Utilizing Insurance and Reinsurance for Your Diocese
Implementing insurance and reinsurance for your Catholic diocese is a must in today’s world to prevent liability. The Catholic diocese is more than just a group of parishes. It’s a community, a source of comfort, and a force for good. Above all else, a diocese is a base for an array of social services the Catholic church provides. Also, some of these services include schools, charities, and community events.
Insurance and Reinsurance
The church incurs a substantial liability in offering these benefits and must address this with Catholic diocese insurance. Discover why diocese insurance is essential and how it can shield your parish from risk.
Liability for Catholic Schools
One issue of liability facing the Catholic church is its network of schools. Dealing with children involves a unique set of risks; indeed, every diocese must have an insurance policy to minimize these risks. Children can get hurt in a myriad of ways. If a parent were to pursue damages or allege neglect, the diocese must have protection if litigation ensues.
Premises Liability for Parishes
Like any other institution with brick and mortar buildings, the Catholic diocese must also account for premises liability. It refers to the general level of risk that any person encounters when they step onto the grounds of a parish. Likewise, if an obstacle on the ground causes them to trip and fall, for example, the diocese could be held legally liable. Leadership in the church must understand how to utilize diocese insurance to prevent this — and parishes should be careful to eliminate any conditions that increase risk.
Employment Liability Issues
The Catholic church employs approximately over one million staff members throughout its various organizations and entities. Every diocese must remember that they are not immune from the general liabilities of employment. Unfair hiring practices and violations of the Equal Opportunity Employment Act are some of the charges that a diocese could face. The right insurance policy may be able to mitigate the liability that results from such a claim. Every diocese that hires staff members must also thoroughly review and comply with federal employment mandates.
Transportation Liability
Transportation is another service that dioceses commonly offer to community members. Some parishes provide rides to and from services, and Catholic schools typically operate buses for students. Though this is useful to parishioners who rely on the service, it also leaves a diocese vulnerable to claims if an accident ever occurs. All drivers who operate vehicles on behalf of the church should receive training in safe driving practices. Even the safest driver cannot eliminate the risk of a collision, so the diocese must maintain car and liability insurance for its transportation services.
About Porter & Curtis
Porter & Curtis is the premier insurance agency providing integrated risk management to religious organizations. If you’re seeking a policy for a unique exposure, we can help. Call us at 610-891-9850 for more information.