Church Insurance in Indiana
Indiana churches sit in a busy storm corridor, with spring tornadoes, summer hail and straight-line winds, and long winters that test roofs and heating systems. Many Hoosier congregations also run schools, daycares, sports leagues and food pantries, which widens the liability picture well beyond Sunday morning.
Indiana Church Insurance Essentials
- Church property insurance for sanctuaries, gyms, school wings and contents.
- General liability for worship, athletics, rentals and community programs.
- Abuse and molestation coverage for schools, daycares and youth ministry.
- D&O insurance for church councils, elders and employment decisions.
- Church auto insurance for buses and members’ cars on church errands.
Small congregations can start with our small church insurance page.
Indiana Storm and Winter Risks
Wind and hail claims are common across Indiana, so roof age and the size of your wind or hail deductible deserve attention at renewal. Winter freezes cause pipe bursts in buildings that sit empty during the week, and older boilers break down at the worst time, which is why equipment breakdown coverage is worth having. Churches in southwestern Indiana are close to the Wabash Valley seismic zone and should look at earthquake coverage.
Indiana Workers’ Compensation for Churches
Indiana generally requires employers with one or more employees to carry workers’ compensation, and the Worker’s Compensation Board of Indiana administers the law. Churches with paid staff should carry a policy, and the Board can address questions about how ministers are treated. This is general information, not legal advice.
Indiana Nonprofit Law: Volunteer Directors and Abolished Charitable Immunity
Indiana Code § 34-30-4-2 protects uncompensated volunteer directors of nonprofit corporations from personal liability for actions taken in good faith and with reasonable care in their board role, with exceptions for willful or wanton misconduct. The statute protects the people on the board, not the corporation.
Indiana abolished charitable immunity in Harris v. Young Women’s Christian Association (1968), so an Indiana church can be held liable for its own negligence and that of its employees and volunteers. A well-built liability, abuse and D&O program is how the church carries that risk. Read more on our nonprofit insurance page. This is general information, not legal advice.
Working With Church Property Insurance on Your Indiana Policy
Church Property Insurance has helped congregations since 2012 and has worked with more than 500 churches nationwide. Kevin Edwards is a licensed insurance agent and an active youth pastor, so the questions we ask about your building, your ministries and your volunteers come from someone who serves in a church every week. We do not charge broker fees; we are paid by carrier commission, and any taxes or fees a state requires are shown on your quote. Turnaround depends on the carrier and on how complete your information is, so we will tell you what to expect when we start. Request a church insurance quote to begin.
Indiana Church Insurance FAQs
Does Indiana require churches to carry workers comp?
Indiana generally requires workers compensation for employers with one or more employees. Contact the Worker’s Compensation Board of Indiana with clergy questions.
Are Indiana church board members protected from lawsuits?
IC 34-30-4-2 protects uncompensated volunteer directors acting in good faith and with reasonable care, but not for willful or wanton misconduct.
Can an Indiana church claim charitable immunity?
No. Indiana abolished charitable immunity in 1968, so churches can be liable for negligence.
Do Indiana churches with schools need special coverage?
Yes. Schools and daycares add liability, abuse, educators legal and sometimes student accident exposures that should be reviewed with your agent.
How can an Indiana church cut winter water damage claims?
Keep heat on, install freeze alarms, insulate exposed pipes and have someone check the building on non-service days.