?
The average religious organization insurance cost is $35 per month or $420 per year for a $1 million general liability policy. Factors that affect the cost of premiums are claims history, business history, policy limits, deductibles, location, number of employees, and revenues.
Cost per Month | Cost per Year | Deductible | |
General liability insurance | $35 | $420 | $0-$500 |
Professional liability insurance | $37 | $444 | $500-$1,000 |
Commercial property insurance | $55 | $660 | $1,000-$2,000 |
Business owner’s policy | $80 | $960 | $1,500 |
Commercial auto insurance | $64 | $768 | $500-$1,000 |
Tools and equipment insurance | $43 | $516 | $500-$1,000 |
Workers compensation insurance | $78 | $936 | $2,000-$5,000 |
Best Insurance Companies for Churches
NEXT
NEXT offers the best overall religious institution insurance options that you need. You get affordable policies that save you more money as you bundle two or more. NEXT has an A- rating with AM Best for its financial security.
Average cost: $22 per month
Our rating: 10/10
Pros
- Best overall
- Issues an online proof of insurance instantly
- Fastest general liability insurance for churches and religious organizations
- Great customer service and reputation
- Excellent rates
- Outstanding value for money
- Get a 10% discount if you buy two or more policies
Cons
- Couldn’t find any
The Hartford
The Hartford is a long-standing insurer that is a staple in the insurance industry. They offer options for religious associations and nonprofit organizations like general liability, commercial property, and more.
Average cost: $24 per month
Our rating: 10/10
Pros
- Reliable company that has been in business for over 200 years
- Excellent user experience
- Renowned company for workers compensation insurance
Cons
- Limited add-ons to general liability insurance
Get all the best quotes from leading providers in a click of a button!
CoverWallet
CoverWallet offers insurance options for religious organizations from top carriers. They have a page dedicated to commercial property insurance that helps you get protected through commercial property and general liability policies.
The company also provides protection from perils like cash embezzlements and robbery
Average cost: $26 per month
Our rating: 10/10
Pros
- HNOA coverage automatically included in general liability insurance
- Provides support for bundling policies
- Compare quotes online
Cons
- Not an insurance company but an insurance broker
Tivly
Tivly is a digital platform for your religious organization insurance needs. They are accredited by the Better Business Bureau and help you navigate its many partners to get the perfect religious institution insurance care.
Average cost: $27 per month
Our rating: 10/10
Pros
- Flexible religious organization policy options through their partners
- Solution-centric approach to insurance means you are getting policies that greatly benefit you
- Compare quotes over the phone
Cons
- You need to talk with a representative to get a quote
Thimble
Thimble helps your religious organization get covered with policies like general liability, professional liability, and workers compensation. You want to go with Thimble if you want a flexible coverage time and want to get your policy up and running quickly.
Average cost: $29 per month
Our rating: 10/10
Pros
- Quikly issues an estimate of your rates
- Sells general liability insurance as a short-term policy
- A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau
Cons
- You can’t reach customer service by calling
Hiscox
Hiscox has the typical policies you will want for your religious organization, but also includes special protection for houses of worship. They cover losses of revenue, legal liabilities, and things like increased security. AM Best rates Hisox an A for financial stability.
Average cost: $31 per month
Our rating: 10/10
Pros
- Great general liability coverage
- Vast underwriting experience
- Worldwide coverage
- 14-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Online quoting might not be available all the time due to periodic site maintenance