Protecting Places of Worship
There are over 350,000 churches in the U.S., and their places of worship are important properties for their congregations and communities.
Church properties often make up a large part of their congregation’s financials and hold sentimental – and often historic – value as well. FMT understands the importance of protecting these properties, and the unique risks they often present.
Our Church Insurance program (valued and caring church insurance plan) is designed to meet the needs of smaller churches in both protected and rural areas, including coverage for:
- The sanctuary or meeting hall
- Storage buildings
- Church contents
- Premises liability
- Medical payments
Optional Coverages are also available to meet your specific needs, including:
- Storage buildings and contents
- Church theft
- Plate and stained glass windows
- Musical instruments
- Outdoor signs
- Ground maintenance equipment
Church Insurance FAQ
What is the right amount of insurance for you congregation? There are several factors to consider. Our agents can assist you in the correct path to determine the value your place of worship or gathering place. In today’s market Replacement Cost or Actual Cash Value are the two common values in determining the payout on a claim that your church may experience.
- Replacement Cost Value Vs. Actual Cash Value
FMT Insurance designed a church policy for the small congregation in mind. We know that the small congregations do not need all the comprehensive coverages that large congregations need. This policy was built to provide affordable pricing and well-tailored coverage to put your church back to where it was at the time of a loss. When discussing your next church insurance policy with your local independent agent, keep in mind that building material cost fluctuates. In the event of a loss what will you do? Will you build the church building back exactly the way it was or will you decrease the size of the building? Will you increase the number of pews or go with fewer pews? Will you install regular windows or stained-glass windows? There are many decisions to be made. When deciding on how much coverage is right for you, think about these things and contact your local agent to discuss your next tailored church insurance policy.
Whether you are storing your lawncare equipment or holiday ornaments in an outbuilding or having a celebration in the fellowship hall, make sure it is covered. With our tailored church policy, we can insure as many buildings as you need that is on the church property. And yes, we will even give you coverage for that old outhouse that brings back so many precious memories.
FMT is determined to tailor your coverage to fit your needs. You can add church contents to your church policy such as song books, lesson books, tables, chairs, and other loose furnishings. We do not consider pews as contents. Pews are considered part of the building. When determining the coverage of the structure it is important to add the cost of the pews.
There are certain contents that FMT puts on a scheduled list. These items are musical instruments, outdoor signs, ground maintenance equipment, and church theft for money collected in the offering plate.
Liability is a must in today’s society. We are to be good stewards with what we have been blessed with. When determining the amount of church Liability, think about your assets and what can be lost if you or your congregation gets sued. From falls to accusations know what you are liable for and know the risk that your congregation face each day. Talk to your local FMT Agent to decide if you have enough liability and the right coverage to protect your congregation.