Why Does Your Church Need Insurance?
Churches are safe places in a community where people can come to connect with others and with themselves. It’s also where many host large-scale events, like holiday celebrations, weddings and funerals.
While your church is seen by many as a place of refuge, there’s always the chance of something going wrong. In the event that someone is hurt on your property, something inside the church is broken or your staff is accused of something, you could be responsible for covering financial damages.
When determining what your church could legally be at risk for, you should understand how insurance can help protect you from serious financial burdens. These are the common types of insurance plans many churches have in Virginia.
Property Insurance
When your church has property insurance, your policy can protect your building from serious accidents. From natural disasters destroying your buildings, someone breaking furniture or needing to repair something on your landscape, property insurance may be able to help cover the costs.
With the right policy, your church can recover more easily from property damage.
Liability Insurance
As any church owner knows, it’s easy for someone to sue you for a perceived liability. With church insurance, you can protect yourself from certain liabilities. These can include:
- Employment Practices
- Sexual Misconduct
- Directors and Officers
- Pastoral Counseling
- Church Security
- Freedom of Religion
- Volunteer Safety
- Youth Safety
- Infection Disease Outbreak
It’s important to take stock of your church’s insurance policy, think about what you will need to protect against when it comes to legal charges and damages. With the right insurance plan, you could save yourself some headaches.
Church Employee Insurance
If your church has regular part-time or full-time employees, it would be wise to invest in insurance for them.
Virginia law states that an employer with more than two part or full-time employees must carry worker’s compensation insurance. You could also offer health insurance to help cover any medical expenses they might experience.
Lastly, it’s a good idea to get insurance for mission trips if your church coordinates these trips. This insurance helps protect any mission trips overseas in the event of an accident.
Commercial Auto Insurance
Some churches have vehicles on standby to help transport their congregation, or their staff uses their vehicles primarily for church business. Whatever your situation, you should invest in auto insurance for your church vehicles.
In the event of an accident, auto insurance can help protect from damages to the vehicle or bodily injuries. This way you won’t have to pay entirely out of pocket due to an unfortunate event.
Special Events
Churches are not just for gathering your congregation two days a week. They’re also a place to celebrate life through large events. From weddings, funerals, holiday celebrations and so much more, your church can be a hub for the community.
In this case, you might consider adopting an insurance policy that helps protect your property and grounds from liability. In the event of an accident, you could be the one left paying the bill. Make sure to review your policy and consider how event coverage could benefit you.
Church Insurance in Richmond, VA
For church owners in Richmond considering their own insurance policy, Sanford Insurance has you covered.
We specialize in providing local churches with the coverage they need to serve their congregation without being anxious about potential damages.
Contact us or get a quote to learn how we can help protect your church.