Your property is a resource and asset to your church’s mission. No matter the size of your church, managing church property can be a huge task. With proper care and risk management, you can help prevent your facility from becoming a burden. The path to effective property administration begins with scheduling maintenance for your building.  1. Develop a Maintenance Schedule The easiest way to stay on top of your facility maintenance is to add a maintenance schedule to your general church calendar. At least once a quarter, your ministry should schedule a seasonal maintenance check-up. This could be followed by a church volunteer work/clean-up day. Between the maintenance check and workday, your ministry will identify areas that need repair and be able to perform some general maintenance tasks on the workday. UMIP has four seasonal checklists that could help you get started: UMIP Spring Checklist UMIP Summer Checklist UMIP Fall Checklist UMIP Winter Checklist 2. Practice Good Record Keeping After completing your maintenance checks, report back to your ministry leadership team and store the checklists in a secure location. Find a confidential and secure location to keep these and other important property and insurance documents. Notify appropriate staff and personnel of the location and document management protocols. This will help your ministry maintain current records and properly store confidential documents.  3. Examine Facility Use Agreements Your church building may currently have limited traffic and few requests to use the facility, so now is a great time to review your facility use policies. Your ministry leadership team should begin having conversations about post-COVID-19 facility use practices, especially with external facility use requests. Your ministry should always work to limit the liability risks associated with any facility use. A facility use agreement can help protect your ministry against liability claims. Contacting your annual conference and requesting a review of your facility use agreement can help you ensure that your protocols follow local and state laws as well.  4. Inspect Building Security Keeping your building secure during an extended period of vacancy can be hard. Whether you have returned to in-person worship or not, church buildings currently do not have the normal amount of traffic flowing through their doors. This could make your facility more attractive to burglars or other malicious attacks. Check all lower-level exterior windows and doors for potential tampering and to ensure the locks function properly. When you are covered by UMIP, we will be there when you need us. Churches have unique needs. As a part of the denomination, we understand the unique needs of United Methodist churches and their operations, which is reflected in our coverage options. Your ministry deserves outstanding insurance and UMIP works for you each day to help protect your church’s people, property, and finances. Let's talk! Contact us at 484-654-3380 or at UMI@sovinsurance.com . Or, click here to request a quote online . This content has been prepared by United Methodist Insurance Company (UMI) for informational purposes only. No article or document may accurately contemplate all possible scenarios or church resources. As such, this information is meant to foster discussion by the individual church and its members to develop a plan tailored to its own circumstances. UMI is providing this information with no warranties or guarantees of any kind and it should not be viewed as legal, financial, or other professional advice. All liability is expressly disclaimed. Any claim examples described herein are general in nature, may or may not be based on actual claims, and are for informational purposes only. Any coverage available for a claim is determined from the facts and circumstances of the claim as well as the terms and conditions of any applicable policy, including any exclusions or deductibles. In the event of a conflict with the content herein, the terms and conditions of any issued policy will control. Individual coverage may vary and may not be available in all states. The commercial insurance coverages for United Methodist Insurance are sold and serviced directly or indirectly by Sovereign Insurance Agency (CA Lic. No. 0B01380) ("Sovereign") and underwritten by various available insurance markets. Sovereign pays United Methodist Insurance a royalty for the use of its intellectual property.

I've had a claim. What do I do next? A loss of any magnitude can be a stressful situation for your church. You may be overwhelmed and unsure of what to do. In the unfortunate event that you do have a claim, there are several steps you should consider throughout the process. ​ Call first responders- To help ensure the safety of your people and property, be sure to call an emergency phone number, like 911 or local fire/police/ EMT departments, immediately. Doing this is the first critical action to take when an accident happens. Attend to any injuries/gather information- If people are injured, attempt to help with their injuries as much as possible. When it is safe, record the names of anyone involved (including witnesses) and their contact information (name, phone number, addresses). If there is an investigation, cooperate with authorities. Provide facts, but do not admit fault. Notify your insurance company- Contact your insurance carrier right away to let them know your church has experienced an incident. This notification is very important as it will create the actual claim. An adjuster should reach out to you to discuss the event and provide further feedback, usually within 24 hours. Protect your property- If it is safe and reasonable to do so, try to protect your property from further damage. For example, you may attempt to close a door if you have flooding. Do not ever try to mitigate loss if it is likely to be dangerous. Keep evidence of your loss-Take pictures of the damage to your property related to the incident. These may be required to submit to your insurance carrier. Additionally, do not throw out damaged items/property without confirmation from your adjuster that you may do so. Keep proper documentation in relation to the claim- If you need to make emergency repairs or purchases, keep all of your receipts as well as the names of repair companies you use. Cooperate with your insurance company- Following the guidelines provided by your insurance carrier can help to make the claims experience smoother and may result in faster resolution. If you have questions about what you should be doing, contact your carrier first to discuss your options. Some additional tips to consider that can help you BEFORE you experience a loss are: Keep your insurance policy handy and understand what it covers- If you have questions about your coverage or need a copy of your policy, contact your insurance agent or carrier. Know your claims contact information- Write down and/or save your insurance carrier’s claims contact information to avoid having to search for it during a hectic time. Maintain appropriate coverage- Having coverage that is appropriate for your church and its exposures is imperative in helping prevent further devastation after a loss. Be proactive in protecting your ministry. Chose an insurance agency and carrier wisely- Your insurance agent and carrier should not only help you select appropriate coverage, but they should offer compassionate, fast, fair claims with outstanding customer service. Be knowledgeable about what features and benefits are available to you in association with your coverage. ​ Looking for coverage for your church? When you are covered by UMIP, we will be there when you need us. Churches have unique needs. As a part of the denomination, we understand the unique needs of United Methodist churches and their operations, which is reflected in our coverage options. Your ministry deserves outstanding insurance and UMIP works for you each day to help protect your church’s people, property, and finances. Let's talk! Contact us at 484-654-3380 or at UMI@sovinsurance.com . Or, click here to request a quote online . Submit a question to Ask The Expert for the chance to win a prize! If we chose your question to be featured in an upcoming article in the Church Protection Connection, we will send you a free copy of The Secret to Cybersecurity by Scott Augenbaum, Retired FBI Agent, Cyber Division.  The book provides important tips and steps you can take to help prevent cybercrime. This content has been prepared by United Methodist Insurance Company (UMI) for informational purposes only. No article or document may accurately contemplate all possible scenarios or church resources. As such, this information is meant to foster discussion by the individual church and its members to develop a plan tailored to its own circumstances. UMI is providing this information with no warranties or guarantees of any kind and it should not be viewed as legal, financial, or other professional advice. All liability is expressly disclaimed. Any claim examples described herein are general in nature, may or may not be based on actual claims, and are for informational purposes only. Any coverage available for a claim is determined from the facts and circumstances of the claim as well as the terms and conditions of any applicable policy, including any exclusions or deductibles. In the event of a conflict with the content herein, the terms and conditions of any issued policy will control. Individual coverage may vary and may not be available in all states. The commercial insurance coverages for United Methodist Insurance are sold and serviced directly or indirectly by Sovereign Insurance Agency (CA Lic. No. 0B01380) ("Sovereign") and underwritten by various available insurance markets. Sovereign pays United Methodist Insurance a royalty for the use of its intellectual property.

Our unfortunate reality is that churches and worship gatherings are being attacked at increasing rates. From 2014-2018, the rate of violent attacks on houses of worship increased by 34.8%, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation ( FBI ). The United Methodist Insurance Program (UMIP) prays that your ministry will never be faced with a crisis but is here to help you prepare a response in the unlikely event of an attack. Establish protocols There is a distinct difference between an internal and external violent threat. Your ministry should consider its protocols in response to both scenarios. Having the ability to initiate a “lockdown” or “shelter-in-place” protocol in a time of crisis can help your ministry respond until law enforcement arrives on the scene. As you make your crisis response plan, consult local law enforcement, or contact a security firm for assistance in developing and implementing proper protocols. Training your staff, volunteers, and members in your established protocols, like how to shelter-in-place, can help your church respond efficiently in a crisis. Church emergency preparation plan Your church may already have response plans ready and prepared for other emergencies. If not, first prepare a fire safety and weather emergency plan. Often modifications to your current crisis emergency plans can provide a solid foundation for a violent crisis response plan. Both internal communication and communication with local law enforcement are key to responding to a crisis. Establish who and how information is communicated within your ministry before a crisis occurs. First Response Supplies  When someone suffers an injury or is attacked, your ministry’s initial actions are critical. Whether it’s the application of basic first aid or coordinating an evacuation, be sure to check your church’s inventory of first response essentials prior to a crisis. Proper first aid kits, flashlights, radios, etc. can help your ministry respond more effectively in a crisis. Examine your emergency preparedness plan and make sure your ministry has any supplies necessary to execute your ministry’s plan. Cleaning Up and Recovery The chaos and commotion of a crisis can provide tense moments for your staff, church leadership, and members. For many people, the church is a place of peace and if an incident of violence or crisis happens at your facility, it can be very stressful for many. Cleaning up and repairing any damages to your facility can help restore the peaceful feeling after a crisis. These repairs are cosmetic but the spiritual and emotional care of your community may also need some repair. Consider partnering with local mental health and emotional support professional to provide crisis counseling services for your ministry.  UMIP is here to help your ministry plan, protect, and restore your United Methodist ministry. Join us on September 22nd for our Active Shooter Webinar with Strategos . When you are covered by UMIP, we will be there when you need us. Churches have unique needs. As a part of the denomination, we understand the unique needs of United Methodist churches and their operations, which is reflected in our coverage options. Your ministry deserves outstanding insurance and UMIP works for you each day to help protect your church’s people, property, and finances. Let's talk! Contact us at 484-654-3380 or at UMI@sovinsurance.com . Or, click here to request a quote online . CLICK HERE to subscribe to the Church Protection Connection and receive more great articles like this in your inbox every month. This content has been prepared by United Methodist Insurance Company (UMI) for informational purposes only. No article or document may accurately contemplate all possible scenarios or church resources. As such, this information is meant to foster discussion by the individual church and its members to develop a plan tailored to its own circumstances. UMI is providing this information with no warranties or guarantees of any kind and it should not be viewed as legal, financial, or other professional advice. All liability is expressly disclaimed. Any claim examples described herein are general in nature, may or may not be based on actual claims, and are for informational purposes only. Any coverage available for a claim is determined from the facts and circumstances of the claim as well as the terms and conditions of any applicable policy, including any exclusions or deductibles. In the event of a conflict with the content herein, the terms and conditions of any issued policy will control. Individual coverage may vary and may not be available in all states. The commercial insurance coverages for United Methodist Insurance are sold and serviced directly or indirectly by Sovereign Insurance Agency (CA Lic. No. 0B01380) ("Sovereign") and underwritten by various available insurance markets. Sovereign pays United Methodist Insurance a royalty for the use of its intellectual property.

Your church isn’t like a business or other non-profits; it’s unique. It operates uniquely and has unique needs that should be reflected in your insurance coverage. Here are three unique insurance considerations for your church. 1: Errors and Omissions Many parishioners come to your staff looking for spiritual counseling, guidance, and advice. Providing this type of support leaves your organization vulnerable to potential liability for physical or emotional injury to congregation members who feel negatively impacted by their guidance. Errors and Omissions Insurance can help protect your ministry by covering court costs and settlements associated with claims of negligence arising out of spiritual counseling, guidance, and advice. 2: Active Threat Churches are particularly vulnerable to armed intruders and active threat situations due to their open and welcoming nature. Unfortunately, the rising prevalence of these types of situations has increased the demand for coverage designed to help protect religious institutions from the financial ruin that can happen after one of these situations. Active threat policies can cover expenses that are typically excluded from general liability coverage, such as legal liability, organization interruption coverage, physical damage coverage, and medical expenses, as well as costs for cleanup and recovery. 3: Sexual Misconduct It is unfortunate to consider this for ministries, but sexual abuse is one of the top reasons churches go to court, and sexual abuse and molestation coverage can help mitigate the cost of defending a sexual misconduct claim. Sexual misconduct liability is a type of coverage that addresses the risks associated with physical or emotional injury resulting from sexual abuse, molestation, or exploitation. These types of claims can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and potentially result in bankruptcy for those without adequate coverage. It is also recommended that your ministry implement policies and procedures to help limit the opportunities for misconduct and maintain/develop a comprehensive response plan. When you are covered by UMIP, we will be there when you need us. Churches have unique needs. As a part of the denomination, we understand the unique needs of United Methodist churches and their operations, which is reflected in our coverage options. Your ministry deserves outstanding insurance and UMIP works for you each day to help protect your church’s people, property, and finances. Let's talk! Contact us at 484-654-3380 or at UMI@sovinsurance.com . Or, click here to request a quote online . This content has been prepared by United Methodist Insurance Company (UMI) for informational purposes only. No article or document may accurately contemplate all possible scenarios or church resources. As such, this information is meant to foster discussion by the individual church and its members to develop a plan tailored to its own circumstances. UMI is providing this information with no warranties or guarantees of any kind and it should not be viewed as legal, financial, or other professional advice. All liability is expressly disclaimed. Any claim examples described herein are general in nature, may or may not be based on actual claims, and are for informational purposes only. Any coverage available for a claim is determined from the facts and circumstances of the claim as well as the terms and conditions of any applicable policy, including any exclusions or deductibles. In the event of a conflict with the content herein, the terms and conditions of any issued policy will control. Individual coverage may vary and may not be available in all states. The commercial insurance coverages for United Methodist Insurance are sold and serviced directly or indirectly by Sovereign Insurance Agency (CA Lic. No. 0B01380) ("Sovereign") and underwritten by various available insurance markets. Sovereign pays United Methodist Insurance a royalty for the use of its intellectual property.

The last thing anyone expects to happen is a fire. It’s a scary and dangerous event that can have a devastating impact on your church. While you can never eliminate the chances of a fire happening, you can take several steps to help prevent it. Below, we’ve compiled some information for you to consider when thinking about fire prevention. Unsure if your church has enough coverage in the event of a fire? Click here to receive a free coverage assessment today to help ensure your church is protected. Smoke alarms As an essential part of any fire prevention plan, smoke alarms should be placed in every room to help increase the chances of detecting a fire as soon as possible. Test your smoke alarms regularly to make sure they’re still working properly. The most likely reason they do not work is because the batteries have died. Fire extinguishers If a fire does occur, fire extinguishers can help you contain the fire before it begins to spread and become out of control. Make sure you have them on-site and that they are easily accessible in the event of a fire. It is also a good idea to regularly inspect your fire extinguishers to help ensure they are working properly. Sprinklers If you’re able to, consider having a sprinkler system installed within your church. They can be a big help when it comes to containing a fire and making sure it doesn’t get out of control quickly. Fire escape plan Develop a fire escape plan from each building for staff and visitors to follow if a fire occurs while your building is occupied. Be sure you regularly review the plan with your staff, so they’re properly trained on what to do, and place signs around your building to aid with evacuation. Candles With the holidays approaching, many churches may hold ceremonies that use candles. Make sure you’re keeping your church safe by limiting the number of real candles. Battery operated candles help minimize the risk of a fire and burns. If you must use real candles, be sure to remove tripping hazards around candles. Place them in low traffic areas, monitor the flames while in use, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby as well. Electrical Electrical issues are one of the biggest causes of fires. It is a good idea to avoid connecting extension cords and power strips together as this can cause a potential fire hazard. If you have space heaters, make sure they have plenty of room and are turned off when not in use. If you have suspect or faulty wiring within your buildings, make sure you have it repaired as it can present a substantial fire hazard. Keeping these items in mind can help your church prevent fires and respond appropriately in an emergency. When you are covered by UMIP, we will be there when you need us. Churches have unique needs. As a part of the denomination, we understand the unique needs of United Methodist churches and their operations, which is reflected in our coverage options. Your ministry deserves outstanding insurance and UMIP works for you each day to help protect your church’s people, property, and finances. Let's talk! Contact us at 484-654-3380 or at UMI@sovinsurance.com . Or, click here to request a quote online . This content has been prepared by United Methodist Insurance Company (UMI) for informational purposes only. No article or document may accurately contemplate all possible scenarios or church resources. As such, this information is meant to foster discussion by the individual church and its members to develop a plan tailored to its own circumstances. UMI is providing this information with no warranties or guarantees of any kind and it should not be viewed as legal, financial, or other professional advice. All liability is expressly disclaimed. Any claim examples described herein are general in nature, may or may not be based on actual claims, and are for informational purposes only. Any coverage available for a claim is determined from the facts and circumstances of the claim as well as the terms and conditions of any applicable policy, including any exclusions or deductibles. In the event of a conflict with the content herein, the terms and conditions of any issued policy will control. Individual coverage may vary and may not be available in all states. The commercial insurance coverages for United Methodist Insurance are sold and serviced directly or indirectly by Sovereign Insurance Agency (CA Lic. No. 0B01380) ("Sovereign") and underwritten by various available insurance markets. Sovereign pays United Methodist Insurance a royalty for the use of its intellectual property.

If your church has commercial auto insurance, you may think that you, your employees, and your volunteers may be covered in an accident. But, if anybody drives their personal vehicle while performing church-related activities, you could be putting yourself and your church at risk due to vicarious liability. What is vicarious liability? Vicarious liability is defined as the liability of a supervisor (e.g., an employer) for the conduct of a subordinate (e.g., an employee) that is based solely on the relationship between the parties. In other words, your church could be held financially responsible for the actions for another person. Consider this: It’s Sunday afternoon, you’re leaving church and decide to deposit Sunday’s offerings at the bank. Since it’s on the way home, you figure you’ll just drive your own car and you’ll be home before you know it. But on the way there, you get into a fender bender and suddenly your easy Sunday afternoon has become much more stressful. If you’re at fault, you may be thinking that your personal auto insurance will cover it. But, because you were performing church-related duties, there’s a good chance the accident won’t be covered by your personal auto insurance, or they’ll turn to your church to be reimbursed. Not only that, but the other party (or their insurance company) also can sue both you and your church for damages because of vicarious liability. Hired/Non-owned Auto Insurance Coverage: To help prevent this kind of difficult and stressful situation, it’s important to secure hired/non-owned auto insurance coverage. This coverage can be part of the commercial package (CPP), the commercial auto (CA), or a stand-alone policy and helps protect your church from vicarious liability in the event of an accident. To help you better understand the importance of hired/non-owned auto coverage we’ve prepared a free infographic that outlines things you should consider when driving personal vehicles for church-related activities. Download your free infographic. When you are covered by UMIP, we will be there when you need us. Churches have unique needs. As a part of the denomination, we understand the unique needs of United Methodist churches and their operations, which is reflected in our coverage options. Your ministry deserves outstanding insurance and UMIP works for you each day to help protect your church’s people, property, and finances. Let's talk! Contact us at 484-654-3380 or at UMI@sovinsurance.com . Or, click here to request a quote online . Source: https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/vicarious_liability This content has been prepared by United Methodist Insurance Company (UMI) for informational purposes only. No article or document may accurately contemplate all possible scenarios or church resources. As such, this information is meant to foster discussion by the individual church and its members to develop a plan tailored to its own circumstances. UMI is providing this information with no warranties or guarantees of any kind and it should not be viewed as legal, financial, or other professional advice. All liability is expressly disclaimed. Any claim examples described herein are general in nature, may or may not be based on actual claims, and are for informational purposes only. Any coverage available for a claim is determined from the facts and circumstances of the claim as well as the terms and conditions of any applicable policy, including any exclusions or deductibles. In the event of a conflict with the content herein, the terms and conditions of any issued policy will control. Individual coverage may vary and may not be available in all states. The commercial insurance coverages for United Methodist Insurance are sold and serviced directly or indirectly by Sovereign Insurance Agency (CA Lic. No. 0B01380) ("Sovereign") and underwritten by various available insurance markets. Sovereign pays United Methodist Insurance a royalty for the use of its intellectual property.

Have you checked on your property since safer-at-home orders were put in place? While your ministry leadership and community engage in social distancing, there are some steps you can take to help ensure the security of your church’s property and facilities.  Secure Valuables Out of sight - out of mind. Making valuable equipment and property less visible or moving them to a secure location can make your church less of a target for burglars. If possible, move things like computers, laptops, keyboards, musical instruments, and Audio-Visual equipment out of the line-of-site from any exterior windows and doors. Also, place security warnings like video camera announcements and security system notifications on exterior windows and doors to help further deter potential threats. If possible, move your most valuable equipment to secure locations that could be closely monitored. Locking Doors and Windows Don’t make it easy for anyone to gain access to your building. Lock all first and second floor exterior windows and doors of the facility. Also, secure all internal doors to ensure limited access should an intruder get inside. Close all blinds and shades to help secure the contents of the building and to make your church a less attractive target. Turning Off Water Don’t spring a leak while you’re away. Turn off the water access to the building during this time of social distancing. This will help ensure no leaks start or further impact the structure of your building. Maintain proper temperatures within the building to prevent frozen pipes. Any actions taken to keep your facility and community safe is an act of faithful stewardship of the lives and resources God has placed under your care. Drive-bys and Check Ups Every day your facility is vacant is a day your property and facility could be compromised. Contact your local police department or EMS company. Notify the authorities of the vacancy and ask if your church could be added to their route for daily check-ins. Offering your church parking lot for EMS and Police vehicles to park while on duty can provide an extra layer of activity and security to your church. Their presence - or the threat of their presence - could serve as a deterrent to individuals seeking to do harm. If possible, create a schedule for trusted church leadership to conduct an exterior walk-through, making note of any apparent attempted entry. Report any suspicious activity to the local authorities.  When you are covered by UMIP, we will be there when you need us. Churches have unique needs. As a part of the denomination, we understand the unique needs of United Methodist churches and their operations, which is reflected in our coverage options. Your ministry deserves outstanding insurance and UMIP works for you each day to help protect your church’s people, property, and finances. Let's talk! Contact us at 484-654-3380 or at UMI@sovinsurance.com . Or, click here to request a quote online . This content has been prepared by United Methodist Insurance Company (UMI) for informational purposes only. No article or document may accurately contemplate all possible scenarios or church resources. As such, this information is meant to foster discussion by the individual church and its members to develop a plan tailored to its own circumstances. UMI is providing this information with no warranties or guarantees of any kind and it should not be viewed as legal, financial, or other professional advice. All liability is expressly disclaimed. Any claim examples described herein are general in nature, may or may not be based on actual claims, and are for informational purposes only. Any coverage available for a claim is determined from the facts and circumstances of the claim as well as the terms and conditions of any applicable policy, including any exclusions or deductibles. In the event of a conflict with the content herein, the terms and conditions of any issued policy will control. Individual coverage may vary and may not be available in all states. The commercial insurance coverages for United Methodist Insurance are sold and serviced directly or indirectly by Sovereign Insurance Agency (CA Lic. No. 0B01380) ("Sovereign") and underwritten by various available insurance markets. Sovereign pays United Methodist Insurance a royalty for the use of its intellectual property.

Is insurance coverage different for employees and volunteers? Many organizations are composed of both employees and volunteers. Your church may be no different. This can often lead to confusion as to who’s covered by your church’s insurance policy and who isn’t. Breaking down the differences related to insurance for employees versus volunteers can be helpful. Before we begin, it’s important to note that policy language and what’s covered can change from state to state. Always make sure to read your policy or speak to your agent to confirm that your coverages are appropriate for your ministry’s operations. Workers’ Compensation Workers’ compensation insurance covers costs associated with employees being injured while on the job. Some states cover volunteers under workers’ compensation, but many states don’t allow workers’ compensation to extend to volunteers. However, just because your state doesn’t cover volunteers under workers’ compensation, it doesn’t mean that your church has no options. Waivers, Hold Harmless Agreements, and general liability insurance may help offer protection to your church in the event a volunteer is injured. General Liability General liability insurance offers protection when an accident occurs due to unforeseen events. This can include injuries that occur to non-employees on your property or damage to someone else’s property caused by an employee or volunteer. If your volunteers are unable to be covered by a workers’ compensation policy, a general liability policy may be the best option to help ensure that your volunteers are protected. Do I need other coverages for volunteers? Depending on what jobs your volunteers will be performing, it’s a good idea to include them on your other insurance policies where possible just to be safe. If you have volunteers handling your social media accounts, you’ll want to include them on any cyber liability policies that you have. If volunteers will be driving church vehicles, be sure they’re also covered under your commercial auto policy. To help ensure that your ministry is well-protected, it’s important to understand how your church's policy handles volunteers. Be sure to contact your agent and/or insurance company with any questions and to receive guidance on your policy. When you are covered by UMIP, we will be there when you need us. Churches have unique needs. As a part of the denomination, we understand the unique needs of United Methodist churches and their operations, which is reflected in our coverage options. Your ministry deserves outstanding insurance and UMIP works for you each day to help protect your church’s people, property, and finances. Let's talk! Contact us at 484-654-3380 or at UMI@sovinsurance.com . Or, click here to request a quote online . This content has been prepared by United Methodist Insurance Company (UMI) for informational purposes only. No article or document may accurately contemplate all possible scenarios or church resources. As such, this information is meant to foster discussion by the individual church and its members to develop a plan tailored to its own circumstances. UMI is providing this information with no warranties or guarantees of any kind and it should not be viewed as legal, financial, or other professional advice. All liability is expressly disclaimed. Any claim examples described herein are general in nature, may or may not be based on actual claims, and are for informational purposes only. Any coverage available for a claim is determined from the facts and circumstances of the claim as well as the terms and conditions of any applicable policy, including any exclusions or deductibles. In the event of a conflict with the content herein, the terms and conditions of any issued policy will control. Individual coverage may vary and may not be available in all states. The commercial insurance coverages for United Methodist Insurance are sold and serviced directly or indirectly by Sovereign Insurance Agency (CA Lic. No. 0B01380) ("Sovereign") and underwritten by various available insurance markets. Sovereign pays United Methodist Insurance a royalty for the use of its intellectual property.

The Book of Discipline requires that church treasurers be bonded (¶258.4.b) to help protect your church and its finances. If your church currently doesn’t have a bonded treasurer, you could be putting your ministry at risk of potential financial difficulties. But there is good news – acquiring a bond can be simple and easy. What is a bond? A surety bond (bond) is a binding contract that helps ensure financial obligations are met and/or provides coverage for certain damages if those obligations are not met. They are often issued to and held by people in fiduciary roles. As an example, a surety bond can help protect an organization if the bonded party mishandles funds, intentionally or unintentionally. How does it work?  A bond mandates that the insurer issuing the bond covering the treasurer will pay a set amount of money to the insured if the treasurer does not fulfill a contractual obligation. This can help the church recover associated losses.   Why do I need a bond as well as insurance? All United Methodist churches are required to have insurance for their church to help protect their people, property, and finances. This coverage must also adhere to the   minimum insurance requirements  set forth by the General Council on Finance and Administration.  However, all churches are also required to have a bonded treasurer. A surety bond is its own stand-alone product and the protection it offers is usually not included with standard property and casualty coverage. It is important to remember that even if you have employee crime and dishonesty coverage, in many instances that type of coverage may not provide the same level of protection as a bond or may even be insufficient in some cases.  Please also note that while your employee crime and dishonesty will likely need to meet a deductible, your bond will not. Can others be bonded? Absolutely! While treasurers are required to be bonded, many churches opt to bond anyone who has access to financial information including board members, ministers, etc. When obtaining a bond, you’re bonding the position/title, not the person. So even if someone leaves your ministry or a specific role, you won’t lose the protection offered by a bond and have to start the process all over again. Be sure to speak to an agent if you have any questions as to who may or may not be covered. When you are covered by UMIP, we will be there when you need us. Churches have unique needs. As a part of the denomination, we understand the unique needs of United Methodist churches and their operations, which is reflected in our coverage options. Your ministry deserves outstanding insurance and UMIP works for you each day to help protect your church’s people, property, and finances. Let's talk! Contact us at 484-654-3380 or at UMI@sovinsurance.com . Or, click here to request a quote online . This content has been prepared by United Methodist Insurance Company (UMI) for informational purposes only. No article or document may accurately contemplate all possible scenarios or church resources. As such, this information is meant to foster discussion by the individual church and its members to develop a plan tailored to its own circumstances. UMI is providing this information with no warranties or guarantees of any kind and it should not be viewed as legal, financial, or other professional advice. All liability is expressly disclaimed. Any claim examples described herein are general in nature, may or may not be based on actual claims, and are for informational purposes only. Any coverage available for a claim is determined from the facts and circumstances of the claim as well as the terms and conditions of any applicable policy, including any exclusions or deductibles. In the event of a conflict with the content herein, the terms and conditions of any issued policy will control. Individual coverage may vary and may not be available in all states. The commercial insurance coverages for United Methodist Insurance are sold and serviced directly or indirectly by Sovereign Insurance Agency (CA Lic. No. 0B01380) ("Sovereign") and underwritten by various available insurance markets. Sovereign pays United Methodist Insurance a royalty for the use of its intellectual property.

Due to the global pandemic, virtual worship has become our new normal. While this transition hasn’t been easy and many long for in-person worship, this time away from your church facilities could be a benefit your ministry. If your ministry is planning any construction activities, there are a few things to consider regarding your insurance during construction. Vacant Building Coverage While your ministry worships and works virtually, make sure your facilities are properly covered under your current insurance package. Many thefts and acts of vandalism happen during renovations or extended periods of vacancy. Make sure your ministry’s resources and investments are protected while you improve your facilities. Additional Coverages If the renovation or construction you have planned will expose your building to the elements, you may need additional coverages. Exterior wall repairs and window or door-replacements can increase the risk of theft or damage due to weather. Minimize the risk associated with these types of repairs by contacting your insurance agent and discussing any additional coverages that may be needed for your projects. Contractor’s Insurance When selecting a contractor, be sure to check their credentials and request a copy of their certificate of insurance. Use the information to make an informed decision about your options and the risk involved with a construction project. Using uninsured contractors or contractors with inadequate insurance can leave your ministry liable for any damages or loss incurred during a renovation. Potential Reductions in Premium Contact your insurance agent and ask them if there are any potential reductions in premium you may qualify for after construction. Many insurance companies offer premium reductions for energy efficiency, roofing repairs, electrical upgrades, and other common facility repairs. Your insurance agent can help you understand what may be available for your church and take advantage of any potential savings on your policy. When you are covered by UMIP, we will be there when you need us. Churches have unique needs. As a part of the denomination, we understand the unique needs of United Methodist churches and their operations, which is reflected in our coverage options. Your ministry deserves outstanding insurance and UMIP works for you each day to help protect your church’s people, property, and finances. Let's talk! Contact us at 484-654-3380 or at UMI@sovinsurance.com . Or, click here to request a quote online . This content has been prepared by United Methodist Insurance Company (UMI) for informational purposes only. No article or document may accurately contemplate all possible scenarios or church resources. As such, this information is meant to foster discussion by the individual church and its members to develop a plan tailored to its own circumstances. UMI is providing this information with no warranties or guarantees of any kind and it should not be viewed as legal, financial, or other professional advice. All liability is expressly disclaimed. Any claim examples described herein are general in nature, may or may not be based on actual claims, and are for informational purposes only. Any coverage available for a claim is determined from the facts and circumstances of the claim as well as the terms and conditions of any applicable policy, including any exclusions or deductibles. In the event of a conflict with the content herein, the terms and conditions of any issued policy will control. Individual coverage may vary and may not be available in all states. The commercial insurance coverages for United Methodist Insurance are sold and serviced directly or indirectly by Sovereign Insurance Agency (CA Lic. No. 0B01380) ("Sovereign") and underwritten by various available insurance markets. Sovereign pays United Methodist Insurance a royalty for the use of its intellectual property.

Effective ministry happens when your staff and members work as a team. But what do you do when you MUST share a ministry account password? Whether an email account, social media handle, or online banking, here are four tips to help your ministry share passwords more securely.  Develop password structure The perfect situation would allow your ministry to use the same password for every account. We know we live in an imperfect world, so using the same password for all your church’s digital accounts presents a significant risk. If your password ever became compromised, all your ministry’s accounts would be at risk of tampering and unauthorized actions. Developing a password creation structure for your ministry can help your church produce safer passwords for its digital accounts. Your password creation structure could include things like: Strategic alterations to familiar words for your church or ministry Replace vowels with numbers Replace letters with special characters  The key is to make your password structure unique to your ministry and applicable to a plethora of potential passwords. You can always test your passwords through websites like passwordmeter.com and adjust based on your password report.  Use a password manager One of the best ways to manage shared passwords and personal passwords is by using a secure password manager. Using systems connected to your web browser may be convenient but they typically are not the most secure option. Many password managers download directly to your device and require a secure login to access password information. The username and password for this account should be very strong and be kept by your ministry’s information technology (IT) manager or Board of Trustee’s Chair.  Many password managers have features that help you practice good password creation and usage practices. Some can even generate secure passwords for you that would be automatically applied so you won’t have to remember them. A premium feature that could help your ministry maintain password security is through applying login information without users being able to see the information. These are but some of the features available with different password manager applications. Be thorough in researching which one is right for your ministry. Activate two-factor authentication Whenever, wherever, and if ever available, use two-factor authentication. Your ministry should consider making this a part of your cybersecurity policy. All your ministry’s accounts should be connected to a standard church email address. Using two-step verification helps to ensure your ministry’s primary account stays secure and access is given on a per-case basis. Adding this feature is also useful in preventing unauthorized account logins.  Share information separately If there is a need for a password to be shared quickly, send the login information in separate communications. Also, depending on the area of ministry (such as finance or facility management) , securely sharing passwords may be necessary for transparency and accountability. Separating the account numbers, usernames, and passwords can make it harder for a hacker or unauthorized user to get access to information. Usernames or passwords are useless separate from each other. Placing all three in one email or text makes it easy for anyone who has access to that email to make changes to your account.  When you are covered by UMIP, we will be there when you need us. Churches have unique needs. As a part of the denomination, we understand the unique needs of United Methodist churches and their operations, which is reflected in our coverage options. Your ministry deserves outstanding insurance and UMIP works for you each day to help protect your church’s people, property, and finances. Let's talk! Contact us at 484-654-3380 or at UMI@sovinsurance.com . Or, click here to request a quote online . CLICK HERE to subscribe to the Church Protection Connection and receive more great articles like this in your inbox every month. This content has been prepared by United Methodist Insurance Company (UMI) for informational purposes only. No article or document may accurately contemplate all possible scenarios or church resources. As such, this information is meant to foster discussion by the individual church and its members to develop a plan tailored to its own circumstances. UMI is providing this information with no warranties or guarantees of any kind and it should not be viewed as legal, financial, or other professional advice. All liability is expressly disclaimed. Any claim examples described herein are general in nature, may or may not be based on actual claims, and are for informational purposes only. Any coverage available for a claim is determined from the facts and circumstances of the claim as well as the terms and conditions of any applicable policy, including any exclusions or deductibles. In the event of a conflict with the content herein, the terms and conditions of any issued policy will control. Individual coverage may vary and may not be available in all states. The commercial insurance coverages for United Methodist Insurance are sold and serviced directly or indirectly by Sovereign Insurance Agency (CA Lic. No. 0B01380) ("Sovereign") and underwritten by various available insurance markets. Sovereign pays United Methodist Insurance a royalty for the use of its intellectual property.

In the process of running your organization, it’s only natural that you’ll accumulate a large number of documents on a wide variety of issues. Utility bills, bank statements, important notices—it can be difficult to know which ones you need to keep and to know how long you should hold onto them. If you ever have a question about your insurance policy, or you need to contact your insurance company for any reason, there are a few documents that you can keep around to help make your life easier. Declaration Page: Your insurance declaration page is one of the most important parts of your insurance policy. It contains several vital pieces of information including your policy number, the information needed to report a claim, what’s covered by your policy, your deductible and premium, and much, much more. It’s a great starting point for any questions or concerns that you may have regarding your insurance policy. And on the off chance that your declaration page doesn’t answer your questions, it’s a good idea to reach out to your insurance company or agent and speak with a representative who can take a closer look at your policy. Contact Information: It is important to keep the contact information of your insurance company readily available. Company name, phone number, email, and mailing address – if you need to contact your insurance company, it’s a great idea to keep a business card someplace safe. This prevents you from searching the internet for the correct information during a stressful moment. This is especially true for contact information and instructions related to claims.  Don’t forget to keep information regarding what to do in the event of an automobile accident in the glove compartment of any vehicles you own or lease. You should make sure that all drivers (including volunteers) know and follow these instructions. Questions? When you are covered by UMIP, we will be there when you need us. Churches have unique needs. As a part of the denomination, we understand the unique needs of United Methodist churches and their operations, which is reflected in our coverage options. Your ministry deserves outstanding insurance and UMIP works for you each day to help protect your church’s people, property, and finances. Let's talk! Contact us at 484-654-3380 or at UMI@sovinsurance.com . Or, click here to request a quote online . CLICK HERE to subscribe to the Church Protection Connection and receive more great articles like this in your inbox every month. This content has been prepared by United Methodist Insurance Company (UMI) for informational purposes only. No article or document may accurately contemplate all possible scenarios or church resources. As such, this information is meant to foster discussion by the individual church and its members to develop a plan tailored to its own circumstances. UMI is providing this information with no warranties or guarantees of any kind and it should not be viewed as legal, financial, or other professional advice. All liability is expressly disclaimed. Any claim examples described herein are general in nature, may or may not be based on actual claims, and are for informational purposes only. Any coverage available for a claim is determined from the facts and circumstances of the claim as well as the terms and conditions of any applicable policy, including any exclusions or deductibles. In the event of a conflict with the content herein, the terms and conditions of any issued policy will control. Individual coverage may vary and may not be available in all states. The commercial insurance coverages for United Methodist Insurance are sold and serviced directly or indirectly by Sovereign Insurance Agency (CA Lic. No. 0B01380) ("Sovereign") and underwritten by various available insurance markets. Sovereign pays United Methodist Insurance a royalty for the use of its intellectual property.