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Home For clergy and members Church property Church and Church Hall Insurance from 1st January 2027

Church and Church Hall Insurance from 1st January 2027

The Representative Body has agreed to meet the costs of insuring cathedrals, churches and church halls managed, under the Constitution, by each Ministry/Mission Area Council (MAC) or Cathedral Chapter.

Under the Constitution, each MAC and Chapter is responsible for paying the insurance premium of such buildings based on policy terms and conditions established by the Representative Body. (Church Fabric Regulations Clause 5).

To increase financial support to Ministry Areas and reduce administrative burdens, the Representative Body has decided to meet the cost of these premiums from 1st January 2027.

This note seeks to explain the implications and arrangements for implementing this decision through a series of Frequently Asked Questions.

Please note: For simplicity, each Ministry/Mission Area Council or Cathedral Chapter, as local trustees, are referred to below as the MAC.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the payment of premium commence?
  • The Representative Body will start to pay the premium for the 2027 premium year, for policies renewing on 1st January 2027.
  • Renewal papers are issued by Ecclesiastical some weeks before the renewal date
  • MACs are expected to pay any premium for the 2026 premium year directly to Ecclesiastical.
How will the payment of premium be arranged with the insurers?
  • The Representative Body is arranging to pay the premium for all MAC policies covering churches, cathedrals and church halls directly to Ecclesiastical.
  • The total premium paid will be calculated by the total sum of the premiums for each MA and its constituent churches and church halls.  The premium for each MA will continue to be calculated and will appear on renewal papers so the value of this assistance to each MAC will be transparent.
Will the MAC still be insured?
  • Yes. Each existing MAC policy covering churches, cathedrals and halls will remain in place as now, including liability cover.
  • The RB is jointly insured on each MAC policy now and that will continue.
  • There are no changes to the policy cover. Local church committees, volunteers and staff of the MAC/Chapter are covered by existing MAC policies and that will continue.
How will the annual policy renewal be arranged?
  • Each year in the autumn, the RB agrees the broad terms for renewal of the policies.  These terms are then translated into the specific terms for each MAC policy.
  • The specific MAC policy renewals are then issued to each contact at the MAC/Chapter in advance of the renewal date (1st January).
  • On receiving their renewal documents, MACs should continue to check the details including that all churches, and church halls, of the MAC are included. Renewal papers may include requests for information from the insurers and MACs should provide these in the normal way.
  • MACs should make sure any direct debits to Ecclesiastical are in place until their policy renewal date e.g 1st January 2027.
  • There are a few policies that have an alternative renewal date to 1st January and these will be picked up at their renewal.
What administrative requirements will there be on Ministry/Mission Area Councils by this change?
  • The only thing that will change is that the MAC will not have to make a renewal payment to Ecclesiastical or arrange to recharge costs to constituent churches.  MACs should administer the insurance policy as they have always done save for paying the renewal premium.
  • Ecclesiastical will continue to send you a renewal pack in the usual way.  This pack will display the premium and request payment, however, the MAC will not need to make the premium payment.
  • It is vital that the MAC/Chapter continues to monitor their policy, understand the terms and comply accordingly. Any changes and any information requested by the insurer should be provided promptly.
  • The MAC/Chapter continues to be the insured party so must comply with insurance requirements accordingly.
Does the premium payment by the RB only cover the buildings aspect of the insurance policy?
  • No. Policies may include a wide variety of cover such as property damage, employers and public liability and other benefits. The policy premium will reflect all insured covers and that total premium will now be paid by the RB.
Are other MAC/Chapter buildings included in the payment scheme?
  • No. The RB will pay the premium for the main church, cathedral and church hall policies.  If the MAC manages and insures other buildings like a parish house, then the MAC should continue to arrange the insurance and pay the premium directly to Ecclesiastical.
  • The RB has committed to pay the premium for churches, church halls and cathedrals.  The title to Church Halls is held by the RB, the DBF, the Diocesan Trust or the MA (if a CIO).
  • If a Church Hall is not insured with the RB’s nominate insurer, no reimbursement of premium will be made by the RB.
How will claims be handled?
  • There is no change to current arrangements. MACs should make claims in the usual way directly to Ecclesiastical.
Who should the Ministry/Mission Area Council notify of any updates or changes?
  • If the MAC needs to arrange additional cover, for example, for a special event or to cover building works, they should contact Ecclesiastical directly who will invoice separately for any additional premium. These costs should be met by the MAC/Chapter and will not be reimbursed by the RB.
  • These costs will need to be paid in full by the MAC at the time of the change and no direct debit arrangement will be available.
  • If an MAC wishes to extend cover beyond the standard cover agreed nationally, the MAC would meet the additional costs.
How will insurance policies be fixed in future?
  • As now, the RB will arrange the overall terms of the insurance cover and will decide which insurer should provide insurance cover.
  • Churches are currently subject to a long-term undertaking which means the next major review of the policy terms and insurance provider will be on 1st January 2029
  • Where Church Halls are not owned by the RB, future policies will be agreed with the respective owners.
How is this being funded by the Representative Body and is it sustainable?
  • The cost to the RB of this support is over £2.9m per annum
  • The RB is meeting this cost from its investment assets and believes the support to be sustainable in the foreseeable future. The RB periodically reviews its funding arrangements.