Theft in churches isn't always carried out by obvious criminals; it can happen in broad daylight and involve familiar individuals like employees, visitors, and maintenance staff. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates that 75% of employees steal from their workplaces, and most do so repeatedly! Thieves might take items like unattended purses, office supplies, and equipment, or even commit identity theft if sensitive information is stored. To combat this issue, United Methodist Insurance recommends implementing the following preventive measures within your ministry: 1. Background Checks and Visitor Control: Conduct thorough background checks on potential employees and anyone else who will be in the church unaccompanied. Visitors should be supervised, and their access should be controlled and monitored. 2. Training: Educate employees and volunteers about making responsible decisions. For example, if someone is working alone in the church at night, they should secure their belongings and lock doors if they must leave for any reason. 3. Physical Security: Who has keys to the different areas of the church? Do the keys to the office open other doors in the church and vice versa? You may also determine that you need increased security, such as an alarm system or motion-activated surveillance cameras. 4. Property Visibility: If someone walks around your building on a reconnaissance mission to identify targets and points of entry, what will they see? Avoid making valuable items easily visible from outside by securing equipment and technology out of sight to discourage thieves from targeting and attacking. 5. Additional Security Measures: Utilize cable locks, locked metal shelves, and secondary deadbolts to deter theft of valuable items. 6.Environmental Measures: Don’t provide cover for thieves! Maintain neat landscaping and good outdoor lighting. Consider installing shatter-proof glass on doors and windows and fencing the premises if necessary. Our ministry is to protect your ministry. Download the full Crime & Violence Handbook for Churches from United Methodist Insurance 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.

Active Shooter Situation: Run. Hide. Fight.® Sometimes, you can do everything right, and the worst possible scenario still happens. If you are hosting an event and an active shooter situation occurs, this is the guidance from the Department of Homeland Security: Run. Hide. Fight.® During an active shooter situation: Run! Get out of the area where the shooting is occurring as quickly as you can. Don’t worry about your belongings; leave them behind. Don’t try to be a hero, and don’t look for the shooter. If you can help people escape along the way, do so, but get out of the area whether or not others are following you. Once you have escaped, call emergency services to let them know as much as you can about the situation, including describing the shooter, where the shooter is on church property, and the weapons the shooter has/is using. Tell others in the area what is going on in order to prevent them from entering the area where the shooter is. Hide! If you cannot escape, then hide. Stay in an area where the shooter cannot see you, and where you are covered if shots are fired in your direction, and remain quiet. This includes silencing your phone (including vibrate) and any other devices you may have with you. But, keep your phone on, so that you can communicate with law enforcement silently, if possible, either through text messaging or social media. If you are in a different room than the shooter, blockade the doors and lock them, close window coverings, and turn the lights off. Though you may want to be near others at this harrowing time, it’s better to hide separately because that makes it more difficult for the shooter. Do not leave your hiding spot until law enforcement has told you that you may do so. Fight! This option should be your last resort. The Department of Homeland Security says to “[c]ommit to your actions and act as aggressively as possible against the shooter.” Use whatever is on hand as weapons that you can throw to “distract and disarm the shooter.” Examples include chairs and fire extinguishers. If you must fight, “[b]e prepared to cause severe or lethal injury to the shooter.” After an active shooter event There can be a lot of confusion directly after the event, and armed law enforcement may do things like push people to the ground or use tear gas to keep people safe. It is also possible that they will not know exactly who or where the shooter is, initially. Do what you can to keep confusion to a minimum by keeping your hands visible and empty, and taking care of yourself. Follow instructions and stay calm. Don’t make sudden motions or approach officers; just do what they say to do. Once the situation is under control, and you know that you are safe and uninjured, you may help others. If no medical emergency services are on hand, and you know First Aid and CPR, use your skills. It’s also recommended that wounded people be put on their sides and kept warm, if they are unconscious. Our ministry is to protect your ministry. Download the full Crime & Violence Handbook for Churches from United Methodist Insurance 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.

Thanks to the tech experts at UMC Support, part one of our Cybercrime webinar taught ministries how to recognize red flags around internet scams and how to protect against ransomware. Check out Cybercrime Part II with insurance expert Jeff Koch from United Methodist insurance - what to do if you are a victim. 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.

Vandalism and Vacant Buildings Vandalism and theft may also occur at vacant or unoccupied buildings, especially if owners don’t take precautions to mitigate risk. Because of that, insurance policies often reduce or eliminate coverage when a building has been vacant (and/or unoccupied) for a designated time period, such as 45 or 60 days. Vandalism that churches may experience includes graffiti, broken windows, or equipment – even arson or squatters. Experiencing vandalism is troublesome because it requires repairs, which can be costly. Worse, vandalism left unchecked could mean much more than costly repairs. Left unrepaired, evidence of vandalism can increase crime in your neighborhood, decrease your property value, or affect your church’s reputation. Improve security and add deterrents Walk the perimeter of your buildings during daylight and at night to identify places that could be targets for vandals. For example, are your stained-glass windows protected by screening or plastic sheeting? Is there adequate lighting in all areas? Is your landscaping kept tidy and trimmed so that it cannot provide a screen for someone attempting to deface or damage your property? Do you use unbreakable security glass? If it appears as though it is difficult to get onto your property unseen, that will deter vandals. Lighting and security alarms and cameras work in the same way. You may also consider hanging signs or plaques that indicate that there are cameras and alarms in place. And, if vandalism does occur, immediately repair, replace, or paint over the work of the vandal; one of the goals – of graffiti especially – is for the damage to be seen by others. If you see vandalism in action, report it right away because vandalism is a crime. If vandalism is a problem in your neighborhood at large, consider organizing an event for clean-up. Church members could spend an afternoon painting over graffiti, sweeping up broken glass, or making small repairs. This could become a regular monthly event that sends a signal that vandalism isn’t tolerated in your area. Be mindful of vacant building security If your church does have a vacant building – even if it’s only temporarily vacant due to a construction project – be extra mindful of security. Consider installing temporary fencing to make it more difficult for vandals to access the building and any construction equipment that may be stored on-site. Keep exterior lights on at night and set up timers for interior lights to give the illusion that the building is occupied. Keep up landscaping and continue to use your security alarm and camera systems. Drive by and check on the property regularly. Communicate that the building is vacant with local authorities and request that they send patrols more frequently while it is unoccupied. If it is clear that someone is looking after your property, vandals will be less likely to strike. Ordinarily, they are looking for easy targets, so they can do damage quickly and get away without impediment. Our ministry is to protect your ministry. Download the full Crime & Violence Handbook for Churches from United Methodist Insurance 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.

1. Walk the Property: Assess and Take Notes Begin your church's winter preparations with a thorough walkthrough of the property. Taking notes of areas that require attention is the first step in understanding the scope of repairs needed for your church facilities. By identifying issues early on, you can address them proactively. 2. Landscape and Exterior Maintenance Maintaining your church's exterior is crucial for both aesthetics and safety. This includes tasks like cutting grass, trimming hedges, and raking leaves. Be sure there is proper lighting in parking areas, and don't forget to repair all steps, railings, and walkways to prioritize safety. 3. Roofing and Gutters Your church's roof and gutters are vulnerable to winter weather. Examine the roof for any visible damage and address it promptly, and clean gutters regularly to prevent blockages caused by leaves and debris. Keeping these areas in good condition is vital to prevent water and ice-related issues! 4. Window Maintenance Windows play a significant role in energy efficiency, so inspecting windows for drafts, cracks, and separations is a must. Consider energy-efficient window replacement programs offered by local providers to improve insulation. 5. COVID-19 Sanitation With the recent spike in Covid-19 outbreaks and hospitalizations, it is essential that you maintain a strict sanitation plan for your church. Regular and thorough cleaning efforts demonstrate your commitment to the safety of your members. Embrace the changing seasons with confidence, knowing that your church is winter-ready. When you are covered by UMIP, we will be there when you need us. As a part of the denomination, UMIP understands the unique requirements of United Methodist churches and their operations, reflected in tailored coverage options. Your ministry deserves exceptional insurance protection, and UMIP is dedicated to safeguarding your people, property, and finances. 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 we near the winter months, temperatures drop and the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning begins to rise. As unfortunate as this is to hear, carbon monoxide poisoning is almost entirely preventable, and we are here to help inform you how to take safe steps in doing so. One of the first things to be aware of is that, often, the culprit is a common appliance that malfunctions or is used improperly. Carbon monoxide poisoning can also be dangerous during power outages. This is because people use alternative sources of fuel or electricity during the cold winter months when people heat their homes. Carbon monoxide is produced when not enough oxygen reaches a fuel-burning source. Furnaces, car engines, stoves, generators, grills, water heaters, and clothes dryers are some of the sources that can release carbon monoxide. Inadequate ventilation, mechanical issues, and other similar issues can be the cause of carbon monoxide dangers. The frightening nickname, "The Silent Killer," for carbon monoxide is appropriate because if the early signs of a gas leak are ignored or undetected, a person could lose consciousness and become unable to escape to safety. We want you to be aware of these signs so you are able to stay safe in a potentially unsafe environment. Some symptoms to be aware of when exposed to carbon monoxide can be flu-like symptoms, severe headaches, dizziness, tiredness, and nausea. These symptoms, if ignored, could also lead to confusion, irritability, impaired judgment, and loss of memory and coordination. The following signs can also indicate a carbon monoxide problem: ● Streaks of soot around fuel-burning appliances ● Excess moisture found on windows, walls, or other cold surfaces ● Excessive rust on flue pipes, other pipe connections, or appliance jacks ● Orange or yellow flames (should be blue) in your combustion appliances ● Small amounts of water leaking from the base of the chimney vent or flue pipe ● Damaged or discolored bricks at the top of your chimney A great way to aid yourself against carbon monoxide is to get a detector. This is one of the most important devices you can use to protect yourself and people in your surroundings from accidental poisoning. Installing these detectors in all residential units, cabins, and dorms that are equipped with gas-fueled heating or cooking units will be vital to your safety. Carbon monoxide detectors work much like smoke alarms. They are designed to sound alerts warning occupants of high levels of carbon monoxide. As helpful as this aid is, please be reminded that these detectors are no substitute for proper maintenance and routine safe practices. 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.

Winter is right around the corner, and we want you to be prepared. Every season has its own need for special maintenance, and that’s especially true when the temperatures start to plummet. Cold weather can wreak havoc on your property, which makes it all the more important to take preventative measures to protect your building. Fortunately, you can take a preventative approach to prepare your building for winter and avoid cold-weather catastrophes. While each property’s needs will be different, consider the following tips when preparing your property this season: HVAC Your HVAC system works hard all year long, but it pulls extra weight in the winter. Before you crank up the heat to combat colder temps, ensure your buildings’ heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is running efficiently and effectively. To do so, replace filters, inspect and repair broken parts, identify and respond to cracked duct work, drain line clogs, and make sure your HVAC system is the proper size for your unit. Another recommendation is to store or cover air-conditioning units that will go unused during the fall and winter seasons. Plumbing Unfortunately, burst pipes are a common culprit of winter property damage. During frigid temperatures, exposed plumbing can freeze and rupture. Something to keep in mind is that fissured pipes can cause water to flood your building and possibly damage ceilings, walls, wiring, and other structural areas. Additionally, this excessive moisture can promote mold growth. Avoid this wet mess by insulating and sealing cracks and openings around exposed pipes. Another tip is to set internal thermostats to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit to help ensure that your pipes aren’t in danger of bursting. Roof Your roof is a critically important part of your property. Inspect your roof for holes or damage that could cause leaks during snowmelt to prevent leaks and other expensive issues. Another thing to check for are loose shingles. You will want to repair damage to existing seals and flashing to ensure the roof is structurally sound and capable of withstanding this year's winter conditions. You’ll also need to inspect your gutters and drains for potential damage. Verify they’re secure to your building and free from debris. When snow and ice cannot drain off your roof, it will freeze and cause roofing problems and subsequent interior damage. So, be sure to evaluate your gutters and downspouts for any water backup to be assured you’re in the clear. Windows You’ll want to inspect windows both inside and outside to ensure they are properly sealed. Doing so can reduce energy bills while simultaneously preventing excess moisture and mold risks. You may even want to consider replacing windows that are showing signs of aging to avoid potential interior and exterior building damage. Older, single-pane windows offer low thermal resistance. If budget allows, install double or triple-pane windows with a high thermal resistance (R-value) and thermal break. This will ensure to prepare your home for any weather this winter. Outdoors We recommend winterizing your landscaping, which includes trimming any trees and shrubs. This will help to reduce any unwanted exterior damage. Ensure that vegetation and grass are properly graded to avoid water and ice sitting against your property’s foundation. This can lead to interior water damage. Iced or snow-laden branches can cause damage to your windows, building, or roofing. To prevent this from happening, trim tree branches that are close to your home's perimeter. You may also want to trim any branches near power lines to avoid a potential power outage and avoid any business or personal interruptions. Have a disaster plan in place We recommend making a plan for various disasters, including, but not limited to, cold weather. These may include fire, flooding, and gas leaks. Read our article on Carbon Monoxide poison prevention for extra tips on gas leaks. If you are a business owner, you’ll want to be sure to keep all of your new and current employees up-to-date on the protocols and ensure everyone has access to the various escape plans. This plan should also include contacts for snow/ice removal companies and interior precautions, such as non-slip mats to prevent falls. Even in your home, these practices can come in handy. All in all, you can prevent cold-weather disasters with some simple preparation. Many states experience tough winters; fortunately, these tips can help you prepare and protect yourself. Keep these 6 ways in mind to avoid any costly disasters and repairs this winter season. Shopping for insurance? Why not? Let our experienced program manager, Sovereign Insurance Group, shop your coverage to our 20 carriers. Request a quote 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.

In today’s digital age, we are increasingly at risk of cybercrimes. Your church is not immune. The internet is filled with scammers and thieves capable of infiltrating even the most secure systems and technology. Churches possess loads of sensitive information, so it is essential that you protect your ministry and your members. The fallout of data breaches and other cybercrimes can be catastrophic. Earlier this year, internet scammers stole over $793,000 from a North Carolina church that had been saving to build a new sanctuary. Elkin Valley Baptist Church had outgrown their sanctuary and spent the last seven years raising funds that were taken in seconds. In September 2022, a church representative responded to a cloned email providing fraudulent payment instructions and the money was quickly stolen, putting a halt to construction. You can read more about the Elkin Valley Baptist story here . Although cyber risk insurance isn’t the first type of insurance that comes to mind, it is one of the most important for your ministry. Cyber risk insurance policies can protect your church from business interruption, network security, media liability, errors and omissions, privacy liability, data breaches, virus attacks, ransom ware, social engineering (phishing, etc.) and even more types of computer crime. Many package or liability policies provide some level of cyber coverage. Work with your agent to ensure that the coverage you have is adequate to cover your current and foreseeable exposures. A stand-alone cyber may be more appropriate for your needs. The internet can be a scary place. UMIP is here to help. Assess your risks. Evaluate your options. Download the BUYING GUIDE 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.

As the year 2024 fast approaches, have you taken the time to review your church's insurance coverage? This critical step can ensure that your ministry is adequately protected while potentially saving you money. Here's why you should consider reviewing your insurance now: 1. Avoid Last-Minute Stress If your insurance is set to renew on January 1st, it's essential to consider the hustle and bustle of the upcoming holiday season. To sidestep last-minute stress, it's advisable to start the review process now, giving you ample time to thoroughly assess your coverage and explore cost-effective options. Additionally, you may need to coordinate with other church leaders to discuss coverage adjustments, so factoring in your schedule and the ministry's timeline is crucial. 2. Immediate Cost Savings While you can technically review your insurance coverage at any time during the year, why wait to discover potential savings? By examining your coverage now, you can identify opportunities to reduce costs for your church immediately. 3. Ensure Appropriate Protection for Your Ministry Sometimes, the insurance your church currently holds might not provide sufficient protection for your people and property. This is the perfect opportunity to assess your existing policy, identifying areas where coverage may be lacking. You can also explore the possibility of securing superior coverage solutions at more favorable rates. 4. Switching from Multi-Year Policies If your church is locked into a multi-year, 'guaranteed premium' policy, it's important to note that you can still make changes. While such policies promise stability by preventing price increases for a specific period, they may also prevent your rates from decreasing in response to industry trends. Fortunately, it's possible to switch your coverage even when locked into a multi-year policy. With the end of the year rapidly approaching, now is the perfect time to evaluate whether your church is making the most of its insurance coverage. At UMIP, we understand the unique needs of United Methodist churches and their operations. Our coverage options are tailored to meet these specific requirements, ensuring that your ministry receives outstanding insurance protection for your people, property, and finances. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us at 484-654-3380 or via email at info@umins.org . Alternatively, you can click here to request a quote online . As your trusted partner, UMIP is here to support your church's insurance needs throughout the year, ensuring you're prepared for whatever 2024 may bring. 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.

Insurance can easily become overwhelming, especially when they use words and terms that we might not fully understand. To help bring down the intimidation factor when dealing with your insurance, we have come up with a list from A to Z to easily define some of the terms often used. The definitions in this glossary are not full legal definitions. They are intended to give you a quick idea definition. Actual Cash Value – In most cases it is the cost to repair or replace the damaged property, minus depreciation. Additional Insured – A person or organization not automatically included as an insured under an insurance policy but for whom a certain degree of insured status is arranged. A common "additional insured" is a mortgage holder. Additional Named Insured – An additional person or organization added to policy and granted full coverage under the terms and conditions of the policy. Adjuster — A representative of the insurer who helps determine the value and extent of the loss once a claim has been submitted. Admitted/ Non-Admitted Insurance Company – An admitted company is an insurance company licensed or authorized to sell insurance in a given state. Non-admitted insurance companies do not have the protection afforded by the state’s guaranty fund. Agent – An agent is a representative of the insurance company (not the policyholder). They are licensed by the state to solicit, negotiate, place insurance coverage, and provide services to the policyholder. Aggregate Limit – The most the insurance company will pay for all covered events during a specified time period. Arbitration — Process by which an insurance company and the insured agree to settle a claim dispute by accepting the decision of a third party. Assessed Value – Estimated value for real or personal property established by a taxing entity. Benefit - Compensation for loss and other services provided by the insurance company under terms of the contract insurance that covers multiple buildings or people at one or multiple locations on a single policy. Blanket – A single limit of insurance that applies over more than one location or more than one category of property coverage, or both. Broker of Record Letter – an industry standard document that clarifies who represents the insured to the carrier. Business Interruption Insurance – AKA Business Income Coverage. Covers loss of income suffered by a business when damage to its premises by a covered cause of loss causes a slowdown or suspension of its operations. Business Owner's Policy (BOP) – A policy providing both property and liability coverage for eligible small businesses. Certificate of Insurance – Proof of your insurance coverage. Claims Made Coverage - A policy form that only covers claims reported during the policy period regarding an event that occurred during the policy period. Additional coverage may be made by purchasing coverage for prior acts or for events reported after the expiration of the policy. Coinsurance - A policy provision by which the insured, in consideration of a reduced premium, agrees to carry an amount of insurance equal to a specified percentage of the total value of the property insured. This is not the same as coinsurance found in most health insurance policies. Commercial Package Policy – Provides a broad package of property and liability coverages for businesses other than those provided insurance through a Business Owner's policy. Conditions — Provisions of an insurance policy that state the rights and requirements of the insured party and insurer. Declarations Page — Part of an insurance policy that states the name and address of the policyholder, property insured, its location and description, the policy period, premiums and supplemental information. Deductible – An amount the insurer will deduct from the loss before paying up to your policy limits. Depreciation – The decrease in the value of property over a period of time, usually as result of age or wear and tear from use. Directors and Officers Liability Insurance – Errors and omissions coverage for an organization, its leaders, and governing bodies while acting within the scope of their duties. Employee Benefit Plan Insurance – Protects the employer against claims by employees and former employees from negligent acts or omissions in administering the insured’s employee benefit program. Employment Benefit Program - a benefit program maintained by an employer for the welfare of employees and their dependents, such as group medical, life, or disability insurance, and pension or retirement plans. Endorsement — Written form attached to an insurance policy that amends the policy's insureds, coverage, terms or conditions. Errors and Omissions Liability – Protects the insured against liability for committing an error or omission (negligence or mistake) in performance of professional duties. Functional Replacement Cost – In the event of loss, this valuation method replaces or repairs the structure using modern building techniques in lieu of obsolete, antique, or custom construction material and methods used in the original construction. General Liability Insurance — Designed to protect you from liability arising from accidents on your premises or through your operations, products sold or distributed by you, operations completed by you and contractual liability and for which you are alleged to be negligent. Guaranty Fund – A fund based on assessments against solvent insurance companies used to provide payments for the losses of claimants made against insolvent insurance companies. Hired and Non-Owned Auto Insurance Endorsement – Non-owned Auto Liability provides coverage for any auto that is not owned, borrowed or hired by the insured. Hired Auto Liability provides coverage for autos leased, hired, or borrowed by the insured. This endorsement is typically not available to insureds who have a policy covering other commercial automobile exposures. Indirect Loss - consequential loss resulting from direct damage, for example: loss of rental income when a tenant is displaced due to a fire. Inflation Guard — A property coverage endorsement that increases the policy's limits of insurance during the policy term to keep pace with inflation. The increases are tied to a specific index, which can vary by company or policy. Liability Insurance — Pays on behalf of an insured for a loss arising out of legal liability to others. Limit of Insurance – The most that will be paid by the insurer in the event of a covered loss under an insurance policy. Loss Reserves — Insurance company's best estimates of what it will pay for claims. These are readjusted periodically. Negligence — Failure to use a degree of care considered reasonable under the circumstances. Occurrence — An accident including continuous or repeated exposure to substantially the same general harmful conditions. Pastoral Counselor Liability Insurance – Errors and omissions coverage for the insured and individual pastors and religious leaders in the provision of counseling services. Claims may arise from paid or unpaid counseling service. Peril - A cause of loss. Premium – The amount of money an insurer charges to provide the coverage described in the policy. Professional Liability Insurance – Another name for errors and omissions insurance. Primary Coverage - policy that responds initially to an insured loss Reinsurance — Insurance purchased by an insurance company for its own protection generally against either large cumulative losses or catastrophe losses. Replacement Value – The cost to replace the damaged property with materials of like kind and quality, without any deduction for depreciation. Rider – This is an additional piece of coverage added onto a larger insurance policy. It may also be called an endorsement. Umbrella Insurance – A policy generally written over your primary liability policies which can serve the purpose of providing coverage when the limits under your primary policies are exhausted by the payment of claims or providing coverage where the primary policies leaves off or don’t cover. Workers’ Compensation Insurance – Insurance that covers an employer's liability for injuries, disability or death to persons in their employment, without regard to fault, as prescribed by state or federal workers' compensation laws and other statutes. We hope that this list of terms will help you the next time you are managing your insurance. It can be a lot to keep up with and there are many other terms that insurance companies use. If you need more information or would like to request a free, no-obligation quote for your ministry, visit our website to request a quote or call us at 1-484-654-3380. 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.

PRESS RELEASE United Methodist Insurance FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 12, 2023 Contact: Jeff Koch 615.369.2317 jkoch@uminsure.org United Methodist Insurance Program and Exclusive Agency Partner Sovereign Insurance Group Celebrate One Year of Success Nashville, TN – Recently, the United Methodist Insurance Program (UMIP) and Sovereign Insurance Group (SIG) announced the celebration of their one-year partnership anniversary. The partnership between UMIP and SIG has been instrumental in providing comprehensive and tailored insurance solutions to the United Methodist community across the United States that meets or exceeds the proper insurance coverage minimums established by the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA). “We are thrilled to be in continued partnership with Sovereign Insurance Group. Because they have been providing insurance products to communities of worship for more than 60 years, their deep understanding of the unique needs of ministries has been invaluable in expanding our range of coverage solutions,” said Jeff Koch, President of UMIP. Over the past year, UMIP and SIG have worked closely to develop and refine insurance programs that address the evolving risks faced by the United Methodist community. The partnership has delivered innovative solutions, including property and liability coverage, workers’ compensation, pastoral liability, and directors’ and officers’ insurance, ensuring that ministries and their leaders are protected from unexpected events. ​ “Together, we have been able to provide the United Methodist community with peace of mind, knowing that their assets and ministries are protected,” stated Kevin Gallagher, President of Sovereign Insurance Group. “Our mission is to provide individualized solutions to all United Methodist entities – big or small.” To learn more about the United Methodist Insurance Program or to request a quote for your ministry, visit www.UMInsure.org . About United Methodist Insurance Program UMI is a non-profit insurance company that 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. Visit www.uminsure.org for more information.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nashville, Tennessee – The United Methodist Insurance Program (UMIP) recently announced a new program with CoverSmart to provide special event insurance coverage to churches, programs, and agencies within the Connection. CoverSmart, a quoting platform, offers affordable coverage from top-rated USLI companies via an intuitive online process. This program is made available through UMIP’s exclusive program agent, Sovereign Insurance Group. “We’re looking forward to delivering solutions designed to fit diverse needs and budgets through this exciting new partnership,” said Jeff Koch, United Methodist Insurance President & CEO. “UMIP understands the importance of protecting ministries from loss and liabilities, especially during events, and is thrilled about this new expansion.” In conjunction with CoverSmart, UMIP now offers insurance options from United States Liability Insurance Group (USLI) - members of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies with A++ Superior ratings for financial stability from A.M. Best. Visit UMInsure.org to protect your people, property, and finances today! About United Methodist Insurance Program UMI is a non-profit insurance company that 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. Visit www.uminsure.org for more information.