What should you look for when purchasing insurance? Searching for insurance for your ministry can quickly become an overwhelming experience. What kind of insurance does my ministry need? How much coverage is needed? How can I find a reliable agent? These are just a few of the questions you may be asking yourself on your insurance journey. To make things a little bit easier for you, we’ve compiled several different tips designed to help you be more informed during the insurance buying process. Choosing an agent and an agency When you’re thinking about buying insurance, it’s important to consider the agent you’re working with. You want an agency that has experience in working with organizations like yours and can connect you to carriers with experience serving your industry. An agent needs to be licensed and have experience. An independent agent will typically have more options for you to choose from, while a captive agent typically only works with one insurance company, which could substantially limit your ability to compare. Many consumers opt to go with independent agents because it can allow them more options. In addition to finding a reputable agent, it’s important to have a carrier with a proven track record of reliability should something occur since the carrier is the insurance company that will write your policies and is responsible for paying your claims. All carriers have financial strength ratings, and you should typically look for a company with an excellent rating. A quick online search can help you identify what a company’s rating is. Finding a policy that is tailored to your organization Every organization is unique, so it’s a good idea to secure coverage that addresses your individual organization’s operations and risks. It is important to understand what your policy offers protection for and what is excluded. In some cases, there are supplemental policies available to help with normal excluded risks. Be sure to talk to your agent about what coverage is appropriate for your church. What products and limits work for one church will not necessarily work for you. Also be sure to remember that United Methodist churches must adhere to minimum requirements set forth by the General Council on Finance and Administration in adherence with The Book of Discipline . You can learn more about minimum requirements on our UMIP website . Knowing what affects insurance costs The cost of insurance is different for each church; many factors including that a church is a non-profit organization, the size and age of buildings, and geography have an impact on your premium. Additionally, more comprehensive coverage can sometimes come with a higher price tag, but it may be beneficial in the long run if you have a claim. There are many ways you can save money on insurance. Additionally, there are certain things you can do from a risk management and loss control perspective that may qualify you for lower premium amounts. Be sure to ask for quotes from multiple carriers so you can comparison shop to help get a better rate. Additional 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 . 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.

What is and is not covered for lost offerings? The onset of the COVID-19 virus has forced churches around the country to find new and creative ways to engage with their parishioners.  Although many churches are hard at work bringing their services to an online platform or drive-in format, it is difficult to replace the fellowship of an in-person service. Some churches have experienced a decline in offerings as a result of this strange time, and it may cause people to wonder—can my property insurance help with this?  ​ In some cases, property insurance does cover loss of income, but in general that coverage is only triggered by a direct physical loss to the covered property. For example, if a church burns down and services cannot be held, your Loss of Business Income coverage may reimburse the church for a decrease in offerings as parishioners are not able to come to church. If, however, a snowstorm or other weather event prevented parishioners from attending services for a period of time, but did not cause damage to the church’s property, the insurance policy would not provide a reimbursement of lost offerings.   ​ There may be other scenarios in which your policy can assist you, as well, such as limited coverage for theft of offerings. When in doubt, your best course of action is to contact your agent or carrier directly for guidance on this topic, as they will be able to walk you through the ins and outs of your coverage.  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.

What are D&O and E&O coverage and why is it important? Even though you may have the best intentions while running your church, there’s always the possibility that someone will commit a mistake. Unfortunately, these mistakes can be costly to both you and your church. Management and professional liability insurance in the form of Directors & Officers (D&O) insurance and Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance can help protect your personal and church assets in the event of a lawsuit. What is D&O insurance? D&O insurance protects church directors and officers from the costs associated with being sued for actual or alleged claims of misconduct while running an organization. What are some examples of what D&O insurance may cover? Failing to provide adequate financial oversight. Us e of budgeted or donated money for something other than for what it was originally intended. Putting the church’s tax-exempt status at risk. Do I need D&O insurance? It’s typically a good idea to carry D&O insurance for you and your church to help protect them from potential lawsuits. Even if your church runs effective ministries, a D&O insurance policy brings reassurance to your church that helps your staff focus on what matters most — focusing on your church and making disciples. Have questions about how D&O or E&O insurance can help protect you and your church? What is E&O insurance? E&O insurance – sometimes known as pastoral counseling for religious organizations – provides professional liability insurance that is designed to protect clergy members from legal action that relates to a work mistake, misguided counseling, or alleged negligence. What are some examples of what E&O insurance would cover? Failure to recognize suicidal tendencies. Misguided counseling to congregants on topics like adultery, addiction, etc. Do I need E&O insurance? An E&O insurance policy helps protect your ministry from the defense costs associated with potential lawsuits. And while you and your staff may try to do the right thing, the possibility of errors or disagreements leading to a lawsuit can never be fully eliminated. By carrying an E&O insurance policy, you can help to prevent your church’s responsibility for an expensive legal bill. Request a quote today It’s important to remember that anybody can sue you – whether their allegation is justified or not – and that the legal costs of a lawsuit can add up very quickly. Having a judge rule in your favor doesn't guarantee that your court costs will be paid for by the claimant, but a D&O or E&O policy can help you and your organization fund your legal team regardless of the outcome. 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 . 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.

Am I covered for big events, like those during the Christmas season? With the holiday season upon us, it is likely that your church is busy spreading Christmas cheer with different events and activities.  While these events are meant to be celebrations, it is still important to ensure that you have appropriate coverage in place to help protect you from situations that may arise.    ​ Many events that are holiday-themed but categorized as normal church functions can be covered by your general liability insurance.  Some examples are Christmas plays, concerts, or craft shows where there are opportunities for slips, trips, and falls, and other small accidents.  Commercial auto insurance may cover accidents that occur while delivering or transporting gifts and holiday decorations.  Your property insurance might cover theft or damage to your church buildings in the unfortunate event that an incident happens during the busy Christmas season.  ​ Regardless of what your church has planned for the holidays, there are few key points to consider:  Safety first Always follow reasonable precautions to help ensure the safety of your people and property.  For example, extension cords can be trip hazards so it is important to place them out of high traffic areas and be sure they are not damaged.    Know your coverage Be aware of what insurance you currently have in place and what it entails.  If you are unsure of what coverage you hold or if it is adequate for the activities you are planning, speak to your insurance agent.  Special event insurance is available If the events you are planning go beyond the scope of normal church functions, it may be possible for you to obtain special event insurance.  This type of insurance acts as its own policy to help protect your church against risks associated with a specific event.  If you are not sure of whether your event requires special event insurance, speak to your insurance agent.    Protection for future events The guidelines discussed above can be applied beyond just Christmas events. Use your best judgement while preparing for and enjoying events.    It is important to ensure you have the appropriate coverage in place and are taking proper safety steps for any big event that your church has planned during the year.  Easter egg hunts, summer festivals, or back-to-school gatherings are some examples.  As your church strives to fulfill your mission in the community, it is important to prioritize the protection of your people, property, and ministry.  ​ Questions about insurance for your church’s events?  ​ 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! Submit a question for our Ask the Expert column at asktheexpert@umins.org 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.

As ministries grow, the need to hire employees grows as well. With this comes the need for proper employment practices, policies, and protections. As a leader in providing risk management, the United Methodist Insurance Program (UMIP) helps you understand Employment Practices Liability coverage and how to protect your ministry with its employment practices.  ​ The purpose of Employment Practices Liability coverage is to help protect an organization and its leadership against civil liability for “Wrongful Acts" including its directors and officers such as clergy, church officers, church employees, and boards and leaders of church-related institutions. Lawsuits regarding employment practices are rising, and while most of those lawsuits are against larger corporations, no organization is immune to these types of lawsuits. This type of coverage can help to provide your ministry a firm financial footing against the costs of defending a lawsuit in court and judgments or settlements - whether you win or lose the case. This coverage is included in the property and casualty coverage offered by UMIP. The “Wrongful Acts” covered under this type of policy may include:  ​ Wrongful termination  Allegations of discrimination  Harassment  Retaliation  Misrepresentation to an applicant  Libel, slander, and defamation  Failure to employ  Deprived opportunity  Wrongful evaluation or demotion  Wrongful discipline  Failure to enforce policy  Having this coverage is essential for any ministry that has employees, but steps can be taken to help prevent these incidents. Here is a list of these steps and some suggestions on how to properly handle “Wrongful Acts”:   ​ Understand current employment laws enforced by the  U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission .  Make sure your employee handbook is thorough in detailing your ministry's workplace policies and ensure each employee confirms in writing that they have read and understand the handbook.  Create job descriptions for each position that effectively communicate expectations, skills, and performance.  Screen potential hires to vet out unsuitable candidates before making official contact with them.  Conduct background checks on suitable applicants.  Institute a zero-tolerance policy regarding discrimination, all forms of harassment, and bullying.  If an incident is reported, document everything that occurs and the steps your ministry took to solve that incident and actions taken to prevent future issues.  Taking these steps will help to ensure your ministry is actively protecting itself and its leaders against “wrongful act” incidents and lawsuits.  ​ 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.

What is a Certificate of Insurance and why do I need one? Most people are aware that the Book of Discipline requires all churches to maintain appropriate insurance coverage to help protect their people and property.  However, once a church secures their coverage, how can they prove they are in compliance?  A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a document that provides proof of insurance and typically outlines: Types of coverage and limits Policy number Policy effective date Insured’s full name Carrier of the coverage It is a good idea for a church to maintain this important certificate in its records as a reference.  There are a variety of reasons why a church may be required to provide a COI.  For example, a church might be asked to provide a COI if it is hosting an event - either on or off-site.  This could be a Christmas concert, Halloween trunk-or-treat, or Easter egg hunt.  COIs are also often required when traveling to other locations for field trips, retreats, or camping.  A COI is typically sent to a church by its insurance agent electronically or via mail when the policy is initially secured.  If needed, a church can request a COI from its agent at any time.  It is recommended to allow at least 4-5 business days from the request to secure a COI, but turnaround times may vary.  ​ It is important to remember that a COI provides proof of coverage, but it cannot be used to change or add coverage.  If a church has questions about coverage or needs to make changes to a policy, contact the insurance agent.  ​ Questions about Certificates of Insurance or how to secure appropriate coverage for a 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! Submit a question for our Ask the Expert column at  asktheexpert@umins.org  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.

Spring into action and help your church maintain its facilities and resources. With the changing season comes the need to inspect your ministry’s facilities, conduct preventative maintenance, and necessary repairs.  OUTSIDE  Take a stroll around your property and take notes of areas that potentially need repair or maintenance. Pay special attention to walkways, steps, and parking areas that may have been affected by salt in from the winter maintenance and care.   Use your notes and create two lists: one of repairs and maintenance that needs to be handled immediately and the other being maintenance or repairs that can be handled later.   Items needing immediate attention include broken steps, loose handrails, debris that needs to be collected and removed, cracks in the walkways or parking lot, and any conditions that have the potential to cause physical injury.   After completing the first list of repairs you can prioritize the second list based on ministry resources and capacity. Check the roof, gutters, and drainage systems. Also, take note of any deterioration on concrete and seals around the windows and doors on the exterior.   Check the landscaping and other service equipment like leaf blowers, lawnmowers, or hedge trimmers for issues or maintenance needs.   INSIDE ​ Walkthrough, observe and take note of the condition of the interior of the church. Check the seals on windows and doors for damage that may have occurred over the winter. Inspect your fire safety equipment including smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.  Arrange service or replacement on necessary equipment and work with your local fire department to ensure your ministry has the proper equipment and policies in place.   ​ This is a perfect time to check all lighting equipment and replace malfunctioning fixtures and burnt-out bulbs. Have all building and landscape-related systems like sprinklers or alarms systems properly serviced and maintained. Having your facility’s electrical systems checked is also important. If there are wall sockets or switches that do not operate properly, arrange for an electrician to inspect and, if needed, repair the equipment.  ​ PLANNING  ​ Develop, distribute, and discuss a report from your walkthroughs with ministry leaders. Also, form a plan for continued monitoring of your ministry’s facilities. We will develop and update seasonal checklists and other resources to help you inspect and maintain to prevent or anticipate costly repairs and damages. Follow your ministry's record-keeping policies and practices to properly document and store this report. Review previous maintenance reports to identify trends or problem areas that may need more permanent solutions.  ​ Inspecting and repairing your facilities is a major part of being good stewards of the resources God has given us. Click here to get more seasonal checklists or more information about insurance protection.  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.

Easter Sunday is quickly approaching. This is the time we celebrate our Savior’s resurrection and fulfillment of the prophecies and rejoice in Christ’s sacrifice for all of humanity. Younger members have another reason to look forward to this weekend’s activities - Easter Egg hunts. Simple steps can be taken to ensure both the participants and the ministry are protected against potentially harmful situations. 1. Proper Hygiene and Care Wash your hands thoroughly with hot soapy water when handling edible or inedible eggs. For edible eggs, rinse them before handling the eggs when cooking, cooling, dyeing, and hiding them. Check the eggs for deformities and cracks. These could be evidence of dangerous bacteria within the egg that could be harmful to Easter Egg hunt participants. Keep all eggs and candy properly stored before the event. Eggs that are left more than 2 hours present a high risk of foodborne illness. 2. Hiding Places Choose wisely when selecting hiding places for Easter eggs. Avoid areas where the eggs might come into contact with animals, whether domestic or wild, insects, or lawn chemicals. But where you hide your eggs doesn't determine where the kids will go. Kids will think there are eggs hidden everywhere, so communicating search areas is essential for children and parents. Rope off sensitive areas, like flower gardens, and properly secure equipment that kids could encounter as well. Holes in your yard could be animal habitats. These animals could bite or sting your children as they hunt for their prizes. The foliage around your home could be poisonous or covered in pesticides. Avoid putting your eggs near this foliage and in holes. 3. Candy The kids will love you forever and ever because of the sweet treats they find inside of some Easter eggs. This moment could be ruined by a choking incident. When choosing candy and filling Easter Eggs be mindful of the age groups and potential choking hazards. Color coding the eggs for age groups or conducting separate hunts for different age groups will help to reduce this risk. When stuffing your eggs, make sure to pick out an age-appropriate candy for your children and make sure they do not get something that could be a hazard. 4. Allergies There are an estimated three million people who suffer from a peanut and tree nut allergy. But these aren’t the only types of allergies that could affect the kids. Latex allergies from gloves and allergies to certain types of fruits could cause reactions for participants if proper care isn’t used. Some common allergies include milk, food coloring, eggs, and soy, as well. Check with the parents of any children who are joining your hunt for allergies that you should be aware of before the event. 5. Supervision The excitement for an Easter Egg hunt is hard to contain in most kids. Your children will run around hunting for their eggs and can easily trip over their own feet or eggs that are placed on the ground. Enlisting the help of parents in the setup and oversight of the hunt will help to fully cover the Easter Egg hunt area. Even if go over your event area with a fine-tooth comb, that doesn't mean it's a good idea to let kids loose and sit back until all eggs are found. Keeping a watchful eye over the children as they search can be accomplished through a cooperative effort of staff and volunteers. ​ This fun activity can be a staple of your ministry’s Easter celebration for years to come, especially if you provide a safe environment for your participants and limit the opportunities for harmful incidents to occur. 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.

How do I know what isn’t covered by my insurance? Having the right insurance is extremely important to help protect your church.  When you secure your coverage, you likely have a good understanding of what your policy covers.  However, it can be just as important to understand what your policy does not cover.  Being aware of possible limitations of your insurance can make a big difference should the unexpected occur.  ​ Here are some key items to consider when thinking about extent of your coverage:  ​ 1. If you have questions about your insurance, check with your insurance agent or carrier.  2. Keep a copy of your church’s policy in a safe place to reference as needed. 3. Review your policy. Certain perils (causes of loss) and damages that result from a loss may not be covered and some may be covered only in certain circumstances.  Additionally, the covered amount from a specific damage incident may be limited.  4. There are three common areas where there may be claims issues relating to possible lack of coverage.  These areas include water, wear and tear, and actual cash value versus replacement cost value.  Water - Perils relating to flooding or water/sewer backup are not typically covered by a standard commercial insurance package.  However, in some cases additional policies or endorsements may be purchased to add coverage for these perils.  Wear and tear - Standard policies generally do not cover normal wear and tear to property or routine maintenance issues.  It is typically the responsibility of the property owner that proper maintenance is completed and wear and tear is repaired.  While this upkeep can create additional work, it could help prevent your church from experiencing a total loss in the future.  Actual cash value versus replacement cost value  - Always review your policy to determine if actual cash value versus replacement cost value applies to your property.  Many policies are actual cash value and it is important to understand the difference between the two options.  Actual cash value is the depreciated cost of property.  Replacement cost value is the cost to replace the piece of property with similar kind and quality. For example, a new television may have been purchased for your church several years ago.  However, think about what might happen if an incident occurs tomorrow that damages the television.  If that television is covered by actual cash value, you will receive the depreciated cost from your insurance.  This may not be enough money to buy the same kind of television new today.  Although, if you do have replacement cost value for your insurance, you would likely receive enough money to purchase a new similar television.  It is important to note that there are many different reasons why a policy may or may not be actual cash value.  Sometimes you are able to purchase enhanced policies to get replacement cost value.  As previously mentioned, check with your insurance agent or carrier to learn more about your coverage and available options.  ​ Questions about insurance 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.

Much like property or commercial auto coverage, bonds play an important part in helping to keep your church protected. They’re issued to people with fiduciary responsibilities, and the Book of Discipline requires that all church treasurers be bonded. If your ministry doesn’t currently have a bonded treasurer, it could be at serious risk of financial loss should an incident arise. A surety bond (bond) helps ensure financial obligations are met and/or provides coverage for certain damages if those obligations are not met. For example, if a treasurer intentionally or unintentionally mishandles funds, a bond can help your church recover associated losses. A bond mandates that the insurance policy that bonds the treasurer will pay a set amount of money to the insured if the treasurer does not meet a contractual obligation. It is important to remember that even if you have employee crime and dishonesty coverage, it may not necessarily provide the same level of protection as a bond. It may be insufficient in some cases. Unlike employee crime and dishonesty coverage, bonds do not require a deductible payment. A bond is a stand-alone product and the protection it offers is not typically included with standard property and casualty coverage. Another important thing to remember about bonds is that while treasurers are required to be bonded, bonds can be obtained for anyone at your church who has access to financial information. Bonding these individuals can offer your ministry added protection and is something to consider. 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.

Tips for Reducing Distracted Driving and Keeping Your Ministry Safe With April being Distracted Driving Awareness Month, it’s necessary to reiterate how important it is to be safe while on the road. We’ve compiled some some tips on how to help improve your safety while driving church vehicles. Use your cell phone only for emergency situations When receiving a text message or phone call, it can be tempting to grab your phone to check your notifications. But those split-second distractions can be enough to cause an accident. Avoid temptation and wait until you’ve come to a complete stop before looking at your phone. Avoid multi-tasking while driving In addition to avoiding cell phone usage, you should avoid any sort of multi-tasking to help maintain your focus on driving. Eating, and personal grooming are all common distractions for drivers. Make sure you’re avoiding multi-tasking to help ensure safety. Set your GPS before leaving If driving to an area you’re unfamiliar with, you’ll probably be using your GPS to navigate to your destination. Set your GPS before leaving so you’re not trying to set it up while driving. Don’t drive while tired/drowsy Tired/drowsy driving can sometimes be as dangerous as drunk driving. Avoid driving or pull off and park the vehicle if you feel yourself being too tired to drive. A quick nap may be all you need to refresh and safely continue your journey. Reduce the number of distractions within the vehicle Limiting the number of passengers and keeping a clean vehicle helps reduce distractions. Reaching for something on the floor or getting distracted by passengers can cause you to take your eyes off the road and cause an accident. 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.

What first aid items should your church keep on hand? While many churches, organizations, and businesses continue to remain closed due to the pandemic, there are still several instances where someone could get injured at your church — staff coming and going from the building, weddings, funerals, or simply someone stopping in to drop something off. On the surface, these situations may seem harmless, but there is always the risk that someone could be injured, and it is important to be prepared for things that could arise. Every good safety plan includes a first aid kit, and we’ve compiled some key items that are generally recommended to include in yours. Gauze pads and rolls (assorted sizes) Box adhesive bandages (various sizes and uses) Triangular bandages Wound cleaning agent such as sealed moistened towelettes Scissors At least one blanket Tweezers Adhesive tape Disposable gloves (preferably latex - f ree) Resuscitation equipment , such as resuscitation bag, airway, or pocket mask Elastic wraps Splint Directions for requesting emergency assistance The above list contains some key items to include in your first aid kit, but always consider specific hazards for your church that may require additional items. For example, depending on your ministry’s specifics, you may want to consider keeping multiple first aid kits on-site in case of a larger emergency or consider purchasing items like a defibrillator to be prepared for more serious incidents. By keeping comprehensive first aid kits on-site at your church, you’re not only potentially reducing the financial and legal risks your church could face if someone is injured on your property, but you may also be helping save lives and are providing a safer environment for your ministry to thrive. 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.