Churches

Church Insurance

Protecting congregations, leadership, and places of worship

Churches serve as gathering places for worship, education, and community outreach. With congregants, staff, volunteers, and visitors regularly on site, churches face a wide range of liability, property, and governance-related risks.

A properly structured insurance program helps protect the congregation, leadership, and the mission of the organization.

Key Risks in Church Operations

Churches face exposure related to:

• Injuries to congregants or visitors on church property

• Property damage to sanctuaries, fellowship halls, and offices

• Abuse or molestation allegations involving staff or volunteers

• Employment practices and staffing disputes

• Governance and decision-making by church leadership

• Special events, outreach programs, and off-site activities

Claims can arise from routine services or community events.

Core Coverages for Churches

Church insurance programs typically include:

General Liability
Protects against bodily injury and property damage claims involving congregants, guests, or third parties.

Commercial Property
Covers church buildings, contents, equipment, and fixtures against covered losses.

Directors & Officers (D&O) Liability
Protects pastors, board members, and leadership from claims related to governance, financial decisions, or policy enforcement.

Abuse & Molestation Liability
Provides coverage for allegations of abuse or improper conduct, including legal defense costs.

Employment Practices Liability (EPLI)
Covers employment-related claims involving staff or leadership.

What’s Commonly Overlooked

Church insurance programs are often weakened by:

• Inadequate abuse & molestation coverage

• Failure to insure volunteers properly

• Underinsured property values or outdated appraisals

• Missing coverage for special events or outreach activities

• Assuming nonprofit status limits liability

These gaps often surface during serious or sensitive claims.

Real-World Claim Examples

• A congregant is injured on church premises

• Fire damages a sanctuary or fellowship hall

• An abuse allegation triggers legal defense and investigation

• A leadership decision leads to legal action

Church-related claims can carry both financial and reputational impact.

Why Proper Placement Matters

Church coverage varies significantly based on:

• Size of congregation and facilities

• Programs offered and community outreach

• Staffing and volunteer involvement

• Governance structure and denominational requirements

Improper placement can expose leadership and church assets to unnecessary risk.

Our Approach

At Cory Washington & Co., we approach church insurance with sensitivity and responsibility. We align coverage with ministry activities, leadership structure, and community engagement — helping protect both mission and people.

Strong ministries require thoughtful protection.