Church Insurance in Washington State
Washington churches west of the Cascades face earthquake risk from the Cascadia Subduction Zone and shallower faults, as the 2001 Nisqually earthquake showed, while churches in Eastern Washington face wildfire and summer heat. Winter windstorms and ice add to the picture from Seattle and Tacoma to Spokane and the Tri-Cities.
Washington Church Coverage
- Church property insurance with a separate earthquake decision.
- General liability with limits that meet Washington’s volunteer law requirements.
- Abuse and molestation coverage for kids and youth.
- D&O insurance for boards and employment decisions.
- Church auto insurance for mountain passes and winter travel.
Washington Earthquake, Wildfire and Storm Risks
Earthquake is excluded from standard church property policies, and Puget Sound churches, particularly older masonry buildings, should price earthquake insurance for churches. Wildfire affects churches in Central and Eastern Washington and some foothill communities. Windstorms and ice storms bring tree and roof damage, and flood along western rivers is excluded unless added.
Washington Workers’ Compensation: A State-Fund System
Washington is a monopolistic state. Most employers must get workers’ compensation from the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), not from private insurers, and premiums are generally based on hours worked. Churches should also ask about stop-gap employer’s liability coverage, which a private policy can add. This is general information, not legal advice.
Washington Volunteer Law: RCW 4.24.670 and Required Insurance
RCW 4.24.670 protects volunteers of nonprofits and government entities from personal liability for harm caused within the scope of their duties, but only if several conditions are met. The harm cannot be caused by willful or criminal misconduct, gross negligence or reckless conduct, and it cannot involve operating a vehicle that requires a license or insurance. Importantly, the nonprofit must carry public liability insurance at or above the amounts the statute sets.
The statute states it does not affect the nonprofit’s own liability, including vicarious liability for volunteer negligence. Washington also abolished charitable immunity in Pierce v. Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital (1953). Keep liability limits above the statutory floor. RCW 4.24.264 separately addresses nonprofit directors and officers. More on our nonprofit insurance page. This is general information, not legal advice.
Working With Church Property Insurance on Your Washington 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.
Washington Church Insurance FAQs
Can a Washington church buy workers comp from a private insurer?
Generally no. Washington employers obtain workers compensation from the Department of Labor and Industries, with premiums based on hours worked.
Does Washington volunteer protection depend on insurance?
Yes. RCW 4.24.670 requires the nonprofit to carry public liability insurance at or above statutory amounts for volunteer protection to apply.
Is the church itself protected under RCW 4.24.670?
No. The statute does not affect the nonprofit own or vicarious liability.
Should Puget Sound churches buy earthquake coverage?
Most should at least price it, especially older masonry buildings, since standard policies exclude earthquake.
What is stop-gap coverage for Washington churches?
Employer liability coverage added to a private policy to fill gaps left by the state workers comp fund.