FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nashville, Tennessee – The United Methodist Insurance Program (UMIP) is pleased to announce a new provider for travel insurance policies to its coverage solutions in Mission Trip Insurance, a division of Insurance Consultants International. UMIP can now address the risks of ministries, members, volunteers, students, and employees when traveling. This coverage is made available through UMIP’s endorsed program agent, Sovereign Insurance Group. “We are thrilled about the rapid expansion of UMIP’s coverages and capabilities,” said Jeff Koch, United Methodist Insurance President & CEO. “Whether it be a mission trip or a group Holy Land tour, we’re looking forward to servicing ministries and programs within the Connection.” With a variety of domestic and international insurance plans, an assortment of post-departure and trip cancellation benefits, and a list of non-insurance services, the United Methodist Insurance Program and Mission Trip Insurance are well-equipped to protect your travel investment, your belongings, and most importantly, yourself. Visit UMInsure.org for a quote 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.

Nashville, TN – The United Methodist Insurance Company (UMI) Board of Directors has elected Jeff Koch as President and CEO. Mr. Koch assumes the responsibility immediately. Mike Plesko, who has served as interim President and CEO for the past two years has retired. The Board has also elected Robert Mallett as Chairman of UMI’s six-member Board of Directors. Robert Mallett, a lawyer and local church leader in Washington, D.C., is the President and CEO of Africare , a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering social and economic development in Africa. He has served on several nonprofit boards, including six years on the board of Nashville’s Fisk University. Mr. Mallett has been an executive at Pfizer, Inc., and United Healthcare, and has served as Acting Secretary and Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce in the Clinton Administration. Mr. Mallett said, “I am delighted to serve the denomination in this capacity, and I look forward to working with Jeff Koch, a solid insurance professional.” Mr. Mallett is a graduate of Morehouse College and Harvard Law School. Mallett noted that “there are few more important needs for local churches than making sure they can get their property insured at competitive rates. UMI meets this need and provides them with first class service.” Mr. Mallett is a member of Asbury United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. Mr. Koch has over three decades of experience in the insurance industry. He has specialized in multi-line programs for large groups of insureds and alternative risk management programs such as captive insurance companies. Mr. Koch said, “I am very excited about the opportunity to serve the United Methodist Church. A number of changes have already been made that will help us to fulfill our disciplinary responsibility to make insurance programs available to churches in the United States. The Board and I look forward to working with our service partners to help protect the lives and property of those we serve.” Mr. Koch holds an Industrial Engineering Degree from the University of Pittsburgh and an MBA from Vanderbilt University. Mr. Koch is a member of Brentwood United Methodist Church in Brentwood, Tennessee. UMI has entered into an agreement with AmVenture Insurance Agency, Inc. (AmVenture), to oversee the administration of the UMI program. AmVenture strives to deliver insurance know-how and an improved customer service experience for ministries protected through UMI. AmVenture offers direct access to a wide range of top tier insurance carriers and a full suite of coverage solutions. With these changes, UMI is positioning itself for growth as a result of enhanced customer service and the availability of robust coverage to help protect the people and ministries of The United Methodist Church. For information or to request a quote, visit www.uminsure.org , call 484-654-3380 , by email at UMI@sovinsurance.com . # # # # # UMI is a non-profit captive 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. UMI’s mission is to protect the people and property of The United Methodist Church. www.facebook.com/UMInsure | @UMInsure | www.uminsure.org 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.

Nashville, TN – The Board of Directors of United Methodist Insurance met in Nashville, TN September 23, 2019. During the meeting, the Board approved the official new UMI website, www.uminsure.org, launched in late August. With a renewed focus on customer service, the Board is confident the new site will provide current and new insureds with better functionality, greater ease of use, improved customer service, and access to tools to help protect and serve local churches and other United Methodist entities. In addition, UMI has relaunched its newsletter. The newsletter, renamed “Church Protection Connection,” will feature articles and provide access to resources on risk management and will be available to anyone seeking ways to protect their church's property, people, finances and reputation. It is available to all churches, even those not insured by UMI. “What began slowly this year has picked up momentum. The United Methodist Insurance Program (UMIP) is pleased to see that churches are finding a great value in the casualty and property insurance products of the United Methodist Insurance Program and look forward to our conversations throughout the connection,” said Jeff Koch, President and CEO of UMI. He added, “We encourage our newsletter readers to use the ‘Ask the Expert’ feature to get answers to their questions about risk management and insurance.” To subscribe to the newsletter and receive the next edition, visit www.uminsure.org/subscribe. “We are excited about the direction of the new UMIP. Through the new website and ‘Church Protection Connection’ we will be able to share not only useful risk management resources to help keep churches protected but highlight all of the enhancements to the program. This includes our focus on providing competitive pricing for insurance products nationwide”, said Sam Liotta, President & CEO of AmVenture Insurance Agency, UMIP’s trusted partner. To get a quote on casualty and property insurance, contact Sovereign Insurance at 484-654-3380 or UMI@sovinsurance.com . For travel insurance needs, visit https://www.travelinsured.com/agency/. For additional information about UMI, contact Jeff Koch, 615-369-2317. # # # # # 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 COVID-19 restrictions begin to ease around the country, you may be working toward reopening your church for in-person services, if you have not already done so. As your church navigates this process, we are here to offer you some resources that may help you along the way. Adhere to State and Local Guidelines Most state and local governments have issued guidelines regarding COVID-19 procedures that can provide a road map for when and how your church may reopen. These guidelines will help dictate the appropriate worship experience you can consider offering based on the COVID-19 infection levels in your area.  Additionally, review guidelines that may have been issued by your district or annual conference to ensure they reflect local restrictions. Mask Up A mask mandate may be a part of the state and local guidelines mentioned above. Be sure to follow all guidelines related to the use of masks indoors and consider providing masks to any staff and visitors to your church and its properties to help encourage safe practices. Keep It Clean While it is always important to keep your church buildings clean, the importance of proper, thorough cleaning and sanitation during this time cannot be understated. You may need to review and possibly revise your cleaning plans to help ensure a safe environment. Social Distance Be sure to encourage social distancing as long as it is recommended or required. This can include utilizing larger rooms, if available, for gatherings and limiting the number of people who may congregate together while adhering to local or state guidelines. Inspect Outdoor Spaces If you’ve been away from your church for a while, there is a chance that there may be some deferred maintenance that needs to be addressed. Take a walk around your property and note any areas that may need maintenance or repair. Pay close attention to walkways, parking lots, entryways, and stairs that could have been damaged over harsh winters. You can help prevent dangerous slips, trips, and falls by fixing issues that are identified.  Prioritize those things that need immediate attention and have a plan in place to take care of other issues. Review Your Insurance Coverage to Help Ensure Appropriate Protection Every church has been impacted differently by the COVID-19 pandemic, and your operations may have changed as a result. Your coverage should reflect how your church operates today. You can review your current policy with a church insurance expert today and get a free quote by calling 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.

With certain gathering restrictions being lifted and the school year coming to a close for many, playgrounds are bound to be visited and enjoyed more frequently this summer. To help ensure a safe environment for younger church members, here are a few playground safety tips to consider. Check your surfaces Playground surfaces are one of the most important areas to properly maintain. Take a walk around your playground area and check surfaces to make sure they are clear of any holes, cracks, obstacles, or debris that could cause slips, trips, or falls. Additionally, keep in mind that your playground surface can make a big impact on the extent of fall injuries. Surfaces should help absorb shock and hard surfaces should be avoided. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that surfaces are made up of either “at least 12 inches of wood chips, mulch, sand, or pea gravel or are mats made of safety-tested rubber or rubber-like materials.” It is also important to make sure surfaces are adequately extended from playground equipment. If your surfaces are inadequate or have experienced wear and tear, be sure to replace or repair them. Do you have the right coverage to reflect your church property and its amenities? Find out with a free coverage review today! Check your equipment Children love the thrill of zooming down a slide, climbing to the top of a jungle gym, or soaring towards the sky on a swing. However, broken, worn, or faulty equipment can quickly present an opportunity for an injury. Perform routine inspections on all equipment to help ensure it is in proper working order. Some things to consider for specific pieces include: Swings - Check all chain links, seats, and ‘S’ hooks to confirm they are designed for swing set use and are in good working condition. Also repair and cover any exposed metal that could pinch, scratch, burn, or cut users. Composite structures/jungle gyms - Inspect the drive and foundation screws for all of your structures. Secure any loose screws and check welds on all structures for cracks. Additionally, check for rust and erosion on connections between structures. For any issues identified, be sure to take care of any necessary repairs. Slides - Check slides for scratches, chips, warps, and cracks and make repairs if there are hazards. Look for missing or broken nuts, bolts, or screws and make appropriate replacements. Spinners - Check for wear and tear. There should not be any visible moving mechanical parts on the equipment and if shields or other parts are rusted or chipped, replace them to help prevent injury. Landing areas should be free of debris that could be a tripping hazard, especially since there is the potential for dizziness after exiting the spinner. Supervision Whether your playground utilizes employees, volunteers or parents, there should always be proper adult supervision present. Appropriate supervision can help reduce the amount of injuries that take place and potentially minimize their severity while helping your ministry avoid a costly injury claim. Continue adhering to any health guidelines that are in place As guidance for gatherings changes, particularly for outdoor spaces, it is still important to be sure you are following any state or local health guidelines. This could include mask mandates or limiting the number of people who gather at your playground. Regardless of what restrictions may or may not be in place, still consider setting up sanitizing stations and routinely cleaning your surfaces and equipment. Playgrounds should be a fun place for everyone to enjoy. With proper planning and upkeep, your church playground can be a safe environment that provides positive experiences for many. Questions about insurance related to your church property or playground? Contact a church insurance expert today and get a free quote by calling 484-654-3380.

When it comes to insurance, there are some unique protections most churches need. For example, you might need a policy that includes coverage for stained glass windows or pipe organs. Or, you might need special event insurance for a youth group event or holiday celebration. One very important coverage your church must have is pastoral professional liability insurance, also known as pastoral counseling liability insurance. The minimum requirements set forth by the General Council on Finance and Administration dictate that all United Methodist churches carry this important coverage with limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence, $3,000,000 aggregate. Need a quote for your church that includes pastoral counseling coverage? Speak to a representative today! Pastoral Counseling Liability Coverage helps protect your church from exposures associated with spiritual guidance that is provided by pastors, church employees, or volunteers under the direction of your pastor. This counseling may be provided in a formal (for example, a scheduled class/session) or informal (for example, an impromptu conversation in a hallway) setting. It can be fee-based or free. Regardless of how and when the counseling is performed, coverage is still necessary to help manage its associated risks. While members of a congregation often turn to church leaders because they are trusted figures, there is still the potential for negative allegations or outcomes to occur based on advice received. Advice may be viewed as damaging in an emotional or physical way. An example of this might be misguided counseling to congregants on adultery or substance abuse. Pastoral counseling liability coverage offers protection in instances like these. Many churches have policies and procedures in place to help ensure members of the congregation can safely receive spiritual guidance. While these policies are strongly recommended, they do not eliminate the need to have pastoral counseling liability coverage. Remember, lawsuits can happen whether an allegation is justified or not and legal costs can add up quickly. Questions about pastoral counseling coverage? You can help keep your ministry protected and offer pastoral counselors peace of mind with appropriate coverage today by contacting one of our dedicated representatives at 484-654-3380. 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.

-Scott Lofgren, Business Administrator, Faith United Methodist Church, Richmond, TX As discussed in our other comprehensive article this month on Pastoral Counseling Liability, the answer to this very important question is yes! Pastoral counseling coverage is necessary whether counseling is performed for a fee or for free. Additionally, all United Methodist churches are required to have pastoral counseling liability coverage as part of the minimum insurance requirements set forth by the General Council on Finance and Administration. While there may be many options available to church congregants to receive counseling in a formal setting (for example, an enrichment class) which is fee-based, there are still many instances where pastors, church employees, and volunteers under the direction of the pastor may find themselves providing guidance when there are no associated fees. This may be because formal counseling/classes are simply offered free of charge, or it may be because advice is provided in a more casual impromptu setting where again, no costs are assessed. Consider a congregant running into a pastor in the park. Perhaps the congregant engages in a friendly conversation with the pastor and ends up asking for advice about a situation in their life. The pastor obliges and offers some insight. This exchange could be considered counseling and therefore still carries risk even if it seems relatively insignificant. Any time a congregant receives counseling from a pastor, church employee, or volunteer under the direction of the pastor, it could unfortunately result in negative allegations outcomes.The need to have pastoral counseling liability coverage and help protect your church is not affected by whether or not congregants are charged for counseling, the type of counseling they receive, or the setting in which it is performed. Need a quote for church insurance that includes pastoral counseling coverage?Contact UMIP today to request a quote ! 484-654-3380 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 bond? A surety bond (bond) is a binding contract that helps ensure financial obligations are met and/or provides coverage for damages if obligations are not met. They are often issued to and held by people in fiduciary roles. As an example, a surety bond can help protect an organization if the bonded party intentionally or unintentionally mishandles funds. Why do I need insurance as well as a bond? Insurance coverage for churches helps protect their people, property, and finances. However, churches can also benefit from bonds because of the additional coverage they can provide. A surety bond is a stand-alone product and the protection it offers is usually not included with standard property and casualty coverage. Additionally, it is important to remember that even if you have employee crime and dishonesty coverage, in many instances that type of coverage may not provide the same level of protection as a bond or may even be insufficient in some cases.  Please also note that while your employee crime and dishonesty will likely need to meet a deductible, your bond will not. How does it work? A bond mandates that the insurance policy that bonds the respective party will pay a set amount of money to the insured if the bonded party does not fulfill a contractual obligation. This can help the church recover associated losses.    How can I get a bond? You can quickly and easily get a bond through UMIP. Simply call 484-654-3380 to get a free bond quote. Who can be bonded? You can bond any church employees or volunteers who are involved with or have access to church finances or financial information. This can help to further protect your church. To get a free quote for a bond through UMIP, call  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.

Why is it important to have an insurer that focuses on serving churches? Insurance should help you navigate risk and offer solutions when the unexpected occurs. There are certain standard questions that you should always think about when looking for coverage, including: Does the insurer offer the lines of coverage and limits that are appropriate for my church? What is the reputation of the insurer? Is the insurer financially strong? Will my church have access to great customer service? What does the claims process entail? Is it fast, fair, and responsive? Can the insurer grow with my ministry and adapt to changing coverage needs? However, as religious organizations, there are other factors that churches should keep in mind. Many insurance carriers take a general approach to coverage for all businesses and organizations. Just as insurance for a factory may differ from insurance for a restaurant, insurance for churches should be appropriate for their organization. Selecting a carrier who does not focus on serving churches can prevent your ministry from having access to a number of benefits to help improve your insurance experience. Carriers who focus on the religious industry dedicate extensive time and resources to analyzing church exposures, refining prices, and providing coverages that are appropriate for religious organizations. They understand church risks, operations, vernacular, and, in some cases, budgetary restrictions. They place value in your work and strive to help further your goals. United Methodist churches should only select carriers that are able to provide coverage that meets the minimum requirements set forth by the General Council on Finance and Administration in adherence with The Book of Discipline . Carriers with experience serving churches know that tailored approaches can be helpful when addressing: Property-unique architecture, stained glass, etc. Sexual misconduct Pastoral counseling issues Commercial auto--vans, buses, etc. Additionally, these carriers often offer risk management tools and resources that speak directly to a church audience. By selecting a carrier that focuses on church insurance, you can expect coverage that is designed to reflect your specific organization. You can look to your insurance agency to help identify carriers that have experience serving religious organizations. Your insurance agency should also understand how best to serve churches through trusted experience and a commitment to your vision. Having the right insurance protection matters. If you would like to help ensure that your coverage is working for your church, speak to your insurance agent. UMIP is currently the only coverage program with direct ties to The United Methodist Church community. AmVenture Insurance Agency, its trusted partner, offers access to a variety of carriers that focus on serving churches. Call 484-654-3380 to learn more about how UMIP can help protect your church. ​ Questions about Insurance or Risk Management? We are here for you. Email  asktheexpert@umins.org and your question might be featured in an upcoming article in the Church Protection Connection. 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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 5, 2023 Contact: Jeff Koch 615.369.2317 jkoch@umins.org Nashville, TN – The United Methodist Insurance Program (UMIP) today announced results for the first quarter ending March 31, 2023. The program added over $2,000,000 in new premium covering more than 150 new customers. In many cases, ministries within the Connection saw significant savings (15% or more) over their expiring insurance programs, provided through UMIP’s exclusive partner Sovereign Insurance Group: Church in Illinois. Facing a large renewal increase, this church - new to UMIP’s program - was able to lower their costs from $17, 000 to $6,8 00 . Nonprofit with 50+ locations. Due to challenging market, the Insurance company increased premiums to over $120,000 with significant coverage restrictions. UMIP’s broker secured a solution with lower deductibles, replacement cost coverage, and a savings of over $55,000! Conference Headquarters. Competed against multiple national brokers and prevailed, delivering the most comprehensive , cost-effective program. Church in Texas. Needing to find new coverage amidst an open claim, the congregation sought solutions from multiple brokers. UMIP’s broker was able to place coverage for this challenging risk, after other brokers were unable to fulfill their needs. “This extremely strong first quarter is a testament to what we hope to do – enable ministries to save money, so that valuable dollars stay in the ministry,” said Jeff Koch, UMIP President and CEO. “These savings are important, especially when the cost of property insurance for churches has become increasingly expensive. Market knowledge and access to so many carriers that cover churches and ministries have been the key to this success.” Mr. Koch added, “UMIP has expanded the reach of our program covering additional parts of the Connection including schools, foundations, camps, and retreat centers. They are available to any part of the Connection, including disaffiliated congregations and any other entity with historic ties to Methodism.” UMIP, through Sovereign, is fulfilling its Book of Discipline mandate to make insurance coverage available to Methodist ministries. Any ministry is welcome, especially those facing price increases, receiving poor service, or having a hard time finding coverage due to location; loss history; size; or the need for a quick turnaround on a quote. # # # # # 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.

Nashville, Tennessee – Recently, the United Methodist Insurance Program (UMIP) announced an exclusive relationship with Sovereign Insurance Group beginning June 21, 2022. This change is the result of thoughtful and careful evaluation of the direction of UMIP and consideration of brokerage firms that are dedicated to providing insurance services to the church market. “Sovereign was selected, in part, based on its strong history of service to the church market, its key alliances with insurers, and its ability to provide superior service to existing and new policyholders,” said Jeff Koch, UMI CEO and President. “With Sovereign as our partner, UMI will provide assistance to churches so that they may protect their people, property and finances.” UMI is dedicated to fulfilling its obligations as set forth in The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church. As the only insurance company with direct ties to the denomination, UMI works with leadership of jurisdictions, conferences, districts, churches, agencies, and foundations of the Church to develop and offer risk management services, as well as property and casualty insurance. Sovereign and UMI will be hosting webinars on June 28 -30. Register here to find out how the UMIP and Sovereign partnership may help your ministry. If you would like a quote through the program, reach out at umi@sovinsurance.com or 800.222.4478 ; extension 3401. # # # # # About United Methodist Insurance Program UMI is a non-profit captive 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. UMI’s mission is to protect the people and property of The United Methodist Church. www.uminsure.org www.facebook.com/UMInsure www.twitter.com/@UMInsure

Nashville, TN – Jeff Koch, President and CEO of United Methodist Insurance Program (UMIP) is announcing that the revised Minimum Insurance Requirements for local church property insurance coverage were approved by the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) board in November. The UMIP Board has notified its current insured customers of the change. Both these most recent changes, as well as changes made in May 2019, further enhance ways churches valuate their property and assure they have the correct coverages, limits, terms, and conditions. The first change is that churches may purchase limits for sexual misconduct indemnification that are less than the stated minimum requirements if there is a legal cap on damages in that church’s state that is lower than the GCFA recommended limits. This assures that churches are not paying for more coverage than regional legal limits allow. The second change adds functional replacement cost as an approved method of property valuation. This change particularly helps older buildings, especially in certain instances where constructions methods are outdated and costly. These changes will not require any change in current policies, but it creates enhancements that could benefit both current and new clients. The church should also know that it may only do so with written approval of the annual conference. The changes, coupled with the updates made in May 2019, help churches by assuring adequate and appropriate coverage is maintained for all church properties and personnel, as defined by ¶ 2533.2 of The 2016 Book of Discipline . Koch said, “UMIP appreciates the input from people who deal with insurance issues for the Church. This feedback helps us work with GCFA to consider ways to address their concerns.” Churches and other United Methodist properties currently insured by UMIP can contact Jeff Koch at 615-369-2317 or the Sovereign Insurance at 484-654-3380 or at UMI@sovinsurance.com with any questions on the revised requirements. To find out if UMIP can save your ministry money, receive a free quote at www.uminsure.org . About United Methodist Insurance Program UMI is a non-profit captive 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. UMI’s mission is to protect the people and property of The United Methodist Church. Visit www.uminsure.org . www.facebook.com/UMInsure www.twitter.com/@UMInsure