Connecticut Church Insurance

Connecticut church insurance can’t count on the legal protections charities have in some neighboring states. Connecticut abolished charitable immunity by statute in 1967, so a congregation is liable for injuries the same way any property owner is. Integrity Now Insurance Brokers is an independent broker. We compare house of worship insurance in Connecticut from several carriers for churches, synagogues and other congregations from Fairfield County to Hartford, New Haven and the Quiet Corner.

Request a Connecticut church insurance quote.

No Charitable Immunity: Liability Limits Carry the Load

Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-557d, the defense of charitable immunity is abolished. A fall on an icy walkway, an injury at a youth event or a dog bite at a rental is a full-value claim against the church. That’s why most Connecticut churches pair general liability with an umbrella policy. Facility use agreements should require renters to carry their own insurance and name the church as an additional insured. See church liability insurance.

Workers’ Comp: Required With One Employee

Connecticut requires employers with one or more employees, full- or part-time, to carry workers’ compensation under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 31-284. The Workers’ Compensation Commission can impose civil penalties and stop-work orders for noncompliance. Volunteers generally aren’t covered, so a volunteer accident policy is worth considering. This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm with the Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission.

Storm, Coastal and Older-Building Risks

Nor’easters and tropical storms

Tropical Storm Irene and Superstorm Sandy (2011–2012) showed how wind, falling trees and long power outages hit Connecticut. Review wind deductibles, tree debris removal and business income.

Shoreline flooding

Churches along Long Island Sound need separate flood insurance. Standard property policies exclude it.

Historic structures

Many Connecticut congregations meet in 18th- and 19th-century buildings. Insure to replacement cost and add ordinance or law coverage. See church property insurance.

Church Insurance in Connecticut: Core Coverages

• Abuse and molestation coverage for children’s and youth ministry.
• Directors and officers and employment practices liability.
• Commercial auto and hired and non-owned auto.
• Crime coverage, cyber coverage for online giving and member data, and an umbrella policy.

See every option on our church insurance coverage page.

Connecticut Non Profit Organization Insurance: Section 52-557m and Its Limits

Connecticut protects nonprofit board members, but only some of them, and only from some claims. Under § 52-557m, a director, officer or trustee of a nonprofit tax-exempt organization who isn’t compensated is immune from civil liability for damage or injury caused in the discharge of their duties, unless it was caused by reckless, wilful or wanton misconduct. The Connecticut Office of Legislative Research notes the protection is lost if the person receives compensation in any amount for their service.

What that means for nonprofit insurance in Connecticut:

• The immunity is personal. It doesn’t protect the organization, which has no charitable immunity at all.
• Paid executive directors and compensated officers aren’t covered by it.
• A lawsuit can still be filed and has to be defended. D&O insurance pays that defense, including for employment and governance claims.
• General liability, workers’ comp and abuse coverage remain the organization’s main protection.

We write nonprofit insurance in Connecticut for human-service agencies, schools, land trusts and church-affiliated ministries. See our nonprofit insurance page.

Why Connecticut Congregations Work With Integrity Now

Since 2012 we’ve served more than 500 congregations. Our owner, Kevin Edwards, is a licensed agent and active Youth Pastor. We don’t charge broker fees; carriers pay our commission. Comparing several church insurers lets us balance historic-building values and liability limits in a state without charitable immunity. See typical church insurance costs, then start your quote.

Connecticut Church Insurance FAQs

Do Connecticut churches have charitable immunity?

No. Connecticut abolished the defense of charitable immunity by statute in 1967, so churches are liable for injuries like any other property owner.

When does a Connecticut church need workers' compensation?

Connecticut requires workers' compensation for employers with one or more full- or part-time employees. Volunteers generally aren't covered.

Are Connecticut nonprofit board members personally liable?

Uncompensated directors, officers and trustees of tax-exempt nonprofits are immune from civil liability for damage or injury in their duties under § 52-557m, unless the conduct was reckless, wilful or wanton. The organization itself isn't protected.

Is house of worship insurance in Connecticut different for synagogues and mosques?

The coverages are the same: property, liability, abuse, D&O, auto and crime. We place house of worship insurance in Connecticut for congregations of every faith.

Does our Connecticut church need flood insurance?

Standard church property policies exclude flood. Churches near Long Island Sound, rivers or low ground should buy separate flood coverage.