Churches all over Texas have been going through the process of being non-renewed by an insurance company that we won't name. But you likely know who they are. As many Texas churches have reached out to Insurance For Texans in desperate need of insurance coverage, our agents thought it would make sense for churches to have a quick rundown of what to expect and subsequently do when they get that notice that their current insurance policy is not being extended by their insurance carrier.
First things first. If your church has received a non-renewal notice, it’s important to act quickly so that you can make informed decisions rather than hurried ones. While the notice requirement set forth by the state dictates a time period that will allow you to find new church insurance coverage smoothly, the current condition of the property insurance market is making that tougher than normal. That means you want to start the process as early as possible to have a peace of mind that your church has the comprehensive coverage that it needs based on your unique ministries and circumstances.
With that in mind, let’s walk through the steps your church should take to make sure you remain properly insured with adequate protection.
The first step is understanding exactly which of your policies are being non-renewed. Is it because of nonpayment of premium, change of risk profile, or the company just leaving the state? Each of those reasons can create different dynamics in which church insurance companies will consider your account. Is it all of your policies with the insurance carrier, or just specific ones? For example, your property and liability insurance may be non-renewed, but your auto or workers' compensation coverage could remain intact. Knowing which areas of coverage are affected will help you focus your efforts where they’re most needed.
The next thing you need to know is when this non-renewal will take effect. Typically, this will happen at the expiration date of your current policy term. Once you know this date, you’ll want to act fast. As we indicated earlier, the sooner you begin working with a new insurance agent, the better. Giving yourself ample time means you’ll be able to review all available options thoroughly and find the best coverage for your church. It can also help keep the jump in your insurance rates from jumping quite so much.
As soon as possible, you’ll want to start a conversation with a church insurance specialist. Not just any agent will do—this person needs to understand the unique risks and needs of Texas churches. You want someone with experience in the Texas church insurance market, who knows the challenges you face and can provide solutions tailored to your specific needs.
You want to find an independent agency with a range of church insurance companies in Texas that offer solutions to the specific challenges we face here. Finding the right agent is a critical step in securing your church’s future, so choose someone with experience who you can trust.
Once you’ve reviewed your non-renewal notice and chosen the right agent, the next step is to stay in close contact with them throughout the proposal process. Underwriters will need accurate information about your church’s potential risks to provide the right coverage options. If your agent requests additional information, it’s important to respond quickly. This not only helps the process move along faster but also shows the underwriter that you’re proactive about protecting your church.
During the proposal stage, your agent should provide multiple options that balance affordability with adequate coverage. Don’t settle for just one option. It’s important to review all the proposals in detail, so you can choose the coverage that’s right for your church—both from a budget perspective and a protection standpoint.
An experienced agent will educate you on the differences between these proposals for insurance packages. They should help you understand the coverage details, limits, and costs involved so you can make an informed decision that best fits your church’s needs.
At Insurance for Texans, we’re committed to helping Texas churches navigate the often confusing and overwhelming world of church insurance. Especially in the current environment of insurance for churches. With our True Texas Church Insurance Program, we provide tailored solutions that protect churches across the state. Our team has years of experience working with churches and is constantly seeking new markets and options to ensure we offer the best possible coverage for your ministry.
If your church has received a nonrenewal notice, or if you’d simply like to explore new options, we’d love to have the opportunity to earn your business. We’re also constantly in talks with new providers to ensure that we can offer the best possible options to our church families.
Taking these steps will put your church in the best position to secure the right coverage and avoid any gaps. Remember, time is of the essence, and having the right agent by your side makes all the difference.
Click the button below to get True Texas Church Insurance to have help in finding a new church insurance policy.