At MMI we have been insuring Alberta churches for over 60 years. Churches today have many challenges from outdated buildings, shrinking congregations, or need to expand a role in the community by providing some additional services. We know that budgets are limited and we want to provide appropriate coverage at a reasonable price tailored to meet the needs of your church.
Churches require many different types of insurance. They need coverage for accidents, injuries, misconduct, and more. The term place of worship is defined as a structure or space where religious people congregate, study, and worship.
What Types of Insurance Do Churches Need?
Insurance is even more important for places of worship as these spaces usually hold large gatherings. This puts them at risk for liabilities like injuries, accidents, or criminal activity. Below are a few types of insurances that churches need and why to protect your place of worship.
Property Insurance
It is important that your facility is physically insured, simply meaning that we protect your physical property (buildings and contents inside), including musical instruments, artwork, historical artifacts, furniture, pews etc.
A few examples of potential property claims include:
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Damage or loss caused by hail
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Fire
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Vandalism
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Water Damage
At MMI we offer an all risk policy including replacement cost. When you also start to tally up all the valuable items stored inside the church, it is easy to see why you should never overlook this type of insurance.
Liability Insurance
Churches have many different activities that occur on church property such as meetings, classes, recreational activities, celebrations or other events. Commercial General Liability insurance protects the church against third-party claims alleging injury or property damage. This includes coverage for on premises as well as off premises activities (i.e. retreats, field trips etc.).
Examples of potential liability claims include:
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Someone slipping and falling on your premises due to snow/ice.
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A child becomes injured, putting a toy in an unprotected wall socket and suffers burns.
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At a church fundraiser, people become ill because of the food served at the event.
Ideally, your liability insurance should cover all members of the church, including trustees as well as the board of directors. It should protect in cases of accusations, harassment, discrimination, and wrongdoing. Cyber liability insurance protects against data breaches, viruses, and cyber attacks if your church uses computers or electronics.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Insurance
Depending on your church’s size and potential risk factors, the cost of insurance can vary. Additional factors that impact the premium:
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Age of the church
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Location of the church
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The number of church members in attendance
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Valuables kept within your church
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Events hosted/sponsored
If you are unsure about what would work for your church, you should contact an insurance specialist, who can help guide you to the most appropriate package.
MMI Church Insurance: Protection and Peace of Mind
By investing in comprehensive church insurance coverage, churches can protect their physical property, members, and community. This protection helps ensure the long-term sustainability and success of the church, and provides peace of mind for church leaders and members.
Churches face many risks, from accidents and injuries on church property to damage from natural disasters or theft. Having insurance in place to cover these risks can help ensure that your church can continue serving its community even in the face of unexpected challenges.
In the end, church insurance is a wise investment for any church or religious organisation. It helps protect these organisations' important work and provides peace of mind for church leaders and their congregations.
If your church does not currently have insurance, it is vital to take the time to research your options and find the coverage that is right for you. With the right insurance in place, you can help ensure your church's long-term success and stability.
For more information on church insurance, contact MMI Insurance at 866-222-6996 or visit us here.
Coverage is subject to policy wording, terms, conditions, and deductibles. Protection is limited to the perils, coverage, exclusions, and limits shown on the policy.
