When we purchase insurance, we are looking to transfer the possibility of a relatively large loss in exchange for known payments otherwise known as a “premium.” This can be a significant expense. And while we may be aware that there are limits and exclusions on an insurance policy, we hope that when something goes wrong, the policy will help us. Let’s be honest, it would be disappointing to discover your damaged property isn’t covered in the way you expected.
Rather than relying on just hope, it is good to spend some time becoming acquainted with your insurance opportunities to make sure your policy meets your entity’s needs. Keep in mind that, in the Adventist Church, we have a strategic advantage in that we work together, and the lowest legal entity recognised by policy in our structure is the conference. Therefore, the solutions must work with the conference as a whole. In this article, I will walk you through five coverage limitations and exclusions along with different ways to secure appropriate coverage.Disclaimer: Please note that the information below is not comprehensive and does not include all policy exclusions and limitations. Please work with your conference to identify all exclusions and limitations and explore the best insurance solution for your organisation. Different organisations have different needs and risk tolerance, so please consult with your conference for further guidance and coverage information.
Property Coverage for Church Signs
From an insurance policy standpoint, there are two types of church signs:1. A church sign connected to the scheduled building structure, and
2. A church sign not connected to the building but still on church property
For the first option, the existing building limit of insurance, includes coverage for the church sign that is connected to the building within the stated value. It is important to review your existing insurance values to ensure that the limit is sufficient for the replacement of the church sign in addition to the building.
For the second option, when the sign is not connected to the building, there are limited coverable causes of loss. The church organisation needs to work with their Adventist Risk Management, Inc. (ARM) account executive (AE) to add the sign to the schedule on the insurance policy. Once the church sign has been added (scheduled) to the policy, all available coverable causes of loss are included.
Property Coverage for Fences, Retaining Walls, and Radio/ Television Antennas
The same principle for church signs applies to outdoor fences, retaining walls, and radio or television antennas. If a fence, retaining wall, or antenna is directly connected to the building, then the building insurance limit should include the cost to replace these items. Some of these items can be very costly to replace, so make sure the statement of values or insurance amount is sufficient to cover such items in addition to the building structure itself. When a fence or retaining wall or antenna is not connected to the building, it needs to be added to the policy by scheduling it. By doing that, you will have coverage for covered causes of loss from your property policy.Property Coverage for Paved Surfaces
Do you have any paved bridges, walkways, or patios on the church or school property? If so, is it worth insuring? Please note that paved surfaces are excluded from the property policy unless the insured organisation submits a request and schedules the item on the policy.General Liability Coverage for Gymnastics
If your school or church participates in or has a gymnastics program, it is essential that you work with your conference or directly with your AE. Your AE can help you properly complete and submit the insurance application, ensuring that coverage has been secured for your organisation. It is also important to keep in mind that liability coverage for gymnastics is excluded until an application is completed and submitted to ARM. Gymnastics injuries tend to be very serious and sometimes catastrophic, so please work with your parent organisation. If you are planning to offer this activity, notify ARM by contacting your account executive.General Liability for Health Expos
For health screening events, such as when a church checks blood pressure, weight, or other biometrics, there is coverage on the General Liability for this “incidental medical malpractice” exposure. For these types of events, we ask that neither the church nor its volunteers diagnose or provide medical consultation to the participants. It is appropriate to have handouts from a third party, and these resources can be shared with participants along with their results. This allows them to interpret their results and decide on the next steps.Finally, for events such as dental, medical, and vision clinics that are put together by other organisations, they should be vetted carefully for items such as:
1. Medical record retention
2. Credential verification/retention of medical professionals
3. Equipment calibration
4. Statutory laws, etc. Rental/use contracts/agreements should be reviewed by local legal counsel.
