Overview of the program from RPS NIPC
This program bundles core liability and property protections with specialized coverages that houses of worship commonly need. You can assemble broad packages that include general liability, pastoral counseling/service liability, abuse coverage, management liability (D&O with EPLI), property/inland marine, crime, auto liability (owned, hired & non-owned), excess liability and workers' compensation. Cyber liability is available as part of the package in eligible states (not offered as a standalone cyber policy).
Ideal accounts and appetite
- Small to mid-size congregations and single-site houses of worship
- Religious schools, daycare programs and community outreach ministries
- Cemeteries and funeral-related operations affiliated with a religious organization
- Organizations that perform pastoral counseling, volunteer programs, and other ministry services
Accounts with clear governance, documented volunteer and staff screening procedures, and standard risk management (e.g., child protection policies, facility safety checks) generally fit well. Larger, nationwide ministries or accounts with extensive commercial operations should be submitted for review — appetite may vary by carrier.
Coverage highlights and advantages
- Pastoral counseling and service liability forms tailored for faith-based exposures.
- Physical and sexual abuse coverage included as an option to address the most sensitive exposures.
- Management liability (D&O) with employment practices liability (EPLI) to protect boards and leadership.
- Property and inland marine for church-owned buildings, contents, and specialty items (e.g., musical instruments).
- Crime and fidelity coverage designed for donations, collections and volunteer-handled funds.
- Auto liability for parish vans and other owned, hired or non-owned vehicles.
- Access to excess liability and workers’ compensation through admitted paper where available.
Underwriting notes and minimum premiums
Minimum premium: varies by state and carrier. Typical submissions should include a completed application, current loss runs (usually 3–5 years), descriptions of programs and services (including youth programs), payroll and volunteer counts, and copies of key policies (child protection, volunteer screening, facility use agreements). Underwriting will evaluate exposures such as daycare operations, boarding, camps, large public events and cemetery operations. If an account has prior abuse-related losses, large liquor exposures, or extensive commercial rental operations, expect additional underwriting review.
Territories and availability
Admitted status: All Available States.
Available in: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, DC, WV, WI, WY. Coverage features and availability vary by state and by carrier — contact RPS NIPC underwriting for specific state questions.
Why work with RPS NIPC on this business
- Program administrator with focused underwriting for faith-based risks and related social services.
- Access to A.M. Best "A" carriers and admitted paper in the states listed.
- Specialized forms for pastoral liability, abuse exposures and management liability — reducing form gaps common with standard commercial packages.
- Practical placement options: package pricing, excess layers and workers’ compensation to create a comprehensive solution for a house of worship and its ministries.
Example accounts
- You have a mid-size, single-site church that runs a preschool and several youth programs — this program can place GL, property, abuse coverage, D&O/EPLI and auto liability for church vans in a single package.
- A synagogue operating a cemetery and community outreach meals program — you can assemble property, cemetery service liability, crime coverage for collections, and excess limits through the program’s markets.
For more information on our
Church and Religious Institutions Insurance and other
RPS NIPC Specialty Programs, please visit our
website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of religious organizations are a good fit for this program?
RPS NIPC’s program is best for small to mid-size churches, synagogues, temples and affiliated ministries such as parochial schools, daycare programs, cemeteries and community outreach services. Larger or more complex national ministries should be submitted for review.
Is sexual/physical abuse coverage included?
Physical and sexual abuse coverage is available as part of the program. Because abuse exposures are sensitive, underwriters will review policies, volunteer screening and incident history during submission.
Can I include cyber liability for a house of worship?
Cyber liability can be added as part of the package in eligible states, but it is not offered as a standalone cyber policy. Availability and limits vary by state and carrier.
What submission materials does underwriting typically request?
Common requirements include a completed application, recent loss runs, descriptions of programs/services (especially youth programs), payroll and volunteer counts, and copies of relevant risk management policies (e.g., child protection, facility use rules).
Who underwrites and places the business?
RPS NIPC acts as the program administrator working with A.M. Best rated "A" carriers to underwrite and place admitted coverage in the states listed. Contact RPS NIPC underwriting for specific appetite, terms and state availability.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.