According to a 2015 study by The Hartford( 1 ), 40% of small businesses will experience an insurance claim in the next ten years. While your ministry isn’t a small business, it’s safe to say that your chances of experiencing a claim are comparable. It’s important that your ministry is knowledgeable of the possible claims it might experience to try to avoid the risks associated with them. Below, you’ll find five of the most common claims your church may face. Request a free quote today to see if you could be saving money on your church’s insurance. Burglary and Theft Unfortunately, burglary and theft are something everyone must be concerned about, including your ministry. Make sure you’re taking necessary precautions to help prevent your church from being a target. Tips: Conduct background checks on staff and volunteers Have security devices installed to help control unauthorized entry into your church Ensure your church property has and maintains adequate exterior and interior lighting Water and Freezing Damage With the colder months on the way, preventing damage caused by freezing should be something you’re thinking of and preparing for now. Make sure you’re taking the necessary steps to help avoid unwanted damages this winter. Tips: Maintain proper indoor temperature during extremely cold weather, even when away Clear roofs and overhangs of excessive snow and ice if possible Have your gutters cleaned to allow proper drainage of melting snow and ice Ensure that staff know the location of water shut-off valves Does your church have adequate coverage in the event it suffers one of these claims? Request a free coverage assessment today to help find out. Wind and Hail Damage Depending on where your ministry is located, it could be impacted by hail, hurricanes, or tornadoes. Consider our tips below to help lower the risk of your ministry being damaged by severe weather. Tips: Trim and maintain trees Cover windows to protect them from flying debris Walk the grounds; move objects inside that could become projectiles in high winds Anchor any equipment stored outside that could be moved by high winds Fire As we spoke about in another article, What Should I Know About Fire Prevention? , fires are often an unexpected and deadly tragedy that can impact your church. Do all that you can to help prevent a devastating fire from occurring on your property. Tips: Establish or update an emergency preparedness plan Plan fire evacuation routes; mark them clearly and train staff on using them Test all fire and safety equipment per local, state, and national fire codes Slips and Falls With so many people coming and going from your church, you face increased risk from someone slipping, tripping, or falling. Take the necessary precautions to help avoid one of your congregants or staff from being injured. Tips: Repair damaged stairs and walkways Remove tripping hazards like cords and unnecessary clutter Properly salt and remove snow from walkways and parking lots Clean up spills and dry wet areas where people may walk (1) https://newsroom.thehartford.com/newsroom-home/news-releases/news-releases-details/2015/The-Hartford-Reports-More-Than-40-Percent-Of-Small-Businesses-Will-Experience-A-Claim-In-The-Next-10-Years/default.aspx 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.

We’re already halfway through January, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to make changes to your church’s insurance this year. In fact, it’s never a bad time to review your current insurance coverages and see if there are better options available. Below, we’ll cover two big reasons you should be reconsidering your church insurance. Two big reasons to reconsider your church’s insurance Your rates could go down Over the past year we’ve seen the prices of nearly everything increase, and whether your church is large or small, it’s likely to have been affected in some way by these rising prices. The insurance industry can also see prices fluctuate, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t potential savings to be found. In fact, shopping your insurance is one of the best ways to search for savings for your church. Request a free quote to see if your church could be saving money. Your needs may have changed Uncertainty and change may have been the theme of the past two years, and your ministry may look different than it did before. Some churches downsized their staff or property. Others took the opportunity to expand with new construction or purchases. If your church has experienced any changes, now could be the right time to review your coverage to make sure it’s adequately covering your people and property. By reviewing your coverage, you can also make sure you’re not paying for insurance you no longer need, which could result in more savings for your ministry. Request a free coverage review to see if your church has adequate and appropriate coverage. 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 safety of your church is undoubtedly of the utmost importance. Establishing a church safety committee can help identify key areas where your church can improve and help reduce the risks your church and its visitors may face. We’ve compiled a list of tips below to help get you started on the creation of your very own church safety committee. Recruit volunteers When building your team, rely on your congregation and staff to recruit volunteers. Focus on a variety of backgrounds and experiences – especially those with prior safety experience – when selecting the team. Looking to save money on insurance? Request a free quote today to see if you can save! Elect a leader Once your committee is formed, it’s a good idea to elect or determine a leader that can guide the committee in the right direction. They should delegate tasks, create agendas, and establish best practices to make sure progress is being made. Provide training and equipment Make sure all members of the safety committee are properly trained on first aid, self-defense, and the safety plans that your committee has created. Regular training is a great way to make sure members maintain any skills they’ve acquired. In addition to proper training, it’s important that your safety team has the necessary equipment to do their job. Introduce the team Once the committee has been formed, be sure to introduce them to staff and your congregation. By introducing them and making their existence known, you can alleviate any potential confusion for visitors, and may also encourage members and visitors to come forward with new ideas or concerns. Perform regular self-inspections Performing regular self-inspections helps identify areas of concern and areas of improvement. If issues are identified, implement a plan, and continue to monitor it. 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’s day-to-day activities should be covered by your church’s insurance policy, but what about special events like weddings, private parties, etc.? Do you need special coverage for that? We’ll explain some of the things to consider if your church hosts special events. If the events your church is planning go beyond the scope of normal church functions, it may be necessary 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’re unsure if your church’s insurance policy covers special events, be sure to: Check your coverage Speak with your insurance agent to check to see what your current insurance covers. Find out if there are any limitations to the policy before hosting a special event to make sure you’re not putting your church at risk. Request a free coverage assessment today. Additionally, Remember to Prioritize Safety Safety is always a priority, but special events may come with special circumstances. Larger groups of people, special equipment, and a busy schedule can all increase the risk of accidents. Make sure you’re expanding your safety protocols to handle the complexity of a special event. Special events can be an enjoyable way for congregants and your community to come together but be sure to have appropriate coverage in place to help keep your people, property, and ministry safe. In need of special event coverage? Speak to a dedicated representative today! 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.

Could using church space for alternative purposes affect my coverage? Your church may decide to rent out its space for outside groups like youth groups, substance abuse recovery groups, hobby clubs, or other local organizations. Does this present your church with a risk of further liability, or will the renting organization be responsible in the event of an accident? You may be surprised at the answer. In most instances, your church is still liable if someone is injured or if damages occur during one of these outside events. It’s important to make arrangements beforehand to make sure renters understand the liability for their organization and help reduce or eliminate the risks your church may face. Create a facility use agreement Creating a contract between your church and the organization utilizing the space can help make sure your church isn’t liable. Make sure your agreement requires the group to obtain liability insurance equal to or greater than your church’s policy limits. The agreement must also name your church as an additional insured, and indemnifies your church for any liability that arises from the group’s activity. Be sure to have them provide you with a certificate of insurance showing your church is an additional insured on their policy. Fix potential hazards In addition to your facility use agreement, you should be repairing known hazards and issues present on your property. If someone is injured by falling down stairs that desperately needed repairs, or someone damages their car due to potholes in your parking lot, chances are your church will be responsible. Be sure to make needed repairs to your property, ensure that emergency lights, exits, and doors all work correctly, and other precautions have been followed to help reduce the risk of injury or damage. Provide guidelines for guests Before the group begins to gather, meet with them to provide guidelines for using your facilities. Walk around your buildings and show them which areas are restricted during their gatherings, educate them on where exits, fire extinguishers, and other emergency materials may be, and provide them with the rules for using your facilities. Still have questions about your church’s insurance coverage? Speak with us today to receive a free coverage assessment. Accidents can happen to anyone, and just because you allow other organizations to use your facilities doesn’t mean your church has to take on unnecessary risk. Take the proper precautions to help protect your church. 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.

Accidents can happen to anyone. When they happen, your ministry may potentially be responsible for costly medical bills and held liable. Workers’ compensation insurance is a valuable insurance coverage that could help protect your church in the event of a covered work-related accident. What is workers’ compensation? Workers’ compensation provides coverage for workplace injuries and illnesses due to work-related activities for employees, and in many states, volunteers too. At the same time, employees may receive a form of financial relief if something happens to them due to a work-related incident. What does workers’ compensation cover? In general, workers’ comp covers most illnesses and injuries that occur due to a work-related accident. Most on-the-job accidents are covered, although off-site incidents may also be covered if they are work-related, such as an injury sustained on a work-related trip, a disease acquired during a mission trip, or long-term injuries or illnesses that are slow to develop, like carpal tunnel syndrome. Is your workers’ compensation coverage adequate in the event of a work-place accident? Receive a free coverage assessment and see if your ministry is protected! What doesn’t workers’ compensation cover? There are some common exclusions to workers’ compensation coverage, including if the injured employee was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, was in violation of organization protocol at the time of the incident, was engaged in illegal activity, was off the clock, or inflicted the injury intentionally upon themselves. Since coverage can vary from state to state, be sure to speak with an agent if you have questions regarding what your policy covers in your area. Who is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance? Almost every state mandates that organizations are required to carry workers’ compensation for their employees. However, the scope and type of required coverage can vary from one state to the next. It’s best to speak with an agent to ensure that your policy carries the proper coverage for workers’ compensation.

Tornado season is well underway , which poses a serious threat to many areas nationwide. Recognizing the impact tornadoes can have on people and property, we have compiled a list of some recommended tips to help your ministry prepare as much as it can before disaster strikes. Develop a safety plan The first step in preparing for any disaster is developing a safety plan. If you are looking for somewhere to start, visit our Emergency Response Plan Steps . For a tornado, train your staff to recognize the warning signs of a tornado and designate safe zones within your building for staff and visitors to ride out the tornado. It’s also a good idea to perform tornado drills regularly so that all staff understand their roles in the event that a tornado strikes your church while it is occupied. Is your church covered in the event of a natural disaster? Speak with a representative today for a free coverage assessment. Stockpile emergency supplies In the event that members of your church need to shelter within your buildings, you may need emergency supplies to help them remain safe through the storm. Stockpile water, flashlights, emergency radios, and first aid kits. Also, be sure to periodically check items that have expiration dates and replace them if necessary. Remove dead trees and branches Dead trees and branches pose an additional threat to your church and people. Strong winds can knock over trees and turn branches into dangerous projectiles. Be sure to trim tree branches and remove dead trees before they become an issue. Looking for more appropriate insurance coverage for your church? Request a free, no obligation quote today! Secure outdoor objects If you’ve been warned about the potential for a tornado to strike your area, be sure to secure any outdoor objects like chairs, playground toys, landscaping equipment, etc. This helps prevent them from being lost or causing more damage to your buildings and vehicles. Be sure to do so only if it can be done safely. It’s impossible to completely protect your church from something as powerful as a tornado, but there are steps that you can take to help reduce your risk. Be sure to do more research on tornado preparedness or check out recommendations from the National Weather Service on how to better prepare your church for a tornado.

UMIP Announces Ability to Insure Current United Methodist Churches, Even Through Disaffiliation

Interested in learning more about insurance for your church? Our Insurance 101 webinar will help get you up to speed on a variety of important topics. We will discuss purchasing insurance and include questions to ask your agent to help ensure your church has appropriate protection. The webinar will take place Feb. 24th at 1p.m. CST. Even if you can't join us, register to receive an email when the recording is available online. Sign Up Now!

Church Security Planning for Church Personnel In this webinar, presented by United Methodist Insurance Program and Strategos, Barry Young offers essential guidance on safeguarding your ministry from attacks and threats. Topics Covered: Statistics Intruder Awareness Violent Attack Prevention Liability Considerations Education and Training for Personnel By addressing these key areas, the webinar empowers church leaders to make informed decisions about protecting their congregations and assets.

Nashville, TN – United Methodist Insurance (UMI) is pleased to announce additional coverage available for purchase to all United Methodists. To further its mission to protect the people of The United Methodist Church, UMI, through its subsidiary United Methodist Insurance Agency, has partnered with Travel Insured International, a Crum & Forster Company, to supply new individual and group travel protection insurance at competitive rates. This coverage is available not only to UMI insured organizations, but also to all individuals or groups within The United Methodist Church connection and their families when traveling for volunteer/mission assignments, business and leisure travel. Marc Flood, SVP for Travel Insured International, said “C&F/Travel Insured International is honored to have been selected as the preferred travel protection provider for UMI. We are aware that customers travel for all kinds of reasons. Whether the travel is business related, a long awaited vacation, or a trip home to see family and friends, traveling with a protection plan can help you relax and enjoy your travel experience to the fullest. Some of the major travel insurance benefits provided are trip interruption coverage, accident and sickness/medical expense coverage, and baggage/personal effects coverage. The financial strength and core values of Travel Insured International and its parent companies give us the best position in the market to continue its commitment of helping individuals protect their travel plans.” Mike Plesko, President and CEO of United Methodist Insurance, stated, “As we move forward to improve upon and expand the types of coverages available to the United Methodist connection, we will continue to seek new partnerships that will enhance our commitment to serving the people and ministries of The United Methodist Church as we have done with the new relationship with Travel Insured International.” To read more about the program or to enroll in travel insurance, visit the Travel Insured website dedicated to coverage for United Methodists or call 1-800-243-3174. For more information or questions about UMI and its ministry of protecting people and property of The United Methodist Church, contact Sid Gray, Vice President and Treasurer of UMI at sgray@umins.org or 615-369-2345. # # # UMI fulfills its ministry by protecting the assets of the denomination through comprehensive property and liability insurance to ensure access to future generations of United Methodists. UMI’s mission is to protect the people and property of The United Methodist Church. www.facebook.com/UMInsure www.twitter.com/@UMInsure www.uminsure.org