Specialist cover for religious institutions

Most religious institutions require a combination of professional indemnity insurance, public liability insurance and products liability insurance. Depending on activities, cover may also be needed for volunteers, pastoral counselling services, community programs, hall hire and governance risks.

Yes. Public liability insurance is essential for churches and religious organisations to cover claims arising from injury or property damage at services, events, community activities, youth programs or on church premises.

Professional indemnity insurance is important where religious institutions provide pastoral counselling, spiritual guidance, welfare services or advisory support. Claims may arise even where no fee is charged for services.

Public liability policies typically extend to volunteers acting on behalf of the organisation. However, coverage depends on the policy wording and the activities being performed, particularly for higher-risk roles.

Professional indemnity insurance may cover pastoral counselling and spiritual care services where these are disclosed and accepted by insurers. It is important that counselling activities are declared when arranging cover.

Abuse and misconduct cover is highly specialised and subject to strict underwriting. Availability varies depending on risk controls, safeguarding frameworks and insurer appetite. Historical abuse claims require separate consideration.

Yes. Youth programs, camps, excursions and outreach activities significantly increase liability exposure and should be disclosed to ensure appropriate public liability and professional indemnity cover is in place.

Public and products liability insurance can extend to fundraising events, food stalls, raffles and community activities when declared under the policy.