top of page

Ask The Expert: What are the basics of workers’ compensation insurance?

UMIP

Updated: Jul 19, 2022



Accidents can happen to anyone. When they happen, your ministry may potentially be responsible for costly medical bills and held liable. Workers’ compensation insurance is a valuable insurance coverage that could help protect your church in the event of a covered work-related accident.

What is workers’ compensation?

Workers’ compensation provides coverage for workplace injuries and illnesses due to work-related activities for employees, and in many states, volunteers too. At the same time, employees may receive a form of financial relief if something happens to them due to a work-related incident.

What does workers’ compensation cover?

In general, workers’ comp covers most illnesses and injuries that occur due to a work-related accident. Most on-the-job accidents are covered, although off-site incidents may also be covered if they are work-related, such as an injury sustained on a work-related trip, a disease acquired during a mission trip, or long-term injuries or illnesses that are slow to develop, like carpal tunnel syndrome.

What doesn’t workers’ compensation cover?

There are some common exclusions to workers’ compensation coverage, including if the injured employee was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, was in violation of organization protocol at the time of the incident, was engaged in illegal activity, was off the clock, or inflicted the injury intentionally upon themselves. Since coverage can vary from state to state, be sure to speak with an agent if you have questions regarding what your policy covers in your area.

Who is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance?

Almost every state mandates that organizations are required to carry workers’ compensation for their employees. However, the scope and type of required coverage can vary from one state to the next. It’s best to speak with an agent to ensure that your policy carries the proper coverage for workers’ compensation.

Comments


CONTACT US NOW

Already a UMIP customer?

Our dedicated customer service team is ready to help.

 

Call us! 484-654-3380

Email: UMI@sovinsurance.com

For claims, please visit our claims page.

info@umins.org

PO Box 340029

Nashville, TN 37203-0029

Got a Broker of Record Letter?

Mail to:

UMIP

C/O Sovereign Insurance Group

920 Cassatt Road #101

Berwyn, PA 19312

Thanks for submitting!

The content available on this website has been prepared by United Methodist Insurance Company (UMI) for informational purposes only. No article or document may accurately contemplate all possible scenarios or church resources. As such, this information is meant to foster discussion by the individual church and its members to develop a plan tailored to its own circumstances. UMI is providing this information with no warranties or guarantees of any kind and it should not be viewed as legal, financial, or other professional advice. All liability is expressly disclaimed. Any claim examples described herein are general in nature, may or may not be based on actual claims, and are for informational purposes only. Any coverage available for a claim is determined from the facts and circumstances of the claim as well as the terms and conditions of any applicable policy, including any exclusions or deductibles. In the event of a conflict with the content herein, the terms and conditions of any issued policy will control. Individual coverage may vary and may not be available in all states.

© 2019 by United Methodist Insurance | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service

bottom of page