What is General Liability Insurance?
The most basic form of liability insurance, General Liability Insurance should cover ‘general’ claims against your ministry.
Basically, this coverage responds to claims of bodily injury or property loss caused by your ministry operations. Coverage usually includes compensating the other party, defending your ministry in court and paying court awards or settlements, subject to the liability limits of your policy.
What does General Liability Insurance cover?
A few examples of General Liability may include:
- A woman enters your church during a rainstorm. She slips on water in the foyer and falls down a flight of stairs. The handrail had been removed from the stairway several months earlier during repairs and had not yet been replaced. She sustains a head injury and several broken bones. She makes a claim against the church for pain and suffering.
- An attendee arrives at your church for a meeting after dark. Because of poor exterior lighting and lack of a barrier, he steps into a basement window well, resulting in a severe leg injury and $30,000 in medical bills. The man files a claim against the church for pain and suffering.
- Your school holds a fall festival at a local farm. One volunteer is stationed at a campfire and assists children roasting marshmallows. One child gets too close and her shirt catches fire. She suffers severe burns. A claim is made against the school for improper supervision during a school operation.
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or insurance advice. Coverage descriptions are summaries; the terms, conditions, and exclusions of your own policy govern what is actually covered. Laws and regulations change and vary by jurisdiction. For guidance specific to your ministry, please consult a qualified professional or your ChurchWest agent.
