Art was driving the church van through Lubbock last spring getting ready for the annual youth weekend event when he was jarred by a collision. Once he realized he was ok, he got out of the van and began to assess the damage. The van was still drivable, but definitely needed some bodywork.
Fortunately, this was not going to be the end of the world. Art was mostly thankful that he did not have anyone else in the van with him at the time of the accident, but he was reminded that anything can happen in the blink of an eye.
When Art began to speak with the other driver, he was relieved that he was ok. But when Art began to inquire about his auto insurance policy, the other driver started fidgeting and getting nervous. It became obvious that he did not have an ordinary policy with minimum legal liability limits. This situation was taking a turn for the worse and now Art worried about what the church would do to have the van repaired in time for their upcoming event.
Stories like Art’s show how important it is for churches to understand their auto liability insurance policies. Without the right types of insurance coverage in place, your ministry could face unnecessary financial burdens. What are three key things every Texas church needs to know to protect their vehicles and finances?
Church-Owned Vehicles Need Proper Coverage
If your church owns vehicles like vans, buses, or cars, they need to be protected by a commercial auto insurance policy. Many churches and religious organizations mistakenly believe that personal auto insurance policies will cover these vehicles, but that’s not the case. Vehicles owned by the church or used for ministry purposes fall under different rules, and a church policy is designed to address those specific needs.
A good commercial auto insurance policy includes:
- Liability Coverage: This covers injuries or damage caused to others if your church vehicle is at fault in an accident. Without this, your church could face legal costs or bills from medical expenses.
- Comprehensive Coverage: This protects against non-collision damage from theft, vandalism, or weather damage. For instance, if a hail storm damages the church van, this coverage would help pay for repairs.
- Collision Coverage: This pays for repairs to your vehicle after a crash that is deemed to be your driver's fault. If Art had been responsible for the church van accident, this coverage for church vehicles would have kicked in to make the repairs.
Art’s church had purchased both liability and physical damage coverage when putting their church insurance policies in place. However, they were frustrated with the current problem that is a common claim in Texas unfortunately. They wanted to know what to do next.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage Is a Must
Sadly, Texas has a large number of uninsured drivers similar to the one in Art's crash story. This is compounded by many who do have insurance but carry very low coverage limits for their legal liability coverage.
The good news for Art is that the business auto insurance policy that his church secured as part of their insurance program included uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This additional coverage option allows for the church van to be repaired without it being recorded as a comprehensive or collision claim. The added benefit is that it can protect your church from claims surcharges that come with either of those types of events on your claims history.
This coverage steps in when the other driver can’t pay for the damage or injuries they caused. Uninsured/Underinsured coverage helps with the church insurance claim process in the following ways:
- Vehicle Repairs: If your church vehicle is damaged by an uninsured driver, this coverage helps with the repair costs or even replacement if needed.
- Medical Bills: If passengers in your vehicle are injured, this coverage helps pay for the medical costs associated with their care.
- Legal Expenses: If your church has to go to court to recover damages, UM/UIM coverage can help with those costs, too.
Art’s church van was hit by an uninsured driver, and without UM/UIM coverage they would have been left to pay for everything out of their budget. This church insurance coverage for their vehicles made all the difference in helping them get back on their feet.
Driver Screening and Training Lowers Risks
No matter how much insurance your church has, the best way to avoid problems is by preventing accidents in the first place. That starts with carefully choosing and training the people who drive your church vehicles. Safe driving habits and proper preparation can reduce the chance of accidents.
Here are a few steps your church can take to reduce risks:
- Screen Drivers: Check the motor vehicle records of anyone who will be driving church vehicles. Conduct background checks to make sure they meet your church’s standards.
- Offer Training: Provide safety training for all drivers, including defensive driving techniques and how to handle emergencies on the road.
- Set Clear Rules: Establish guidelines for vehicle use, such as limiting distractions, following traffic laws, and setting passenger limits.
After reviewing the church coverage with their insurance agent after their accident, Art’s church put new rules in place to screen volunteer drivers and provide training. While it would not have changed the outcome of Art's accident, these simple steps gave everyone more confidence and helped prevent future incidents. The church leaders were looking for peace of mind, and this helped provide it.
Protect Your Ministry with the Right Coverage
Accidents like the one Art experienced can happen to any church. But with the right insurance coverage and proper safety measures, you can protect your ministry from financial strain and focus on serving your community.
True Texas Church Insurance, offered only by Insurance For Texans, provides customized solutions for Texas churches. Our experienced agents have worked with churches across the state to make sure they’re ready for whatever challenges come their way. If you are not sure if your church has adequate protection today, speaking with an agent about insurance will help you get a grasp on what gaps your church insurance plan has today.
Click the button below to connect with a church insurance expert today. Let’s work together to keep your church safe on the road and beyond.