A spring hailstorm swept through Lubbock last year, and Pastor Rick’s church was hit hard. The storm left their roof battered, windows cracked, and gutters destroyed. The damage was worse than anyone expected, and the repair costs turned into a huge headache for the congregation. Pastor Rick's church had allowed their church insurance policy to be on autopilot for years with a local insurance agent. When it came time to make this weather-related claim, they found out quickly that autopilot might not have been the best thing for them.
Like many Texas churches, Pastor Rick’s church learned the hard way how unpredictable catastrophic claims for property can be for Texas churches. Most of the church insurance companies have instituted many changes in how property coverage for churches works. The things covered seem to be shrinking and the deductibles growing while the church insurance costs skyrocket. Pastor Rick was left with a quandary of how to make the costs associated with this storm work inside their budget. Could this have been avoided?
Pastor Rick and his church in Lubbock aren't alone. Texas churches all across the state face challenges every year that can strain their budgets and operations. Whether it’s hailstorms, plumbing failures, or vandalism, the right preparation can make a big difference. Let’s look at three of the most common property claims Texas churches face—and what types of coverage can do to protect your church.
Hail Damage: A Common Threat to Church Roofs
Texas is known for its hailstorms, and churches often take the brunt of the damage. Large, flat roofs or older materials make them easy targets during catastrophic weather events that we are now calling convective storms. A single hailstorm can lead to cracked and broken shingles, broken windows, and even structural damage. This is by far the single most frequent church insurance claim made in Texas. And it isn't close!
For Pastor Rick’s church, replacing their roof and repairing windows was a costly project that left them scrambling to cover the bills. Especially that big deductible that was slipped through the last time their church property insurance policy renewed. There are some things that church leaders can do to mitigate the risk of financial hardship associated with these big catastrophic weather events.
To prepare for hail damage:
- Have your roof inspected regularly, especially before storm season. Address weak spots or aging materials to reduce the chance of severe damage.
- Check your property insurance policy to make sure your understand the hail coverage. Some policies have a deductible based on a percentage of the building’s insured value, so it’s important to know how much you’d need to pay out of pocket. Ask your insurance agent about a hail deductible buy down policy.
- Also evaluate whether your policy has replacement cost or actual cash value on your roof coverage for damages. This can drastically change your insurance claim process when it is time to payout.
Water Damage: Burst Pipes and Internal Failures
Water damage caused by flooding that comes through your door is not considered covered damage on church insurance coverage. However, property damage from water problems that come from within your own building are considered covered! Burst pipes, broken water heaters, or failing HVAC systems can cause serious trouble. For example, a small church in San Antonio dealt with a burst pipe during the winter freeze that everyone remembers. The water soaked their carpet, damaged walls, and ruined valuable equipment.
To prepare for water damage church leadership should take regular action to make sure the insurance company will be on your side.
- Schedule regular maintenance for plumbing, HVAC systems, and water heaters. Look for leaks, rust, or other signs of wear.
- Confirm that your property insurance covers water damage from internal failures like plumbing issues. Remember, this is different from flood insurance, which covers rising water from outside the building.
- Verify your church insurance policy doesn't have sub-limits on physical damage to your church building that comes from a burst pipe or other failure.
Theft and Vandalism: Protecting Your Church’s Assets
Churches are often left empty for periods of time during the week. Unfortunately, people lack common respect and this makes churches like Pastor Rick's a target for theft and vandalism. Thieves may steal expensive audiovisual equipment, instruments, or even cash donations. A church in Dallas recently dealt with a break-in where their sound equipment was stolen, and their doors were damaged, leaving them to cover both replacement and repair costs.
Vandalism, such as graffiti or broken windows, can also result in expensive repairs. Especially if you do not see the damage for a period of time and a storm blows through town. It is important to understand how the insurance industry views these types of claims and risks.
To reduce the risk of theft and vandalism along with its impact on your church budget, there are some steps that are recommended whether you are a larger church or smaller one.
- Install security cameras, outdoor lighting, and alarm systems to deter criminals.
- Keep an updated inventory of your church’s valuable property, including serial numbers and photos. This is extra important if you have high-value sound equipment that criminals love to pawn.
- Review your commercial property insurance policy to make sure it covers theft and vandalism so you’re not stuck with unexpected bills. Vacancy clauses can have unexpected consequences.
How to Protect Your Church with the Right Insurance
Pastor Rick’s experience taught him that being prepared isn’t just about fixing problems after they happen—it’s about having the right insurance in place. While we have included some tips to keep problems from arising, a regular review of your church’s risks can help you spot areas where your coverage might fall short. Working with an experienced church insurance specialist can help you build a policy that fits your specific needs, including coverage for hail damage, water issues, and theft or vandalism.
We are a bit biased, but working with an independent insurance agent who can act as an advisor to help your church determine unique needs and risks based on your specific ministries can help you fine tune your church insurance coverage so that you can experience the promise of certainty that comes with proper coverage. It is about asking questions up front so that you are not surprised later like Pastor Rick.
Protecting Texas Churches with True Texas Church Insurance
Hail, water damage, and theft are common risks for churches across Texas, but the right insurance coverage can protect your ministry from financial strain. True Texas Church Insurance, offered by Insurance For Texans, provides customized solutions tailored to your church’s needs. Our specialists have worked with churches all over Texas to find policies that protect their property while staying within their budget.
Click the button below to connect with a church insurance expert who can help your church prepare for unexpected events and stay focused on serving your community. Let’s make sure your church is ready for whatever comes its way.