How Much Does Church Insurance Cost? 2026 Rates

Churches in the United States typically spend between $500 and $740 per year on comprehensive business insurance, which equals about $41 to $62 per month. Actual premiums vary depending on the overall risk profile of the church. Several factors influence how much coverage will cost, including services offered, size of the congregation, location, and claims history.

How Much Does Church Insurance Cost?

On average, churches in the United States spend between $500 and $740 annually on a full business insurance package. That equals about $41 to $62 per month. These figures are only estimates, and actual premiums vary depending on the church’s size, property value, and risk profile.

Every church faces unique risks, so premiums are never one-size-fits-all. A small rural congregation with limited property and low crime exposure will typically pay far less than a large, multi-campus church located in a busy city center.

Location, property value, and staffing levels are among the biggest influences on insurance costs. For example, churches in urban areas with higher crime or lawsuit rates often pay more for liability and property coverage.

Several factors shape how much a church will pay for insurance:

• Location – Urban settings with higher crime or litigation risks increase property and liability costs.
• Number of employees – More staff raises workers’ compensation requirements.
• Property size and value – Larger facilities or valuable assets drive up commercial property coverage.
• Claims history – Filing past claims often raises premiums, while a clean record can lower them.
• Business interruption and add-ons – Extra coverage options add to the total bill.

Understanding these variables helps churches estimate insurance needs more accurately and budget for the real costs of protecting their congregation, staff, and property. With the right coverage, churches can safeguard their mission without overspending.

Average Church Insurance Costs For Coverage Types

When it comes to protecting your church, different types of insurance cover different risks. Understanding the average cost, coverage details, and what influences pricing for each policy type can help you build a more effective insurance plan. Here’s a closer look at the major coverages most churches need.

• General liability insurance: $41 per month
• Business owner’s policy: $81 per month
• Professional liability insurance: $59 per month
• Directors and officers insurance: $73 per month
• Special event insurance: $39 per month
• Abuse and molestation insurance: $67 per month
• Business interruption insurance: $47 per month
• Employment Practices Liability (EPLI) Insurance: $249 per month
• Cyber liability insurance: $137 per month
• Workers’ compensation insurance: $50 per month
• Commercial auto insurance: $185 per month
• Commercial property insurance: $125 per month

General Liability Insurance

The average cost of general liability insurance for a church is about $41 per month.

General liability covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injuries. For example, if a customer slips on a wet floor and gets injured, this policy would help pay for their medical expenses and your legal defense costs.

Typical policy limits are $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate.

Factors that influence the cost include the business type (your services), location, office environment (if clients frequently visit your office), contract requirements, and previous claims history.

Average annual premiums by state:

Note: These estimates are based on average national General Liability Insurance premiums for church businesses, adjusted slightly for state-level differences. Actual premiums will vary depending on congregation size, property value, community activities, claims history, geographic risks, and insurer underwriting practices.

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

The average cost of a business owner’s policy (BOP) is about $81 per month for churches.

A BOP bundles general liability insurance with commercial property insurance. It protects against customer injuries, property damage, and loss or damage to your office building, furnishings, and equipment. For instance, if a fire damages your computers and files, the BOP would help cover repairs and replacements.

Typical policy limits are $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate for liability, with separate property coverage limits based on the value insured.

Cost factors include the size of your business, location risk (such as flood or crime rates), business revenue, number of employees, and any optional endorsements like cyber protection, directors and officers insurance, equipment breakdown, or extra expense coverage if expenses for a disruptive event go beyond your normal costs.

Average annual premiums by state:

Note: These estimates are based on average national Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) premiums for church businesses, adjusted slightly for state-level differences. Actual premiums will vary depending on congregation size, property value, annual revenue, community activities, claims history, geographic risks, and insurer underwriting practices.

Professional Liability Insurance

The average cost of professional liability insurance for churches is about $59 per month.

Sometimes called errors and omissions, this type of insurance covers claims relating to errors, emissions, negligence, or other financial losses that a customer or client experiences because of the advice you gave. For example, if you generate a campaign and produce incorrect information, and a client sues, this would help cover those costs.

Typical policy limits are $1 million per claim, but higher limits are sometimes required by state laws or client contracts.

Cost depends on the size of your business, the services you offer, the number of years you’ve been in business, coverage limits, and claims history.

Average annual premiums by state:

Note: These estimates are based on average national Professional Liability Insurance premiums for church businesses, adjusted slightly for state-level differences. Actual premiums will vary depending on congregation size, scope of services (counseling, community programs, events), claims history, geographic risks, and insurer underwriting practices.

Directors And Officers (D&O) Liability

The average cost of directors and officers (D&O) liability insurance for churches is $73 per month.

This is a form of protection against claims of mismanagement or liability for your directors and officers, or other church leaders.

For example, your church leaders are sued by members for allegedly mismanaging finances. This would help cover those costs.

Average annual premiums by state:

Note: These estimates are based on average national Directors and Officers (D&O) Liability Insurance premiums for church businesses, adjusted slightly for state-level differences. Actual premiums will vary depending on congregation size, governance structure, scope of activities, claims history, geographic risks, and insurer underwriting practices.

Special Event Insurance

The average cost of special event insurance for churches is $39 per month.

This form of protection covers your church against losses and incidents that might take place during special events that you host. For example, your church hosts a large Christmas event with live animals and a child is injured. This would help cover those costs.

Average annual premiums by state:

Note: These estimates are based on average national Special Event Insurance premiums for church businesses, adjusted slightly for state-level differences. Actual premiums will vary depending on event size, type of activities (e.g., concerts, fairs, weddings), number of attendees, claims history, geographic risks, and insurer underwriting practices.

Abuse And Molestation Coverage

The average cost of abuse and molestation insurance for churches is $67 per month.

This addresses the liability risk that churches have for allegations of molestation or sexual abuse particularly involving vulnerable individuals or minors. For example, a parent sues your church claiming that a church leader molested their child during Sunday school. This would help cover legal fees and settlements associated with that claim.

Average annual premiums by state:

Note: These estimates are based on average national Abuse and Molestation Coverage premiums for church businesses, adjusted slightly for state-level differences. Actual premiums will vary depending on congregation size, scope of programs (youth activities, counseling, community outreach), claims history, geographic risks, and insurer underwriting practices.

Business Interruption Insurance

The average cost of business interruption insurance for churches is $47 per month.

This is a form of protection against unforeseen and temporary closures to your business often caused by covered events like natural disasters. For example, a tornado damages your church property and you have to temporarily close all of your business operations while repairs are being done. This would help replace lost income and ongoing expenses from temporary closures.

Average annual premiums by state:

Note: These estimates are based on average national Business Interruption Insurance premiums for church businesses, adjusted slightly for state-level differences. Actual premiums will vary depending on congregation size, property value, scope of activities, claims history, geographic risks, and insurer underwriting practices.

Employment Practices Liability (EPLI) Insurance

The average cost of employment practices liability insurance is $249 per month for churches.

This helps to protect against claims from employees alleging things like wrongful termination or discrimination, or any other acts that violate employee rights. For example, an employee sues your church claiming that they were wrongfully terminated. This would help cover the legal fees and any settlement associated with that claim.

Average annual premiums by state:

Note: These estimates are based on average national Employment Practices Liability (EPLI) Insurance premiums for church businesses, adjusted slightly for state-level differences. Actual premiums will vary depending on congregation size, number of employees, scope of activities, claims history, geographic risks, and insurer underwriting practices.

Cyber Liability Insurance

The average cost of cyber liability insurance for churches is $137 per month.

Cyber liability insurance covers the costs a church might incur after a cyber incident. This extends to lost income after a cyber attack, forensic investigations, data recovery costs, regulatory fines, and the costs of informing customers about the attack.

Churches can benefit from this coverage if they handle any sensitive data, or if they want to cover gaps in their insurance.

Costs are based on factors like the size of your organization, the type of client data you handle, and the cybersecurity measures you already have in place.

Average annual premiums by state:

Note: These estimates are based on average national Cyber Liability Insurance premiums for church businesses, adjusted slightly for state-level differences. Actual premiums will vary depending on congregation size, data storage practices, online activities (donations, member records, event registrations), claims history, geographic risks, and insurer underwriting practices.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

The average cost of workers’ compensation insurance for a church is around $50 per month.

Workers’ comp covers medical bills, rehabilitation, and lost wages for employees injured on the job. For example, if an employee trips and falls over a mail cart left in the middle of a walkway at the office, and breaks their ankle, workers’ compensation would cover their hospital visit and part of their lost wages while they recover.

Policy limits are regulated by each state, but typically include medical costs and a percentage of lost wages without a set cap.

Premiums are influenced by the size of your payroll, the type of work employees perform (whether in your office or on-site for each client), your claims history, and any implemented safety programs.

Average annual premiums by state:

Note: These estimates are based on average national Workers’ Compensation Insurance premiums for church businesses, adjusted slightly for state-level differences. Actual premiums will vary depending on payroll size, number of employees, scope of activities (administration, clergy, childcare, community programs), claims history, geographic risks, and insurer underwriting practices.

Commercial Auto Insurance

The average cost of commercial auto insurance for a church is about $185 per month.

Commercial auto insurance covers vehicles owned or used by the business for accidents, theft, vandalism, or damage. For example, If an employee gets into a T-bone accident while driving to a meeting at a third party location in a company vehicle, this policy would cover the damages and any third-party claims.

Typical policy limits are around $1 million combined single limit (covering both bodily injury and property damage).

Factors influencing the cost include the number and type of vehicles, how often they are used, the driving records of employees, and whether you add endorsements like hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA) for employee-owned vehicles used for company services like driving to and from off-site consultations.

Average annual premiums by state:

Note: These estimates are based on average national Commercial Auto Insurance premiums for church businesses, adjusted slightly for state-level differences. Actual premiums will vary depending on the number of vehicles, driving records of staff/volunteers, claims history, geographic risks, and insurer underwriting practices.

Commercial Property Insurance

The average cost of commercial property insurance for a church, when purchased separately, usually runs $125 per month.

Commercial property insurance covers damage to the church building and its contents due to fire, theft, vandalism, or certain weather events. For example, if a fire destroys equipment like computers, this policy would pay for repairs or replacement.

Typical policy limits are based on the replacement cost value of the insured property, which could easily reach into the hundreds of thousands depending on your location, building size, and equipment investments.

Premiums are determined by factors like the building’s age and construction type, fire safety systems in place, replacement cost of equipment, neighborhood crime rates, and whether you add endorsements such as professional liability or cyber protection.

Average annual premiums by state:

Note: These estimates are based on average national Commercial Property Insurance premiums for church businesses, adjusted slightly for state-level differences. Actual premiums will vary depending on property size and value, location-specific risks (fire, flood, theft), claims history, and insurer underwriting practices.

Church Business Insurance Costs By Provider

Church business insurance costs will vary greatly depending on the insurance carrier. Use the table below to find average costs across different providers.

Note: These estimates are based on typical liability and property coverage for churches in the U.S. Actual premiums will vary depending on factors such as congregation size, property value, location, coverage limits, and claims history.

What Factors Impact Your Church Insurance Costs?

Church insurance premiums are determined by underwriters who assess your organization’s overall risk profile. From the services you provide to your claims history, several factors shape how much you’ll pay for coverage.

Location

Where your church is located plays a major role. Facilities in high-crime, flood-prone, or urban areas typically face higher property and liability costs. By contrast, suburban or rural churches in low-risk regions often benefit from lower premiums.

Size Of The Operation

The larger the church, the greater the exposure. More square footage, staff, and revenue increase the likelihood of claims. Workers’ compensation costs also rise with bigger staff counts, especially if employees travel frequently for outreach or consultations.

Property Value And Equipment

The value of your property and assets directly impacts premiums. Large churches with ornate architecture, expensive office equipment, or custom furnishings require higher commercial property coverage, which raises costs.

Claims History

Past claims are a red flag for insurers. Churches with frequent property or liability claims are considered higher risk, leading to higher rates. A clean claims record, however, can qualify you for discounts.

Policy Limits And Deductibles

Higher policy limits provide stronger protection but increase premiums. Opting for a larger deductible can lower monthly costs, though it means higher out-of-pocket expenses when claims occur.

Optional Endorsements

Add-ons such as business interruption, cyber liability, or hired/non-owned auto coverage provide tailored protection but raise premiums. These endorsements are especially important for churches with off-site programs, sensitive client data, or exposure to natural disasters.

Insurance Provider

Not all insurers price coverage the same way. Some specialize in church or nonprofit risks and may offer more competitive rates or flexible options. Comparing quotes across multiple carriers is one of the best ways to save.

How To Lower Your Church Insurance Costs

Running a church comes with many expenses, but your insurance premiums don’t have to be overwhelming. While coverage is essential, there are practical strategies to reduce costs without sacrificing protection.

1. Bundle Your Policies

Combining multiple policies is one of the simplest ways to save. Many insurers offer a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) that packages general liability and property insurance at a reduced rate. Adding workers’ compensation or media liability coverage through the same provider can unlock further discounts and streamline paperwork.

2. Ask About Discounts

Insurers often reward loyalty and upfront payments. You may qualify for reduced rates by signing a multi-year agreement or paying your premium in full instead of monthly installments.

3. Strengthen Safety Measures

Accidents drive up costs for both you and your insurer. Simple steps such as installing non-slip flooring, using wet floor signs, keeping walkways clear, and regularly servicing vehicles all help reduce liability risks. Demonstrating strong safety practices can lower premiums over time.

4. Build A Safer Work Environment

Workers’ compensation costs can be managed by focusing on staff safety. Training employees on fire safety procedures, maintaining clear emergency exits, and conducting regular safety drills reduces injuries. Fewer claims mean lower premiums.

5. Adjust Your Deductible

Opting for a higher deductible is a straightforward way to lower monthly premiums. Just ensure your church can comfortably cover the out-of-pocket amount if a claim arises.