Insurance companies are in the trenches with churches on a daily basis, fielding claims and helping to reduce potential hazards. Church Solutions sat down with three experts to glean their advice for churches regarding some of the most common risk-management concerns.

Panel of Experts

Eric Spacek, Senior Church Risk Manager, GuideOne Insurance

Scott C. Haan, CIC, CRM, Assistant Vice President, Philadelphia Insurance Companies

Richard J. Schaber, CPCU, Risk Control Manager, Church Mutual Insurance Co.

Fire Prevention, Theft

Spacek: One of the most important fire-prevention steps is to have the church regularly inspected for hazardous conditions, following an established inspection checklist. This inspection can be done by the church’s safety and security team, facility staff, knowledgeable volunteers or with the assistance of outside contractors. Correct defects or hazardous conditions identified in the inspections. Always follow the recommendations of the local fire marshals during their inspections. To prevent both arson and theft, follow the “5 Ls” of crime prevention: lock all buildings when they are not in use; light parking lots and building entrances; keep landscaping such as bushes and shrubs trimmed from around windows and doors, and remove all trash and debris from the premises; keep a lookout by instituting a “church watch” program and by asking neighbors to report any suspicious activity; and develop positive relationships with law enforcement.

Transportation

Haan: Fifteen-passenger vans – and actually vehicles in general – are definitely a concern. One of the Church’s biggest exposures is owned vehicles, as well as non-owned and hired automobiles, such as those that run errands for the church. Another concern stems from church members taking personal vehicles on youth group events or other outings.

Some companies will not write insurance for 15-passenger vans; others require a seat to be removed. Churches should look to the National Highway Traffic Safety Board – to review those warnings from the federal government and follow the rules.

Churches need to be careful in allowing teenagers or really young drivers to drive on church-sponsored events. The preferred age is between 25 and 65. Insurance companies should show some flexibility, though, as a church may have a youth pastor on staff that’s single, age 22 or 23, with a good motor-vehicle record (MVR). Make sure all drivers have good MVRs. Also, ensure that the parents’ auto policy is in place – that they have coverage – because the first claim payment will come out of their personal auto policy. In an ideal situation, keep individuals’ driver’s license and proof-of-insurance information on file. Churches can also ask drivers to go through additional auto-safety training.

Many common claims arise from backing the church van into things such as trees or other cars; those are relatively minor, but they can add up.

Sexual Misconduct

Haan: Sexual abuse is one of the key areas of concern. ...