RENTAL OR USE OF CHURCH FACILITIES BY OUTSIDE GROUPS

Heffernan Insurance Brokers and CPIP strongly encourage each church to follow the guidelines and practices listed below when permitting groups not under the supervision of the session to use church facilities.

Whenever church facilities or grounds are used, with or without rent, lease or usage fees, by outside groups, agencies, or individuals, the church should obtain a Certificate of Insurance from the users naming the church as an Additional Insured.  A minimum liability limit of $500,000 is recommended, and a $1,000,000 is preferable.  A Certificate of Insurance can be issued by an individual homeowner’s or rental policy, or by a general liability policy issued by a licensed agent.

If a lease agreement is written, the outside group should indemnify the church against any liability created by the use of church property.  The only exception that may be made to this is if a Certificate of Insurance is not obtainable from the main offices of a nationwide service program, such as AA, ALANON or other national service or religious agencies.

CPIP recognizes that the mission of a church is to serve the community, and to help persons with special needs and requirements.  If a group wants to rent the facilities, either for a one-day event or for regular weekly or monthly meetings, and does not have insurance or the capability of obtaining insurance, the church session or trustees may analyze the exposure and decide if the congregation is willing to assume the liability for that group or particular function.  If the session or trustees do not approve in writing, the CPIP policy provides no liability insurance for the event, unless a third party suit is filed and the church is found negligent.

The same provisions hold true for church members who want to hold a function at their church, and invite other member and non-members of the church.  The session and or trustees may analyze the member’s request and decide to allow the function, thereby assuming the liability.