Does Your Church Insurance Cover Child Sexual Abuse? How to Check

Let’s be honest — most of us don’t wake up excited to read our church’s insurance policy. It’s the kind of document that sits in the file cabinet collecting dust until something goes wrong.

And when it comes to the unthinkable — a child sexual abuse allegation — that’s exactly the wrong time to discover your policy isn’t what you thought it was.

I’ve had conversations with pastors who were blindsided. They thought they were fully covered, only to find out after the fact that the coverage was minimal… or worse, non-existent. And it’s not because they didn’t care. It’s because they didn’t know the right questions to ask.

This isn’t just a “big church” issue. It’s not a “megachurch problem.” Whether you have 50 people meeting in a rented space or 5,000 across multiple campuses, this is one of those topics you can’t afford to ignore.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

I know — insurance talk isn’t exactly thrilling. You’d rather spend your energy on ministry, worship, and outreach than policy documents.

But here’s the thing: a single child sexual abuse lawsuit can completely derail a ministry. We’re talking:

• Legal fees that rack up faster than you can imagine.
• Settlement amounts that can hit seven figures.
• A blow to your reputation that no “rebrand” can fix overnight.

Even if the claim turns out to be false, the cost to defend your church can be devastating. The leadership feels it. The congregation feels it. The community hears about it.

And the hard truth? Churches don’t usually fail in these situations because they don’t love people. They fail because they never double-checked what their insurance actually covered.

The Big Mistake Churches Make With Insurance

One of the most dangerous assumptions church leaders make is believing “general liability” means “everything liability.”

It doesn’t.

Child sexual abuse coverage is often in its own category, with its own rules. You might have:

• Lower limits for abuse claims than for other incidents.
• Coverage that only applies if the accused is a paid staff member.
• Conditions you have to meet before coverage kicks in — like documented annual training or background checks.

And if you miss one of those steps? The insurance company might just hand you a polite “claim denied” letter when you need help the most.

How to Check Your Current Policy

Alright, I get it — digging through an insurance policy is nobody’s idea of a fun afternoon. But trust me, this is one chore that could save your church’s future.

Here’s what to do:

1. Find the “Sexual Misconduct” or “Abuse and Molestation” Section

If those words aren’t there, you may not have any coverage at all. Don’t assume it’s “hidden” somewhere.

2. Check the Coverage Limits

A lot of churches are shocked when they see the numbers. You might have $1 million for general liability but only $50,000 for abuse claims. That’s barely enough to cover initial legal fees.

3. Look at “Occurrence” vs. “Aggregate”

Think of occurrence as the “per incident” limit and aggregate as the “per year” limit. Both matter. If your aggregate is low, one year with multiple claims could max you out quickly.

4. Read the Exclusions

Some policies won’t cover incidents involving volunteers, contractors, or events off your property. If you do youth retreats, mission trips, or VBS at a park, you need to know.

5. Check for “Conditions Precedent”

That’s insurance-speak for “things you have to do to stay covered.” Usually it means background checks, prevention training, and written safety policies. Miss one, and you might be out of luck.

Why Prevention and Coverage Go Hand-in-Hand

Your insurer isn’t just looking to write you a check — they’re looking to prevent problems in the first place. That’s why so many require:

• Written child safety policies
• Documented background checks (often every year)
• Regular training for staff and volunteers
• Incident reporting systems

If you skip one of these, you’re not only increasing your risk… you might be giving your insurer a reason to walk away when you need them most.

This is why I often tell pastors: your prevention plan is as much a part of your insurance as the premium you pay. Without it, that “coverage” could vanish in a heartbeat.

How Church Law & Strategy Helps

Most pastors and board members don’t know the ins and outs of an insurance policy — and that’s okay. You shouldn’t have to be an insurance expert to lead a church.

But you do need someone in your corner who can:

• Read the fine print
• Spot the holes before they sink you
• Recommend ways to fill the gaps

In our Pastor Support Plan and Executive Plan, churches get a full insurance review and a plain-English report explaining exactly what’s covered, what’s missing, and what to fix. Smaller churches can add this service on without joining a tier.

It’s not just about avoiding financial ruin — it’s about protecting your people and your mission.

Bottom Line

Don’t wait for a crisis to find out if you’re covered.
Don’t assume “general liability” covers every liability.
And don’t let the complexity of the policy stop you from understanding it.

If you can’t confidently say, Yes, we’re fully covered for abuse claims, and I’ve seen it in writing, then this is the week to check.

Our Links

• Church Legal Audit and Recommended Action Report
• Child Safety Certification Program
• Comprehensive Church Insurance Review and Report

Other Resources to Check Out!

• Insurance Information Institute – Understanding Liability Coverage
• MinistrySafe – Preventing Sexual Abuse in Ministry Settings
• Brotherhood Mutual – Abuse Prevention & Risk Management

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Church Law and Strategy or its representatives. For specific legal advice tailored to your church or organization, please consult a licensed attorney.