What type of insurance does a church need?

Churches typically need a custom church insurance program that includes property insurance, general liability, pastoral professional liability, sexual misconduct and abuse coverage, workers’ compensation (if the church has employees), and commercial auto coverage. Church insurance is designed to account for worship services, volunteers, youth programs, counseling, and community outreach activities.

Why is church insurance different from regular business insurance?

Churches face risks that standard commercial business insurance policies are not designed to handle, including volunteer-led operations, youth and children’s ministries, pastoral counseling, mission trips, and shared facility use. Many business policies exclude or limit these exposures, which is why specialized church insurance is necessary.

Does church insurance cover sexual misconduct and abuse claims?

Church insurance can cover sexual misconduct and abuse claims if the coverage is properly included. Most insurers require written abuse prevention policies, background checks, and training procedures for coverage to apply. Without these safeguards, coverage may be limited or excluded.

Are church volunteers covered by insurance?

In many cases, volunteers are covered under the church’s general liability insurance while acting on behalf of the church. Coverage gaps can occur when volunteers drive personal vehicles, participate in off-site events, or engage in activities that require special endorsements.

Are pastors and church leadership covered by insurance?

Church insurance programs often include pastoral professional liability insurance for counseling-related claims and directors and officers (D&O) insurance for board members and leadership. These cover allegations related to counseling services, leadership decisions, and governance matters.

Can a church be sued even if it is a nonprofit?

Yes. Nonprofit status does not prevent a church from being sued. Churches can face claims related to slip-and-fall accidents, employment disputes, youth programs, counseling services, and leadership decisions.

When should a church review its insurance coverage?

Churches should review their insurance coverage annually and whenever there are major changes such as building renovations, new programs, staff changes, or expanded community use. Regular reviews help ensure coverage keeps pace with church operations.

How Much Does Church Insurance Cost in Massachusetts? (2026 Guide)

Jan 23

Written By Jake Lubinski

If you’re a pastor, church administrator, or board member in Massachusetts, you’ve probably asked yourself: How much should we be paying for church insurance?

It’s a fair question—and one that doesn’t have a simple answer. Church insurance costs vary widely based on your building, congregation size, programs, and location.

Here’s what most Massachusetts churches pay for comprehensive coverage:

General Liability Only: $500 – $1,200/year

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP): $1,500 – $4,000/year

Comprehensive Package: $3,000 – $8,000+/year

A Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) bundles property and liability coverage and is the most common choice for small to mid-sized churches. Larger churches with multiple buildings, employees, or extensive programming typically need a comprehensive package.

What Affects Your Church Insurance Premium?

Building Age and Construction - Massachusetts has no shortage of historic churches. If your church has original stained glass, a historic steeple, or outdated systems, expect to pay more.
Congregation Size - More people means more exposure. Insurers look at your average weekly attendance.
Programs and Activities - Youth ministry, food pantries, daycares, and counseling services all add potential liability.
Location - Coastal churches may need flood insurance. Urban churches may face higher theft rates.
Claims History - A clean claims history keeps costs down.
Number of Employees - Massachusetts requires workers’ comp for any church with employees.

What Coverage Does a Massachusetts Church Need?

At minimum: Property Insurance, General Liability, and Workers’ Compensation (required by law if you have employees).

Beyond the basics, consider: Professional Liability for pastoral counseling, Abuse and Molestation Liability, Directors & Officers Insurance, Cyber Liability, and Commercial Auto if you own vehicles.

How to Lower Your Church Insurance Costs

Bundle your coverages into a BOP. Implement safety programs and background checks. Review your coverage annually. Work with a church insurance specialist who understands your unique needs. Get multiple quotes from carriers like Church Mutual, GuideOne, and Brotherhood Mutual.

Get a Free Policy Review

If you’re not sure whether your Massachusetts church is properly protected—or if you’re paying too much—we’re happy to take a look. At Hale Street Insurance, we specialize in church and nonprofit coverage in Massachusetts and throughout the US.

A policy review costs you nothing, and at minimum you’ll have peace of mind knowing your coverage is solid.

Contact me: jake@halestreetinsurance.com | 978.712.0111 | halestreetinsurance.com/church-insurance

Jake Lubinski

How Much Does Church Insurance Cost in Massachusetts? (2026 Guide)

5 Insurance Mistakes Churches Make (And How to Avoid Them)