Church Insurance in Utah
Utah churches along the Wasatch Front sit near the Wasatch Fault, and the 2020 Magna earthquake was a reminder of that risk. Heavy mountain snow, wildfire and fast growth from Salt Lake City to St. George also shape church insurance in Utah.
Utah Church Coverage
- Church property insurance with a separate decision on earthquake.
- General liability for worship, youth activities and outdoor trips.
- Abuse and molestation coverage for kids and youth.
- D&O insurance for boards and employment decisions.
- Church auto insurance for canyon and winter travel.
Utah Earthquake, Snow and Wildfire Risks
Earthquake is excluded from standard church property policies, and Wasatch Front churches, especially unreinforced masonry buildings, should look closely at earthquake insurance for churches. Snow load and ice dams cause winter claims, and wildfire affects churches near foothills and canyons. Southern Utah heat and monsoon storms bring their own roof and flash flood concerns.
Utah Workers’ Compensation for Churches
Utah generally requires employers with one or more employees to carry workers’ compensation, and the Utah Labor Commission oversees compliance. This is general information, not legal advice.
Utah Volunteer Law: Protection Tied to a Financially Secure Source of Recovery
Under Utah Code § 78B-4-102, volunteers providing services for a nonprofit are generally protected from personal liability for their acts, but only if the nonprofit provides a financially secure source of recovery, such as liability insurance with limits at least equal to those set under the Governmental Immunity Act of Utah, or a qualifying trust. The protection does not apply to intentional, knowing, willful or wanton misconduct, or to injuries from operating a motor vehicle and certain other activities.
Utah Code § 78B-4-103 also limits when a nonprofit is liable for its volunteers’ acts, for example where it had no reasonable notice of a volunteer’s unfitness. The church’s liability policy is a key part of this system, so keep limits at or above the required level. More on our nonprofit insurance page. This is general information, not legal advice.
Working With Church Property Insurance on Your Utah 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.
Utah Church Insurance FAQs
Should Utah churches buy earthquake coverage?
Wasatch Front churches should at least price it, because standard policies exclude earthquake and the Wasatch Fault is a significant risk.
How does insurance affect volunteer protection in Utah?
Utah Code 78B-4-102 generally protects volunteers only if the nonprofit provides a financially secure source of recovery, such as adequate liability insurance.
Are Utah church volunteers protected for driving?
No. The protection does not apply to injuries from operating a motor vehicle.
When does a Utah church need workers comp?
Utah generally requires workers compensation for employers with one or more employees.
How can Utah churches reduce winter claims?
Plan roof snow removal, maintain gutters and drains and use freeze alarms.