Church Insurance Overview

Church Insurance in Canada

Place of worship def: a specially designed structure or consecrated space where individuals or a group of people, such as a congregation, come to perform acts of devotion, veneration, or religious study. These types of structures may also be referred to as a house of worship. Temples, churches, and mosques are examples of structures created for worship. A monastery, particularly for Buddhists, may serve both to house those belonging to religious orders and as a place of worship for visitors.  Source: Wikipedia

FAQ

Who needs church insurance?

Any type of place of worship needs church insurance to ensure that they are adequately protected. Places of worship can range from traditional religions typically occupying older buildings in smaller communities, to religions that are growing in Canada and typically have large modern buildings in urban centres. Examples include, but are not limited to the following:

• Churches
• Chapels
• Temples
• Mosques

How do I know I have the right Church Insurance coverage?

Church insurance policy has similar coverage to that of other commercial insurance package policies such as property (building and contents), loss of income, crime and general liability coverage, but are tailored to each organization’s specific needs. However, unique to church insurance is often physical and sexual abuse coverage. This type of coverage is especially important when faith-based organizations are working with vulnerable groups like children, the elderly and/or the disabled.

Can churches be insured?

Church Building Insurance in Canada: Yes, you can insure a church. There are many types of insurance products that are well-suited for a church. Insurance protects the church against litigation and property damage. Speak with one of our company’s specialists today to discuss the best plan for your establishment.

How much insurance should a church have?

It really depends on the church’s budget and risks. It’s always good to have a comprehensive insurance plan that can help mitigate financial risks and provide compensation for damages from insured perils. However, it’s also important to consider the church’s budget and how much money it can spend on annual insurance premiums.

Consider the operational risks your church faces and the activities that are involved. While having more insurance offers more protection, your monthly premiums will be more expensive. If you’re unsure about how much church insurance you should purchase, speak with one of our Church Insurance Brokers to discuss which package you need.

How does church liability insurance work?

Liability is an important concern for a church because it is legally liable for the safety of its constituents. Church insurance protects the establishment from third-party liability claims, lawsuits, and other repairs or damages to its property or equipment.

In addition to paying for damages for the insured party, a church insurance policy also covers defence costs for litigation and compensation for repairs or damages caused by insured perils. For example, if a customer sues for injuries sustained during a church service, the insurance policy can cover medical fees, settlement awards, and legal fees.

What types of insurance should a church have?

As a church operator, there are several types of insurance you should consider:

• General liability insurance protects the church against third-party claims alleging injury or property damage, such as a slip-and-fall accident.
• Professional liability insurance protects you against lawsuits because of wrongful advice, negligence, errors, or omissions from the people running the church, such as a preacher.
• Directors and officers insurance protects the church’s board of directors and the decisions they make.
• Commercial property insurance protects the church building and property from damages caused by insured perils.