Although the world has started adapting to the various new norms created by the coronavirus, you can expect more or less of the same kind of risks associated with running and maintaining a church. Business Wire, a Berkshire Hathaway company, published an article about a survey showing that 96% of Americans this year (an increase from the 88% in 2019) consider churches a safe sanctuary despite the threat of violence and disease. Still, your church has the responsibility of complying with local and federal standards, as well as making sure your congregation is truly safe while worshipping. There are certain definite risks which the church will be exposed to during this pandemic, and we have identified some of them, along with the appropriate insurance coverages for each risk.
RISK
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COVERAGE
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With the switch to online/remote services, the premises remain unoccupied for longer periods. This could increase the risk of vandalism, defacing, damaging, breaking-in, and graffiti-painting of (on?)church property.
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Business property insurance covers many of the risks associated with property exposure; an additional fine arts policy can protect your church’s gold, silver, and other valuable ornamentation/statues/relics.
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Maintenance of the church is required even if you haven't reopened your church yet. There is a risk that workers could get injured on the premises while handling repairs, or parishioners could contract COVID-19 from attending an in-person service, and hold the church responsible.
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Business liability insurance can provide financial aid for those costs associated with any injury sustained on church property or caused by church staff.
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The resultant nationwide layoffs and lack of employment opportunities due to the pandemic has led to financial difficulty and desperation for many. There is a definite possibility of the embezzlement of church funds by one or more of your congregants.
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Business crime insurance covers losses due to dishonesty, theft, robbery, fraud, or forgery committed by church employees and volunteers.
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Panic, anxiety, and poor mental health over the uncertainty and loss caused by the virus have plagued most of today’s society. Many will turn to the church and its elders/pastors for counselling and advice, posing the risk of pastoral advice being poorly received and leading to accusations against the clergy.
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Pastoral professional liability can help compensate members of your congregation who are negatively impacted by the counselling they received from the clergy.
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