Church Insurance in Tennessee
Tennessee churches have been hit by the 2020 Nashville tornado, the 2010 Nashville flood and the 2021 Waverly flood, along with frequent spring storms statewide. West Tennessee also sits near the New Madrid Seismic Zone. Congregations from Memphis to Knoxville need property coverage built for these hazards and liability coverage for active ministries.
Tennessee Church Coverage
- Church property insurance for sanctuaries, gyms, schools and contents.
- General liability for worship, sports and events.
- Abuse and molestation insurance for kids, youth and schools.
- D&O insurance for elders, deacons and employment decisions.
- Church auto coverage for buses and vans.
See all options on our coverages page.
Tennessee Tornado, Flood and Earthquake Risks
Tornadoes and severe storms cause many Tennessee church claims, so roof condition and wind deductibles matter. Flood is excluded from standard property policies, and churches near the Cumberland, Tennessee and Duck rivers or in low areas should consider separate flood coverage. West Tennessee churches should look at earthquake insurance because of the New Madrid Seismic Zone.
Tennessee Workers’ Compensation for Churches
Tennessee generally requires workers’ compensation for non-construction employers with five or more employees, and for construction employers with one or more. The Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation administers the law. This is general information, not legal advice.
Tennessee Nonprofit Law: Tenn. Code § 48-58-601
Tenn. Code Ann. § 48-58-601 protects uncompensated directors, officers and trustees of Tennessee nonprofits from personal liability for acts within their duties, unless the conduct amounts to willful, wanton or gross negligence. The statute states that nothing in it grants immunity to the nonprofit corporation itself.
The Tennessee Supreme Court has confirmed that directors can still face actions alleging willful, wanton or grossly negligent misconduct. Because the church is not immune, liability, abuse and D&O coverage are essential. More on our nonprofit insurance page. This is general information, not legal advice.
Working With Church Property Insurance on Your Tennessee 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.
Tennessee Church Insurance FAQs
When does a Tennessee church need workers comp?
Tennessee generally requires coverage for non-construction employers with five or more employees, or one or more in construction.
Are Tennessee church directors protected?
Tenn. Code 48-58-601 protects uncompensated directors, officers and trustees unless the conduct is willful, wanton or grossly negligent.
Is the church itself immune in Tennessee?
No. The statute states it does not grant immunity to the nonprofit corporation.
Do Tennessee churches need flood insurance?
Churches near rivers or in low areas should consider it, as recent floods showed and standard policies exclude flood.
Should West Tennessee churches buy earthquake coverage?
Churches near the New Madrid Seismic Zone should at least price it.