How to Report a Claim
April 27, 2016
What would you do if a windstorm damaged the roof of your church or a child tripped over an unsecured cord and injured his elbow? Do you know how to report a claim?
Notify your agent, and police, if necessary
Notify your insurance agent as soon as possible and provide a detailed description of what occurred, including information about the extent of damages. Then, take immediate steps to make reasonable, necessary repairs to protect your property from further damage.
Besides your agent, contact law enforcement in cases such as theft, burglary, vandalism, suspected arson, and other incidents that violate the law or usually require police involvement.
Property claims may require help from an adjuster
Insurers often require two repair estimates when there’s damage to your building. For damage to personal property, you’ll need to submit a complete list of damaged items. Your adjuster will verify the value of the damaged items, so provide as much information about the damaged property as possible.
For extensive losses, you may need a claim adjuster to establish the full extent of your damages and to give you guidance to settle your claim. Your cooperation will enable claims personnel to establish the extent of damages quickly and equitably.
Liability claim settlements are based on negligence
Liability losses involve injury to someone while they are on your grounds or involved in your sponsored activities. You also can be held liable for damage to property that others own and you have borrowed from them.
When an accident occurs, provide appropriate medical care to the injured person immediately, then notify your agent. Just because someone is injured on your premises or at one of your sponsored activities does not mean you are liable for the damages.
Without acknowledging responsibility, provide your insurance company’s name, address, and phone number if an injured person asks. Avoid making statements like, “We’ll take care of everything.” Instead, say, “We’ll report this injury to our insurance company, and they will be in touch with you.”
- November 7, 2023
- Stop Plumbing Leaks with FloLogic
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Water and the damage it brings can be one of the most devastating property claims a ministry or organization can experience. Fortunately, there's a solution that identifies leaks when they start, as small as 1/2-ounce-per-minute. It's called FloLogic.
- September 7, 2023
- Increasing Donor Trust
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The ability to inspire others to give is a blessing. Because fundraising can be both exciting and challenging, there are some important details to consider that can help your donors, and organization, have a smooth and successful experience.
- July 31, 2023
- What to Know About Loaning Your Ministry Vehicle
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Has your church or school ever been asked to loan or rent one of your vans or buses to another ministry? Rather than running the risk of loaning or renting your own vehicle, you could consider aiding them financially in renting or chartering a vehicle from a rental agency.
- January 26, 2023
- Responding to Mission Issues
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Having insurance coverage specifically designed for long-term international missions helps protect your people and organization from the financial impact caused by injuries, lawsuits, property damage, and more.
- January 26, 2023
- Brotherhood Mutual Foundation Kingdom Advancing Grant
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For the second year, the Brotherhood Mutual Foundation is offering the Kingdom Advancing Grant to innovative Christian church programs that are transforming local communities through ministry.
- January 9, 2023
- Better Achieve Your Mission in 2023
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- November 10, 2022
- Evaluate Your Ministry's Fire Safety Plan
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With the holiday season right around the corner, it’s wise for ministries to evaluate their fire safety plan. Whether your ministry is hosting a holiday party, prepping treats for charity, or running a community kitchen, make sure you’re well-prepared with these tips.
- September 9, 2022
- School is Back in Session
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As school is back in session, it’s important to make sure your school is equipped with the correct safety procedures. Thinking about your school’s physical security as a series of layers can help you find gaps in your plan. Transportation and volunteers are just two important aspects of your school safety plan to think about.
- July 15, 2022
- Shepherding Ministries in a Time of Change
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Anyone who turns on the news, flips through a magazine, or browses the web can see that American society and culture are experiencing rapid transitions. Some ministries have valid concerns that issues surrounding societal shifts may expose them to negative publicity, governmental scrutiny, or litigation.
- May 12, 2022
- Five Common Tricks of Cyber Scammers
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Cyber security is increasingly crucial in our technologically advanced world. Scammers use many schemes when attempting to steal your data, but you can outsmart them by understanding their methods.
- March 1, 2022
- Resolving Conflict in the Church
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When conflict occurs in the church, it can threaten the unity of a congregation. Experts say the only way to heal conflict is to acknowledge and address it. But how?
- January 25, 2022
- Keep Your Ministry's Money Safe
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Theft isn’t just an issue for banks and large companies. Sometimes the kind and caring nature of your ministry is exactly what makes you a target. Organizational Optional Theft Coverage helps to assure that, if a thief takes advantage of your institution, what’s lost can be restored.
- July 22, 2021
- Thousands in Relief Funding Available to Ministries Through the Employee Retention Credit
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Most ministry leaders don’t realize there is funding available to non-profit employers including churches, schools, colleges, and camps. This post includes some highlights about the credit and guidance on where to start to see if your ministry is eligible.
- June 17, 2021
- Prepare Your Ministry for Another Active Hurricane Season
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The Atlantic hurricane season officially started June 1, and weather experts say this season is likely to produce above-normal activity. Take action to prepare your ministry to withstand a hurricane now, so you’re not scrambling when a watch or warning is posted.
- April 28, 2021
- Take Time to Review Your Ministry's Child Protection Plan
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April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Though child abuse may not be something you could ever imagine happening within your ministry, sexual abuse of a minor is one of the top five reasons churches end up in court, according to Church Law & Tax. Studies also show that a child is much more likely to be sexually abused by a trusted adult than a stranger.
- March 16, 2021
- Prepare for Severe Spring Storms Now
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When severe storms strike, they can produce high winds and tornadoes. Damaging winds can wreak havoc on your ministry’s property and to buildings. A high wind event can crash debris through your windows, strip your siding, down trees on your parking lot, peel shingles off your roof, and fling back the flashing.
- February 11, 2021
- Avoid Frozen Pipes as Temperatures Plummet
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As temperatures plummet, the risk of freezing pipes soars. Frozen pipes can cause costly messes that could also put your ministry on hold while you clean up.
- February 25, 2021
- Catalytic Converter Theft on the Rise: Protect Ministry Vehicles
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Thieves are taking advantage of soaring precious metal prices. Take steps to protect your ministry’s vehicles and property.
- November 23, 2020
- COVID-19 and the Christmas Season
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Preparing for this Christmas season may require additional creativity, due to the uncertainty of what COVID-19 may bring in our local community.
- October 28, 2020
- Guidance for Ministries About Boy Scouts' Bankruptcy
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A mid-November deadline in the Boy Scouts of America’s (BSA) bankruptcy proceedings may have you wondering what the organization’s bankruptcy filing means for your ministry if you ever hosted or chartered Boy Scout Troops.