FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do churches and ministries really need insurance?
While insurance requirements vary by state and situation, most churches face real financial exposure from property damage, accidents, claims, and lawsuits. Insurance isn’t about fear, it’s about stewardship and continuity of ministry.
In addition, insurance is often required as part of doing ministry in the real world. Contracts frequently require proof of insurance, such as when a church uses a campground, rents a facility, hosts events, or allows outside groups to participate in church activities. Mortgage agreements also typically require church property to be insured as a condition of financing. Having appropriate coverage in place helps ensure your church can operate, partner, and serve without unnecessary disruption.
What types of insurance does a church typically need?
Most churches and ministries carry a combination of coverages designed to protect their people, property, and leadership. Common coverages include property insurance for buildings, equipment, and contents; liability insurance for injuries and ministry activities; directors and officers insurance to protect board members and church leadership; workers’ compensation for employees; and auto coverage for church-owned vehicles.
Many churches and ministries also carry specialized coverages designed to respond to sensitive and ministry-specific risks. This often includes sexual abuse and molestation coverage to help provide protection and support if a child or vulnerable adult is ever harmed in connection with a ministry, as well as pastoral counseling coverage related to care, guidance, and counseling activities. The appropriate mix of coverages depends on how a church operates and the types of ministries it provides.
What does church liability insurance actually cover?
Church liability insurance is designed to help protect the church if someone is injured on your property or as a result of church activities. It can also help cover legal defense costs if a claim or lawsuit arises. Coverage details vary, which is why it’s important to work with people who understand how churches operate day to day.
Are volunteers covered under church insurance?
In many cases, volunteers are included under a church’s liability coverage while serving on behalf of the ministry. However, volunteers are generally not treated the same as employees under workers’ compensation laws. Because volunteer roles and activities vary widely, we help churches and ministries understand how their coverage applies and where additional protection may be appropriate.
How do we know how much insurance our church needs?
Coverage needs are driven by your buildings, programs, people, and activities, not just your attendance. Factors like property values, facility use, outreach programs, counseling ministries, vehicles, and special events all matter. Our goal is to align coverage with how your church actually functions, not force you into a one-size-fits-all solution.
How often should our church review its insurance coverage?
At a minimum, churches and ministries should review coverage annually. You should also review your policy anytime there is a major change, such as building renovations, new programs, additional properties, staffing changes, or expanded ministries. Regular reviews help ensure your coverage keeps pace with your mission.
How did Dominion First come into existence?
Dominion First was created in response to a real crisis facing churches between 2020 and 2025. During that time, many ministries experienced sharp premium increases, reduced coverage options, and fewer carriers willing to insure churches at all. Seeing this challenge firsthand, Texas Baptists and ministry leaders came together to build a new solution, one designed intentionally for churches. Dominion First was built differently on purpose, with affordability, sustainability, and long-term ministry protection at the center of everything we do.
How is Dominion First different from other church insurance programs?
Dominion First stands out in three key ways: our products, our process, and our people.
Our products are tailored specifically for churches and ministries, with coverage that reflects how churches operate, where they are located, and the types of buildings they use for ministry.
Our process is efficient and relationship-focused. We provide coverage and service through an in-house team of licensed agents who specialize exclusively in churches, making purchasing, claims, and ongoing support simpler. We also maintain a lean revenue model by partnering with church associations and conventions, avoiding unnecessary costs in premiums.
Our team consists of mission-aligned professionals who do this work because they genuinely care about protecting ministries and supporting their missions.
Is church insurance expensive?
The cost of insurance varies based on location, property values, claims history, and the types of ministries a church operates. Our focus isn’t just on price, but on creating affordable and sustainable coverage that churches can rely on year after year. In many cases, churches find that a program built specifically for ministries offers better long-term value than generic alternatives.
What happens if our church needs to file a claim?
When a claim happens, our team works alongside you to help guide the process and coordinate with the carrier. If your church experiences a loss, our team is here to help guide you through the claims process. You can initiate a claim by contacting Dominion First directly, and we will work alongside you to help coordinate next steps and communication with the carrier.
To file a claim or get assistance, you may contact us at:Email: claims@dominionfirst.com
Phone: 1-844-874-6242
While no one hopes to file a claim, having a clear and responsive process in place can make a difficult situation more manageable and allow church leaders to stay focused on ministry while the claim is being addressed.
Does my church qualify for the Dominion First program?
We encourage you to reach out through our Get a Quote page so we can learn more about your ministry. Our vision is simple: every ministry protected by affordable, sustainable insurance. If there’s a way we can serve your church, we want to explore it with you.