Church Insurance in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has some of the oldest church buildings in the country, from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh parishes to stone churches in small towns. Winter freeze, flooding along the Susquehanna, Delaware and Allegheny rivers, and the cost of maintaining historic masonry all shape church insurance in the Commonwealth.
Pennsylvania Church Coverage
- Church property insurance at true replacement cost, with ordinance or law coverage.
- General liability for worship, schools, festivals and rentals.
- Abuse and molestation insurance with Pennsylvania clearance procedures for youth workers.
- D&O coverage for vestries, councils and boards.
- Church auto insurance for buses, vans and non-owned vehicles.
Pennsylvania Freeze, Flood and Historic-Building Risks
Frozen pipes and ice dams are among the most common Pennsylvania church claims, especially in large stone buildings with boiler heat. Flood is excluded from standard property policies, and churches near rivers and creeks should consider separate coverage. Historic churches often need ordinance or law coverage, and their stained glass, organs and slate roofs should be valued separately so limits are accurate.
Pennsylvania law requires certain background clearances for people who work or volunteer with children. Following those rules is a strong part of an abuse prevention program, and underwriters will ask about it.
Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation for Churches
Pennsylvania generally requires employers with one or more employees, including part-time workers, to carry workers’ compensation, and the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation in the Department of Labor and Industry oversees compliance. This is general information, not legal advice.
Pennsylvania Nonprofit Law: Two Negligence Standards
Pennsylvania sets special negligence standards rather than full immunity. Under 42 Pa.C.S. § 8332.2, uncompensated officers, directors and trustees of 501(c)(3) nonprofits are generally not liable for acts relating solely to their duties unless their conduct falls substantially below the standard expected of similar people, with intent or reckless disregard. Under 42 Pa.C.S. § 8332.4, volunteers serving qualifying nonprofits in public service programs generally face liability only for conduct substantially below accepted standards, with exceptions such as transportation claims.
Pennsylvania abolished charitable immunity in Flagiello v. Pennsylvania Hospital (1965), so the church itself can be sued for negligence. More on our nonprofit insurance page. This is general information, not legal advice.
Working With Church Property Insurance on Your Pennsylvania 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.
Pennsylvania Church Insurance FAQs
Are Pennsylvania church board members protected?
42 Pa.C.S. 8332.2 generally protects uncompensated officers, directors and trustees of 501(c)(3) nonprofits unless their conduct falls substantially below accepted standards.
Are Pennsylvania church volunteers protected?
42 Pa.C.S. 8332.4 sets a higher negligence standard for volunteers in public service programs of qualifying nonprofits, with exceptions such as transportation.
Does Pennsylvania recognize charitable immunity?
No. Pennsylvania abolished charitable immunity in 1965.
Do Pennsylvania churches need workers comp for part-time staff?
Pennsylvania generally requires workers compensation for employers with one or more employees, including part-time workers.
Why do insurers ask about clearances for Pennsylvania churches?
State law requires certain clearances for people who work with children, and following them is a key part of abuse prevention.