Church Insurance in Oregon
Oregon churches face the 2020 Labor Day wildfires, winter ice storms in the Willamette Valley and the long-term risk of a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. Congregations in Portland, Salem, Eugene, Bend and Medford need property coverage for these hazards and liability coverage for active ministries.
Oregon Church Coverage
- Church property insurance for buildings and contents, with attention to wildfire and earthquake.
- General liability for worship, food programs and outreach.
- Abuse and molestation coverage for kids and youth.
- D&O insurance for boards and employment decisions.
- Church auto coverage for mountain and winter travel.
See all options on our coverages page.
Oregon Wildfire, Earthquake and Ice Risks
Earthquake is excluded from standard church property policies, and much of western Oregon is exposed to a Cascadia earthquake. Unreinforced masonry churches face greater risk. Read our guide to earthquake insurance for churches. Wildfire affects churches across Southern and Central Oregon and the Cascades, and carriers may ask about defensible space. Winter ice storms bring tree, power and roof damage.
Oregon Workers’ Compensation for Churches
Oregon generally requires employers with one or more employees to carry workers’ compensation, under ORS 656.017, and the Workers’ Compensation Division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services oversees compliance. This is general information, not legal advice.
Oregon Nonprofit Law: Qualified Directors Under ORS 65.369
ORS 65.369 limits the civil liability of qualified directors, who are generally uncompensated directors and officers of nonprofits organized for purposes that include religion and charity, to gross negligence or intentional misconduct. The statute states it does not affect the liability of the organization itself.
So the church can still be sued for negligence, and its everyday volunteers rely mainly on the federal Volunteer Protection Act and on being insured under the church’s policies. That makes liability, abuse and D&O coverage essential. More on our nonprofit insurance page. This is general information, not legal advice.
Working With Church Property Insurance on Your Oregon 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.
Oregon Church Insurance FAQs
Should Oregon churches buy earthquake coverage?
Most western Oregon churches should at least price it, because standard policies exclude earthquake and the Cascadia risk is significant.
When does an Oregon church need workers comp?
Oregon generally requires workers compensation for employers with one or more employees under ORS 656.017.
Are Oregon church board members protected?
ORS 65.369 limits qualified directors liability to gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
Is the church itself protected under ORS 65.369?
No. The statute states it does not affect the liability of the organization.
Can Oregon churches in wildfire areas get coverage?
Yes, but carriers may ask about defensible space, roofing and fire protection.