Why Churches Face Insurance Nonrenewals
The short answer
Don't Wait Until It's Too Late If your church’s insurance is at risk of being canceled or nonrenewed, it’s crucial to act quickly. Being proactive and working with an independent ministry...
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
If your church’s insurance is at risk of being canceled or nonrenewed, it’s crucial to act quickly. Being proactive and working with an independent ministry insurance specialist can make all the difference.
Here are four common factors that could impact your church’s ability to secure reasonable insurance and avoid the excess and surplus lines markets:
1. Not Enough Time to Explore Options
In some states, insurance providers are required to give at least 30 days’ notice before canceling or non-renewing a policy. However, the process of underwriting or remarketing insurance can take 60 days or more. This often leaves churches with limited time to explore other options.
2. Postal Service Delays
USPS delivery delays are becoming more common. These delays can cause your church to lose valuable time, especially when dealing with time-sensitive insurance matters.
3. Limited Insurance Options from Your Agent
If your current agent only offers one church insurance option, they may not address potential issues early enough. Independent agents, on the other hand, tend to inform clients well in advance if their policy is at risk of nonrenewal. With access to detailed data about your church’s insurance history, claims, and coverage needs, they can help you find better options before it’s too late.
4. Lack of a Dedicated Insurance Manager
Many churches don’t have staff or volunteers assigned to manage their insurance programs. This can lead to delays in addressing insurance needs and increase the risk of a coverage lapse.
What You Can Do
If your church is working with a captive agent who only has one insurance option, we recommend contacting them at least four months in advance. Ask about your church’s claims history, building condition, location, payment record, and market trends to determine if your insurance terms will be renewed for the upcoming year.
If you need help or advice, learn what to do about a church insurance non-renewal or visit ministrysure.com and request a consultation.